Shoppers got a sneak peak of what to expect at Nordstrom's newest store.
Over 1,800 hundred people attended an opening night gala before the store opens to the public on Friday. They had a chance to enjoy food, drinks and entertainment, as well as do a little bit of shopping.
"It's absolutely awesome here," says one shopper.
"A lot of selection. It's different for Ottawa which is nice," says another. "I think it's going to do well here."
Nordstrom's first store on Canadian soil opened in Calgary six months ago. It's been a successful start for that location and the company is hoping to duplicate that success in the capital. But they know challenges await.
"We don't have a reputation yet," says fourth generation Nordstrom and Executive Vice-President Erik Nordstrom. "We've gotta start with the first customer through the doors."
Nordstrom is already showing it's commitment to the Ottawa community. The $180,000 that was raised from the gala is going to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and United Way Ottawa.
In particular, part of the funding is supporting the Cancer Foundation's cancer coaching services.
"To have people like Nordstrom, such an amazing leader, step up to the plate and throw their support behind this project, it's nothing short of inspirational," says CEO Linda Eagen.
Nordstrom also has a long history of supporting the United Way, especially in the United States.
"To come into the market and do so so deliberately, so thoughtfully and make the United Way one of their partners means a great deal," says President and CEO Michael Allen.
Nordstrom opens to the public on Friday morning at 9:30 am.
