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Category: Department Stores [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Union Square, SOMAMon-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Wow.
I know that nearly everything in the city is built tall and narrow, but having 5 floors of Nordstrom is simply amazing! It's like Heaven or something!
I had the fortune of coming here on Day 1 of the Half-Yearly sale this past Wednesday. Can you say Kid in a Candy store? I don't think I've been able to shut my mouth yet because my jaw dropped and hasn't come back up yet. LOL!
The Womens Lounge is so huge it could be a studio apartment. I've been impressed with other Nordie's lounges, but this one takes the cake (so far).
The service (as always) was excellent. You never get that feeling like the sales associates are eyeing you as an "undesirable," such as other "N" stores that stick their noses up.
If you're a visitor: Be sure to hit up Nordie's when you're in Union Square.
If you're a resident: Praise the Department Store Lord! Haha! You've been blessed!
I walked in here with the full intention of buying a) skinny destroyed gray jeans, and b) ankle stiletto booties. I managed to walk out with a blazer, navy bootcut jeans, and mid-calf high-heeled buckle boots.
Basically, Nordstrom has quality items with a price tag to match. Some of their sales are pretty great, but in smaller Nordstroms, they often won't have any sales.
The stores are mostly very clean, quiet, and not absolute chaos (Macy's tends to give me a feeling of mild claustrophobia). Check their semi-annual sales or preview sales for some great deals without having to go to Nordstrom Rack. The best part about Nordstrom? If you keep the receipts and tags, they'll give you back the price difference if the item goes on sale. They also match prices (i.e. with http://shoes.com or Zappos).
This place does some serious damage to my wallet, but at least my clothing doesn't thread away after three washes in the machine *cough* Forever 21 *cough*.
Shoes.
Not just any shoes.....size 11, comfy, AND cute. It just so happened that their special "large sizes" (aka, "you have large man-like feet") event was going on, and I FINALLY found a cute pair of super comfy flats. And then...uh...I bought two more pairs too. A pair of Cole Haans that I have been lusting after for 2 years and the heels of the same brand as the flats (I believe they were called MeToo).
I had been wearing heels, and jeans of the appropriate length to go with them when I came into the store, and when I left wearing the flats, suddenly my jeans were too long. So I went to the men's department and asked them if they had any safety pins to pin my jeans with. They didn't, but what did the two brilliant sales guys say? "Well, we have a stapler...".
Oh yeah.
Cut to me standing on a mannequin pedestal with my friend stapling my jeans up for me.
The sales guys didn't even blink an eye.
Awesome shoes, awesome service, AND no mockery (to my face) for being super ghetto and stapling my jeans? I love you Nordstrom employees.
Really don't make it into downtown SF for shopping anymore but I recently received some customer service that reaffirms my faith in humanity -- and on the phone, no less! How often does THAT happen?
Long-story short, got mugged by a crackhead (just life in the city) -- and if the missing cash, drivers licence and pictures weren't bad enough, there was a Nordstrom gift card in my wallet with relatively lots of life left. I had written it off as GONE but called customer service just to see if anything could be done.
Sweet Nordy Marilyn made the effort to trace the card and found it through--of all things--a $3.85 iced mocha purchase I made at the cafe. She cancelled the stolen card and sent me a replacement, which was in my mailbox the next day.
I didn't need to get mugged to know that Nordstrom has beautiful customer service -- but it did remind me!
::Sigh:: What happened? I used to work at this Nordstrom, albeit a few years back. Once upon a time Nordstrom set the mark for customer service. The salespeople were always friendly and the store would accept just about anything as a return (all except select dresses in one department if they were missing tags and had obviously been worn). Heck, I once returned a pair of shoes that broke after 3 months of wear, no questions asked. About a year ago, though I noticed this store started cutting corners. No returns after six months. No returns without the special tags/receipts/bar codes/whatever. No returning makeup. No returning hosiery items if the packaging has been opened at all. Ugh. These things seriously irritate me. My mother bought me a pair of boots from her local Nordstrom store and sent them to me without the receipt or box. They don't fit. Shoot. Now what? Also, I'm super picky about pantyhose. I hate control top. I simply won't wear it. I've had salespeople in the hosiery department assure me certain items were non-control top. When I got home and opened the package, the stockings had control top. That's $20+ down the toilet.
