Ottawa shoppers flock to Nordstrom as liquidation sale begins
Ottawa shoppers lined up outside the city's two Nordstrom locations Tuesday morning ahead of the start of a liquidation sale.
Dozens of people were lined up outside Nordstrom in the Rideau Centre and Nordstrom Rack at Ottawa Train Yards in anticipation of savings when the stores opened at 10 a.m.
"I have no idea what to expect. I'm just checking it out," one shopper told CTV News outside Nordstrom Rack. "What percentage off are they going to offer? I'm hoping it's more like 40 per cent and 50 per cent."
The U.S.-based high-end department store chain announced earlier this month it would cease Canadian operations.
On Monday, Nordstrom got permission from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to start selling off merchandise. Liquidation efforts are expected to be finished by late June.
Furniture, fixtures and equipment will be liquidated alongside most of Nordstrom's merchandise, but goods from third parties aren't part of the sale because they were removed from stores over the weekend.
Many left empty-handed, saying the discount ranged between 5 and 20 per cent on regular-priced items.
Those looking for a deal will have to be patient as experts say the low discount is typical of liquidations and will gradually ramp up as we approach the closing date.
"The main reason I came, I’m trying to support the people (employees) and try to cheer them up and say goodbye to people I’ve gotten to know over the years," said Christine Cumming, one of the first people in line at Nordstrom Rack.
When Nordstrom announced its closure in March, it expected 2,500 workers across Canada to lose their jobs. CTV Ottawa obtained a letter notifying employees their last day is June 13 and will be paid until then.
Nordstrom is not the only big retail brand shutting its doors. Foot Locker announced its plan to close 400 North American stores by 2026, relaunching to appeal to younger shoppers who one retail expert says are drawn to online shopping.
"The department store model traditional big box store is in significant decline," said retail analyst Bruce Winder. "It’s just so easy and convenient to order online and have it delivered."
He says malls and landlords will have to start thinking out of the box and brainstorm ways to draw people in through entertainment or experiential tenants.
- with files from Jackie Perez, CTV News Ottawa, and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.