Columnist Muriel Stevens: Finally, a nod from Nordstrom

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001 | 8:31 a.m.

Nordstrom update: A few weeks ago I wrote about the opening of the Nordstrom Rack. When the Rack stores first opened there were only a few, and the merchandise they offered was from the Nordstrom stores. If there was special-purchase stuff made just for the Rack, I never noticed. Values were terrific and sales tickets were the original ones, so you could track the markdowns.

All that has changed. I went to the opening of the small Las Vegas Nordstrom Rack and was disappointed to find very little that was worthwhile. Before writing about the store I called the store manager to find out how much of the merchandise was from regular Nordstrom stores and how much was made just for the Rack.

No one except a spokesperson was authorized to tell me. Each person I spoke to passed me on to another. All promised to have the spokeswoman call me. She didn't, so I wrote what I knew to be true. Readers, who were as disappointed as I was, were unhappy that I didn't tell the "whole story," as one said. Another had myriad complaints in the same vein. I was concerned because I never got a response from Nordstrom, and I couldn't respond to callers because they didn't leave names or telephone numbers.

A few days later I finally heard from Brooke White, vice president of corporate communications for Nordstrom Inc. She did apologize for not calling back "in a timely manner," after two members of her team had told her that I called. She did offer some double talk about the mix of merchandise, but nothing useful except to say that opening the Rack before the 2002 opening of Nordstrom at the Fashion Show had something to do with the mix I found.

Sorry, Ms. White, I just don't buy it.

More Nordstrom Rack: One caller was irate because I mentioned the shoes as being the best thing offered. "All those pointy shoes! They haven't been in style for 25 years!" Where have you been, caller dear. In true "everything old is new again" fashion, pointy shoes are back in style and have been for a season or so. Now aren't you sorry you didn't save yours?

Next door to the Rack: Not telling that a Marshall's was right next door irritated a few callers. It's not only next door, but it was filled with disillusioned shoppers who had first visited the Rack.

Bonus for local Grand Canal shoppers: Locals who shop at the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes during October can participate in "Premium Gift with Purchase."

Locals who spend $250 or more in one day should save their restaurant and retailer receipts and redeem them on the same day at the mall information booth in St. Marks Square. The receipts get the shopper a Canyon Ranch SpaClub Passport good for a spa day. It does not have to be used the day it it is received.

Passport guests may use the weight room, cardio gym, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and choose from a list of fitness classes.

This is just one of many special programs for locals that Grand Canal Shoppes General Manager Fred Walters will be unveiling during the upcoming holiday season.