Then this afternoon, after being sorely disappointed by the pitiful selection in the hosiery department (literally EVERY single pair of stockings is control top) and flat-out ignored in the Savvy Department, I wandered into the BP shoe department (technically I think it just might be the lesser expensive side of the ladies shoe department at this particular location). Over the weekend I found a boot I liked at a local boutique but unfortunately the store had lost its mate. I found the same boots in two colors at this Nordstrom. Yay! Unfortunately I stood around looking a little bored for several minutes while employees in this department milled around and customers tried chasing them down and shouting after them for help. It was utter pandemonium at 4:30pm on a Thursday afternoon a week BEFORE Thanksgiving. Since when is this a particularly busy shopping time? Finally a girl wandered out who appeared to be acting as the department manager. She got on the horn to the stock room and started b*tching into the phone, "Come on guys! We have two, no three, customers waiting! What are you doing?!" She then yelled over her shoulder to a salesman on the floor to get in the back because so-and-so needed to "talk" to him NOW. The man literally groaned, hung his head in shame, and slunk off to the back. This woman then turned to me and snapped at me to sit down. Excuse me? What if I wanted to continue poking around while I waited for help? Finally a very disheveled man (hair uncombed, shirt tail poking out of his pants) wandered up to me. I showed him the boots I wanted and told him my size. He went back to the stock room and quickly reappeared completely empty handed. I've been in that stock room, and there in no way in hell someone could find a specific pair of shoes and size that fast back there. He informed me they did not have my size, barked out a snotty "Sorry!" while rolling his eyes, and scurried away. He didn't bring me any other shoes to try that I might be interested in (very odd since it's been Nordstrom policy to ALWAYS bring out four boxes of shoes for a customer to try). The hell of it is, I really REALLY want those stupid boots and definitely would have ordered them if they could have located them from a different store and sent them to me. I've ordered items in-store at Nordstrom many times when they were out of stock. However this guy didn't even stick around long enough for me to ask him to check the computer. I stood there stunned. Finally the manager-looking girl happened to walk in my vicinity and did her best to ignore me. I started to walk towards her and she turned on her heel as I yelled after her, "I would order those boots if someone would actually help me!" And what did this fantastic employee with impeccable customer service skills do? She looked over her shoulder and scoffed, "Sorry!" and stomped off. Gah! San Francisco Nordstrom, you just lost a life-long customer. Good luck with that!
Every time I shop at Nordstrom I'm always shocked at how friendly and helpful their staff is. Whether it's shoes, bags or clothes that I'm looking for, someone always helps me with what I need. Also, this is the best place if you need to return or exchange something. If it falls apart or you don't like it, they will take it back. Gotta love that!!! Also, there's something for every budget. The women's Savvy department has pricier items, but if you also check out the juniors department, you can find things to pair with more expensive items that won't wreck your bank account.
TIP: During the semi annual sales, take the day off work and get there right when they open. You won't regret it!!
Man what is it with this place where I find the BEST stuff!? TBD...THUMBS UP! SHOES...THUMBS UP! But really, I've noticed different Nordstrom are good for different things. I will elaborate.
The best Nordstroms for TBD I feel was Stonestown and San Francisco Centre. Stonestown b/c I feel like not a lot of people shop there so they have a lot of EVERYTHING and if you're looking for sold out things, they most likely will have it. And I know for a fact SF downtown has the biggest selections for anything so if you're looking for newer things, go downtown.
Savvy: I would probably say Stanford/SF Downtown/Walnut Creek. Once in awhile Hillsdale. If you go at a right time at Hillsdale, they have a pretty good selection.
Shoes: Man this is a given but it's SF Downtown. Hands down they have everything. Valley fair too but their sizes always runs out. Man, everything in general in valley fair always runs out! SF Downtown never let me down with sizes.
Sunglasses: I'm from Socal so I LOVEE sunglasses. This is a given too but its SF Downtown. Their sunglass dept is SO cool.
BP: I give it to Valley Fair. The downtown one is good too, more selection, but I feel like I buy more BP stuff at Valley Fair.
Cosmetics: I'm not really a make up fan so I can't really tell which stores has the best cosmetics but I like going to Stanford just because all the cosmetic girls adore my dog :) (I know that's a little biased. LOL)
But overall, each store has really good customer service and has good stuff so no matter which store you go to I'm pretty sure you'll find lots of good stuff. :)
Lordy Nordy you've seen better days.
