Nordstrom Rack celebrated its grand opening Oct. 17 at Bell Tower in south Fort Myers. It did so with dozens of store fans gathered in line for an hour before the opening, with music, dancing and a $1,000 gift card giveaway.
What began in 1901 as a tiny shoe store in Seattle has grown into a retail juggernaut, one that has evolved and now settled into a south Fort Myers space that long has been established as a big-box store.
The 31,000 square feet of space at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. previously was used by the now-defunct Bed Bath & Beyond.
Brooks & Freund handled the interior remodel.
Carl Jenkins, senior vice president of Nordstrom Rack, traveled from his Seattle area home for the grand opening. In keeping with the brand’s roots as a shoe store, he noted Nordstrom Rack has 13,000 pairs of shoes on hand.
“When customers think of Nordstrom Rack, we want them to think great brands at great prices,” Jenkins said. “Apparel, shoes and accessories for the whole family that are up to 70% off. When you think of a brand that you would find in a Nordstrom store, you’re going to find 90% of those brands at a Nordstrom Rack, and you’re going to find them at a deal.”
New Balance, Vince, Sam Edelman, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Madewell and many more are just some of the brands at the store.
Bell Tower, where Capital Grille recently opened just across the parking lot from Nordstrom Rack, continues to be made over, and Jenkins said he loved the location.
“Bell Tower in particular is the center of development,” Jenkins said. “There have been updates to this shopping center and new openings. And we were excited to be a part of it. We have wanted to be in Fort Myers for a long time. We want to be in those areas and in those centers where there are a lot of attractions.
“The enthusiasm and excitement that we’ve seen both on social media and all the people that we’ve spoken to tell us that this is the right place to be, and it’s the right time to be here.”
Just before the store’s first-ever customers filed through the doors, Jenkins talked about the day’s importance.
“Opening day means a lot,” he said. “New customers and new friends to meet. A lot of people have expectations of us because of experiences they’ve had before. We’ve got a lot riding on it, but we’re excited.”