Shoe department was at one time were a destination - no more. Salon Shoes have been pitiful and mundane for eons, at one time you contained European pedi confections not seen elsewhere., now it's ho-hum.
Savvy Department . . .big yawn.
Cosmetics - a travesty. That near self serve atrocity is skanky and cheap. Just hate it. Cosmetics used to have nooks and crannies with new temptations to explore, now it's like Walgreens with a price tag and crap service.
Hosiery - yawn. Jewelry - pitiful.
And your own line of clothing - garbage made in China, I might as well shop at Target.
What has happened to your once savvy eyed buyers? Downsized? Surely.
Your cafe is downright appalling (last I looked your health department scores weren't too good . . . )
Anyway, thank the retail gods that we have Barneys.
I went here during the Anniversary Sale and it was a MADHOUSE.. especially in the shoe section. Shoes, boxes, and people were flying every which way. Nonetheless, I received the BEST customer service I have had in awhile. The shoe peeps were helpful and fast at getting my shoe size. They also checked back with me every so often. They were not pushy or annoyed since I wanted to try on many shoes in various sizes.
I scored some killer kicks for a really good price too!
There is no other retail store that meets the customer service offered at Nordstrom. (And this shopping-ho has been practically everywhere). They are attentive without being intrusive, and offer the highest level of stock imaginable.
I was living on the East Coast for the summer a few years ago, and had occasion to have to return for a few short days to SF. En route, I discovered my best friend passed away after being hit by a truck on roller blades coming out of GG Park. I had a carry bag with one change of clothes and some toiletries.....with a memorial service and much more lengthy stay looming in my immediate future due to this unexpected event.
I called Nordstrom, and was immediately put in touch with a personal shopper. After popping a Valium and pulling up in a cab- the concierge was waiting for me outside, and whisked me upstairs to a beautiful, private sitting room where I was met by two wonderful staff who helped me decide what I'd need for the next few days. Someone brought me a sandwich and bottled water (complimentary), and offered champagne or wine, as well.
I never left the room, while these angels brought everything directly in to my little personal salon- not even asking my size. From black suits to shirts to shoes, etc.... I was outfitted like a queen (and never had to do a thing except try things on). Upon leaving there, the concierge again ushered me to the front door- placing my packages in the cab, and gave me a hug. A note followed seeing if all was well.
While not the happiest of stories, I'm sure you can see why I know that Nordstrom is nothing short of first rate. I love this store, and now you know why.......
Nordstrom is one of my favorite places to shop.... I've been a customer for a very long time.
However, having said that, I usually just visit Nordstrom twice a year: 1) the holidays (between Thanksgiving and Christmas) and 2) Anniversary Sale.
I have been to several Nordstroms in the bay area and by far, the Union Square store at the San Francisco Shopping Centre is the best way to visit! The Stanford Shopping Center Nordstrom ranks second.
Selection is great and they usually have all the things that I would buy for my wardrobe. Service is also pretty high as I am consistently inquired by salespeople if I need assistance. One shoes salesperson even demonstrated the undestructability of a pair of shoes he was trying to sell me.
I recommend Nordstroms and suggest that you visit them in either Union Square or Palo Alto.
The Good: Great prices during the anniversary sale, but I would suggest to pre sale in a department, so you can avoid the crowd. You can return anything, but most likely you'll exchange it because there is so much to buy there.
The Bad: My favorite MAC makeup artist left, Tiffany Star was the best!
The Ugly: They barely have sales, 3 times a year and only 1 is worth it.
To the very small man(in so many ways) in the Armani men's boutique:
You're a sales clerk. I know what your salary looks like. Don't be getting all uppity with us just because my son is wearing his torn shoes, sagger jeans, and sloppy sweatshirt. I did not just loudly pass wind, so get that "I smell a big stink" look off your face". And was that an actual sneer in both your face and your voice?? You never know, sir - I used to have money, and look just like this, and you might have been out a big suit sale.
And all this, after I very plainly told you that we were in the wrong department but couldn't figure out where to go.
To the bizarrely Barbie-haired woman in the same dept.:
Thank you for actually being a human being, and working with my son to figure out his suit size, and offer suggestions about where we should look. That will teach me to pre-judge people.
To the sales clerk in the other men's section:
Thank you for looking surprised and hurt when I told you about my bad experience upstairs, and thank you for offering to personally walk us back up and hook us up with a better salesperson.
To the architects of Nordstrom:
Some of us are afraid of heights, and we get a little funny down in our soft and tenders when we are on the top floor coming down those escalators and having to look down to the bottom.
And couldn't the escalators just make sense, like at Macy's where you can just turn slightly and continue on to the next floors without having to make the grand pilgrimage around the floor. Oh wait, then I might not impulse shop when I see something that looks cute, right? That's very unclassy of you for a pretentious department store. You might as well put a few candy and gumball machines by the registers if you're playing that way.
To the bathroom attendant:
Thanks for keeping it real, girl. You know I love a clean seat.
I love Nordstrom.
I'm the type of shopper who finds something I like but realizes it's too expensive, so I wait and hope that it will go on sale.
But by the time the sale rolls around, the item I want in the size I need is long gone. Here is when Nordstrom comes into the picture!
I've been searching high and low for these Michael Kors Berkley t-strap zipper heels AT the right price (which made the task difficult, I must say). I walked into Nordstrom to pick up my Steven purse (on sale!!), and on a whim, I decided to ask the shoes sales rep if he had the Michael Kors. He knew EXACTLY what shoes I was talking about (PATENT leather too!!!) and told me my shoes are put away in the back in preparation for the half-yearly sale. But alas, they ran out of my desired color & size. I was disappointed because I thought, oh that means I can't purchase them, but nope! He told me he can find me the shoes at another Nordstrom store and will ship them to me for free, AND told me to call him when the half-yearly sale starts so I can get a price adjustment!
This is just one of the many instances of their exceptional customer service!
++ for always having the items I want, and if not, tracking them down for me -- such as my new Steven wild thing bag that I fell in love with on a recent trip to Seattle (which I bought on sale!), the Burberry wallet for P (that I couldn't find at the Burberry stores themselves), the New Balances my dad LOVES for half off retail price, and for the no-fuss return policy!!
I heart you Nordstrom!
Nordstrom is great when you have an urge to feed your high heel fetish but don't quite have the funds for Saks or Neiman's. Big selection of shoes on the main shoe floor and they have higher-end shoes one floor up if you want to take a peek. Being a size 5, it's often frustrating to fall in love with a pair of shoes only to find they don't have my size. However, Nordstrom seem to have more of my size in stock than Macy's does.
Customer service is hit or miss in the shoe department. Some are friendly and helpful, while others are simply unpleasant. I've always received fantastic service at the various cosmetic counters and the rest of the store.
Their return policy deserves 5 stars alone!
Always great quality, selection and price... plus if you keep and eye out with their sales you can hit gold. Even better is how good they are about honoring their word. A pair of earrings that were stunning and meant to be $125 were miss marked on the pair we wanted for $90 (notice the $35 buck difference). The saleswomen Jade honored it without a question, asked if we wanted a box and went the extra mile with the bow cause she over heard us talking about for "Mom". We also were deciding between two pairs, the other really caught my eye which is what decided them a No since it was more my style. She suggested I try them on for kicks which at $175 I'd never would have asked on my own. Best of all was great customer service, quality selection and the ability to find the right gift in crunch time (we walked in the store at 8:10)!
If you're into customer service, this is your place.
Sure, you might pay a little more than some other department stores *ahem, Macy's* but with that you get:
- minimal elbow jostling (except during anniversary sales)
- higher quality wares (perhaps just a figment of the 'magination, but seems to be true)
- excellent customer service
- unbeatable return policy
A girlfriend and I were waxing poetic about how great this place was - her story was classic: bought a pair of heels, wore them for three months. Heel #1 breaks - sad her brings them to the store to see if they can get fixed somehow, and she leaves with a brand new pair, free of charge.
~~~ She hasn't shopped anywhere else since. ~~~
Criticize them if you like, but a company that can buy that kind of loyalty these days?
Priceless.
I like how friendly and helpful their staff is. They have a great selection on men and women shoes, women bags and Lancome. Furthermore, someone is always available to help with what I need. Also, they handle returns or exchanges with a lot of grace. Great place to shop
After being treated poorly at the nearby Macy's, I went to Nordstrom's to look for respectful service and a great dress. I found both and left very pleased... and notably poorer. It's not a place full of bargains, for sure. But I did have a sales woman who found lots of things in my size in styles that had a chance of flattering me, and who persuaded me to try on some things that looked dubious on the hanger and very nice when worn. I wouldn't have found them on my own. She had a warm manner and seemed enthusiastic about the project of finding me a great dress. Nicely done, Nordstrom's!
Let it not be said that the P. family isn't doing what we can to get our country out of the recession. In addition to surviving 3 rounds of layoffs, Wifey was fortunate enough to get her full bonus for 2008. We have an agreement about the handling of bonus money: half of the after-tax money gets saved, the other half gets spent by the earner. And while you would think that the lawyer would come out on top of that one, you'd be wrong, because Wifey's target bonus is 20% of salary.
Left to her own devices, Wifey tends to gravitate towards Old Navy, and then wonders why the clothes are faded and falling apart 18 months later. But I'm relatively persuasive (professionally, if not always personally), and I tend to subscribe to the "buy the best and expect it to last forever" philosophy. Thus, Wifey and I made a number of trips to Nordstrom together. I tagged along in part to ensure she actually went there, and in part because when I don't go, she tends to come back with 5 different blue shirts. Whereas (for example), when I go, she comes back with a beautiful plum scoop-neck jacket.
And, although it may get me kicked out of the mens' guild, shopping with Wifey doesn't really bother me. Shoes? Fine. Lots of places to sit. Clothes? Fine. I'll join you in the dressing room and help you sort the keepers from the others. And yes, I DO get to go into the dressing room. I've never been challeged on this issue, probably because I don't look pervy.
The selection is good, the prices aren't as bad as most people expect, and the help is REALLY good.
Me: "So what's your return policy on shoes?"
Salesguy: "There is none."
Me: ...
Me: "Uh, how long do I have to return them?"
SG: "You can return them any time up to the time that you're completely satisfied with the purchase."
Yeah, I could have saved 8% buying discount or online, but considering all the shoes I've paid for and then never worn because they turned out not to fit properly after a few days on the pavement (I have foot issues), I'll pay a little more now to avoid grief later.
If only the clothing selection for men was a little less conservative.
Hi, my name is Jenny H and I'm a Nordstro-holic.
Yes, I admit it! I have a serious addiction and I must stop. If only you guys didn't carry such cute clothes and such WONDERFUL costumer service I'll be in better shape.
*Even when don't carry my size, you'll still ship it to my house with no charge.
*You go out of your way to help me choose the curtest outfits without me even asking.
*You allow me to shop online and pick it up from the nearest nordies - this causes many shopping splurges since I'm bored at work.
*You hem all my jeans free of charge.
*You accept my returns, no questions asked!
And the list can go on and on....
For heavens sake..please stop Nordstrom so I can kick my addiction!!
Dear Nordstrom,
Thank god it's not 70 years later and I'm not dead in my coffin sans Hello Kitty brush set.
24 days later and our saga ends. This epic shopping fiasco should have it's own movie.
After the re-shipment of a transfer from another store, your 5-8 shipping day rule is a complete failure!! It's unfortunate it took 12 days after I already waited a 12 previous days.
I learned a valuable lesson from this drama you caused (more drama than those saved for my mama!): NEVER EVER EVER..EVER get items transferred from another one of your stores! I'll either never get it on false hopes, or I'd have to wait an entire month for the item (especially when it's limited edition, and I'm already on edge that I may not get it).
You're lucky the people that work for you are beyond nice. Otherwise I'd never return.
Love,
Bitter-sweet Cat
STILL WAITING (T_T ) ....
I may actually die before I get these brushes....
Read more »
I can't lie.
Ok... so I totally could lie and that would be really easy since I'm an actor, but in order to hold my head high in the world of Yelp, I refuse to compromise my status as a well-respected citizen of Yelpialand. Ha!
Right. If I were to lie, I would say that this was the best Nordstroms I've been into and that I love the escalators and how they make you go around the whole store before leaving (hint: find the elevators!). I would also say that they were really friendly and always helpful. Come to think of it, I haven't really ever noticed anyone in that location.
However, on the plus side, they do have a great sale about twice a year and the rail is "decent" if you're looking for clothing of now, although some of it (I cannot lie) is a lot of what metro-sexual straight men wear.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?
Yes. Metrosexual men do have a style. That's not to say or allude to the idea that they have style. I mean, how hard is it to be unoriginal and pick up a shirt with too much graphic nonsense on it? Really? Um... No! Tacky. Or some jeans that are more gay than any pair I (a loud-mouthed homo) have in my whole closet... seriously, I see them everywhere. It's an affront to clothing and it must stop! I always like to call it quasihomo. I don't mean to be harsh, but it's just that it looks like it's trying too hard to not try too hard.
Please don't hate me Nordstrom, but get a better buyer for this location. The locations in San Jose and Seattle are much better; maybe talking to them might help.
Still... for the shoe department for my ladies and the men's shoes for me, I can't go less than 3 stars on here.
Full disclosure, I worked here through college. But I think if I can be a former employee and still think this place is great it's a strong testament.
Nordstrom is the gold star in customer service. Seriously.
It's not the best place for young men to shop causal wear (I just don't like the Rail), so that's something to be wary of if your male. But do come here for underwear basics, dress wear and shoes.
Yet it's really the first place I would tell any of girlfriends to go. Just be carefully ladies -- you can tell when a girl buys EVERYTHING she wears at Nordstrom. They get a certain look! I once met a girl at a party who announced she had to leave to go to work. I asked her if she worked at Nordstrom. "How could you tell?"..."It shows!"
P.S. Catherine, It's not them it's you! The 5-8 day rule applies to orders not transfers, which frequently do take 2 weeks or more because they are shipped with the normal stock often from across country (which is a service most places don't offer - trust me, it's expensive to do). Apparently someone might have been "too nice" to you. Maybe next time you are tripping out because you can't get your limited edition whatever, pay the $6 for shipping and send it to your house.
P.P.S. If it's over $100 they will ship it for free, or if they just like you.
Karen in Fine Fragrance was MORE than helpful today.
She was extremely kind, generous, sophisticated, and soft-spoken. She knew all the prices of the items, and somehow convinced me to buy some perfume I didn't really need. However, the Michael Kors Bermuda Island perfume came with a full-size matching lotion and cosmetic case, and I was able to convince Karen to give me some Petite Cherie samples (since I was debating over which of the two to choose).
She made my shopping experience extremely delightful.
And now I will smell good too!
Retail therapy is entirely necessary when you work in sales with the economy in the toilet. It is completely ok to go blow some money after crying on the office bathroom floor when your 30K account decides not to renew, Comcast tells you you need to install your own internet and you have a cold and your doctor no longer accepts your health insurance.
Ever heard of David Kahn jeans? Me neither until yesterday, but I bought two pairs with the assistance of super-saleswoman Tara. She introduced me to this fabulous denim which I will be rocking from here on out. She gave me her honest opinion on every pair I tried on (I was feeling tender, so this really helped me a lot). It was a clear reminder of the fabulous customer service Nordstrom provides. The clean atmosphere and the gentle piano music makes you feel luxurious and first-class, even during the most trying days.
Nordstrom kicks Bloomingdales' ass to kingdom come. The folks in the Bloomie's denim department have literally RUN away from me before. Nordstrom sends alterations up to measure you without batting an eyelash and quickly pins those jeans before you can even think about how short and stumpy your legs are.
Also, if Westfield would let me sign a lease, I would move into the Nordstrom Women's Lounge and live happily ever after.
Their shoe department gets 5 stars on its own. I go in with the full knowledge that I'm going to pay the dreaded department store prices, and I've made my peace with that.
I am a shitty bargain shopper. I am impatient. I hate pawing through racks upon racks of clothing in the hopes that I may come up for air with one or two things that work for me. I get hungry. I get cranky. I am rarely up to the task. And I am an especially shitty bargain shopper when it comes to shoes.
And Nordstrom has a glorious goddam shoe department.
I would also like to give Ann W., in handbags (Right next to the shoe department - you bastards!), 5 giant stars. Ann is the man. Ann will toss the entire department trying to help you find exactly what you want. I was in this afternoon continuing my quest for a replacement bag for the one that was ripped off by the midget at The Frolic Room in November (see my review...and also let me know if you see a midget with a pair of Michael Kors "Morgandy" pumps and my Grandmother's 3-strand pearls, because I'm gunning for that little bastard), and Anne actually remembered me from a month ago, AND remembered what I was looking for. She is lovely and wonderful and deserves a giant raise to be paid in solid gold doubloons.
I have large feet, and Nordies has my size. Therefore, they are awesome. I wear a size 11. Ladies, if you wear a size 11, do NOT go here. The 11s are mine. All mine. Go away.
This Nordies has a BART station. You get off BART and walk right into the mall and go up the elevator to Nordies. My SF-[phobic self loves this. If I concentrate hard enough, I can pretend I'm not even in SF, which helps curb the anxiety of being in SF.
The secret to the loony escalators: Keep doubling back. If you walk forward after getting off one, you will only encounter one going the opposite direction you want to go. You want to get off the escalator, turn around, and walk back the way you came. In this way you will always find the desired direction of escalator.
5 Stars: Polly at the Laura Mercier counter was the most helpful and wonderful sales woman I have ever met.
2 stars: I was looking for a foundation since my regular brand has been discontinued. I looked bewildered and everyone else saw me in grungy workout clothes and disregarded me.
I wanted to try Laura Mercier, but I couldn't find it and what do you know the nicest gal on the planet who works for Laura Mercier approached me like a human being. Enter Polly. Polly proceeded to do my face. I told her I just wanted foundation and she matched the perfect shade. She made sure to not just assume I wanted oil free (not all young girl have oily skin!) and really took her time getting my skin tone right. She also was bored and since I told her I had all the time in the world she concealed my dark circles from staying up all of the night and put on the most beautiful blush I'd ever seen. She literally made me look flawless. However, when it came time to ring me up, she just grabbed the foundation. Talk about not pushy at all and I was so blown away with how I looked that I had to get it all!
The makeup is so easy to reapply yourself. Whenever I go out I can recreate the same look she gave me. If you go to the Laura Mercier counter ask for Polly she is so helpful and truly not pushy. She just likes making women look stunning. And check out her awesome rock.
4 stars for the girls who helped me in the shoe department and BP. I've always had great service from them. I also love that I can hop on BART and walk right into the San Francisco Shopping Center.
Overall, this is the best Nordies in San Francisco! And most of the time I have great experiences there.
Why oh why does Nordstrom have to be the only store in San Francisco which stocks Mario Badescu. Some things cannot be helped and, once in a while, I get a salesperson who actually knows the product line.
Of course, I know what I want and usually spend no more than 5 minutes going in and grabbing what I need. However, I cannot pass up asking for samples of things which I might consider on another Mario Badescu buying spree.
A woman in the Nordstrom Lingerie Department got to second base with me, and I don't even know her name. And I don't even like women. And I swear, I'm no ho! But it was the best experience, ever.
I needed a good strapless bra. I'd spent years in sup-par contraptions, sometimes even layering two bras on top of each other in an effort to find support. Still, I'd end up hiking those things up all night long. And they never helped the girls look any good. Totally pointless.
So I walk into the lingerie department at Nordstrom, and after a few seconds of browsing, a woman comes up to me and inquires about what I need, and if there is anything she can do to help.
"Oh, no, not really," I say, "I'm just looking for a good strapless bra."
"Well, we have quite a few options," she replies, "The strapless bras are over here. What size are you?"
"Um, a 36D or 38C?" I stammer. She gives me a good look down.
"Oh no, there is no way you're a 38 anything, and I doubt you're a 36, either, more like a 34. Let's grab a few bras, and I'll size you in a fitting room."
I was unsure as to why a sizing had to be done inside a fitting room, (in Victoria's Secret they just accost you with the measuring tape in the middle of the store,) but I followed her in, where she instructed me to take my top off... and while the whole scenario was awkward, it turns out I'd been wearing the wrong bra size, (like 80% of women out there, apparently.) I'd also been putting the closure in the back on the wrong wrung. (You're never supposed to make a bra its tightest in the beginning. The various closure settings are to help compensate as the elastic begins to wear over time - totally makes sense!)
I left Nordstrom feeling like somebody owed me a drink, but what I had in my little silver bag was so much better: a (pricey) little strapless, that months later still holds me up, and looks good doing it, I might add.
I have actually gradually become more and more in love with Nordstroms. I never really thought about this before but last year, Nordstroms SF really helped me locate a beautiful $98.00 coat in white that was only available online.
They checked their inventory and inventories of many many other stores and even kept my phone number on call in case one came in. This means somebody had to sit around looking up this one SKU!!! I was pretty shocked and even after I purchased the coat finally several weeks later when one was found ... I got a call within a week asking about my satisifaction! WITH A COAT!! And I only paid $98.00. Hardly seems worth their time since Nordstroms sells far more expensive merchandise but great service.
Having a sizable gift card and a recent need to replace some slacks, I came in for a quick shopping trip. Fortunately, I was able to find what I needed and get out in a reasonable time, partly due to the level of service available. They didn't have the exact size combination I needed in stock, but offered to hem a longer pair of slacks for me at no cost, which saved me several days as compared to having them shipped from the warehouse. Nice decor and low pressure sales made for a pleasant experience, so whenever I'm looking to shop at this price-point, I'd be happy to return.
I must agree that when attempting to pimp your wardrobe, Nordie's is the place to do it. Not always the cheapest but definitely the best service.
I bought a pair of shoes last month and they've been feeling tight...like, painful tight. I thought about trying to return them, but I like them. The gentleman who walks up to me says, "we have a stretching machine in the back. Perhaps that can help?"
He works on it for 10 minutes. Doesn't ask me to see if I have a receipt. He just makes sure I bought them there. When he comes out they're looser and broken in slightly .
They always accept returns without question, recommend quality shoes and they don't push the obscenely expensive Ferragamos. I've gone in, said I want to spend between $X and $Y and I need good shoes with A and B. What do you recommend?
Solid folks here.
Oh Nordie's... how I love you... let me count the ways.
1) Great customer service
2) Best selection of shoes - good for a girl looking to invest in a quality pair of boots for the fall/winter.
3) Marc Jacobs PINK(!!!) classic wallet 50% off?! (Borat style voice) Niiiiiice!
4) Hemming is free when you buy a pair of pants/jeans. That's music to a girl's ears (especially one whose inseam is less than 29".)
4 stars.
Best bathrooms. If you're at the mall and are suddenly overwhelmed with the need to pee, you can count on Nordstrom for clean and spacious facilities. It's nice being able to emerge without feeling like you should have donned a hazmat suit. And you can pick up a sweet pair of shoes on your way out!
P.S. BEST return/exchange policy ever. Hands down.
Whenever I need my ego stroked, I swing by here. Their salespeople know the right words to make you feel like a star.
Last winter I was in major need of some ego stroking, so I swung by their shoe department to try on some boots for shits and giggles. A couple sales guys stacked a pile full of boots next to me. As I strutted up and down the aisle, they had no problem providing me with their two-cents.
"Damn, those look hot."
"Uh-uh. Not sexy. Not working for you."
There was one pair that got them raining compliments on me. It was a sure winner and I ended up buying it. I know, they're salespeople, they're paid to do this. But I've worked as a sales associate before and never had that kind of enthusiasm to truly satisfy a customer. It takes skills.
To this day, I get hollered at by men and women whenever I wear those boots.
"Ma, you looking fine in those boots."
"Girl, where'd you get those boots? I got to get me some!"
Those boots always make me feel like I'm on fire. Thank you Nordstrom shoe guys for adding a burst of confidence to my strut.
Everyone knows that Nordstrom has a fantastic shoe department, so Yelpers that know me aren't surprised that I made a stop in to Nordy's on my 24 hour jaunt to SF.
I was greeted by an incredibly friendly and incredibly attractive salesman, and I wish I remembered his name! I was on a mission: closed toe, at least 3.5" inch heels, fun color, under $150. The shoe I had been eyeing wasn't in my size, so he brought out a couple of other options. One pair was super summery, the other was way too sexy, and the third I loved. After falling in love, I asked the price.
$250. Um, not good. It was only this guy's second day but still, check the prices before you bring things out! I suppose he was a good salesman because I ended up buying them that day, but later returned them in DC (thank goodness for Nordstrom's incredible return policy!).
West Coast Nordstrom's are often superior to East Coast in terms of selection, but I've got to admit that although my salesman was a lot of fun, he just didn't know jack about shoes. And for me, that's just no good.
I love me some Nordstrom.
I swear everytime I go into Nordstrom to "window shop" I always end up leaving with something. Having a credit card from them probably doesn't help either but how can I resist their selection of shoes, jeans and everything else. I seriously have to hide what I buy from my fiance cause he knows how much of a shopaholic I am.
I love how you can pratically find whatever you're looking for in this store and if it's not in stock, they will not hesitate to ship it to your home but of course I get it shipped to my work so you know who doesn't find out. ~Wink wink~
Anyway this Nordie has got to be the best I've been to and trust me I've been to almost all there is here in the Bay Area.
Neighborhood: Lakeside
Category: Department Stores
Neighborhood: Union Square
Category: Department Stores
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Category: Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Union Square
Category: Department Stores
Neighborhood: Union Square
Category: Day Spas
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