Long awaited here in the Desert, Nordstrom is now slated to open at Westfield Palm Desert in the spring of 2011. A “dazzling renovation”of Westfield was announced by mall officials reently, which will include Nordstrom as one of two new luxury department stores, the other not yet announced. Westfield also hopes to include new entryways, new restaurants in a new movie and dining complex, and comfortable, shaded outdoor areas to make it all more pedestrian friendly.

“Nordie’s” is especially well known for its extensive shoe departments with vast selections for both men and women. Their price point is a bit more consumer friendly than some of the other luxury stores, such as Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue. Popular features in their stores include seating throughout for shoppers, and its trademark live piano players. While I’ve seen no information as to cafés or restaurants, Nordstrom generally offers such inviting spots as their “eBar” (patterned after their previous expresso bars) which offer a variety of quick-fix snacks, and an expanded “hotbar” drink list, and cafés or small restaurants with sit down service.

The mall officials have stated that they are in it for the long run and are not daunted by current downward trends in consumer spending. Let’s hope they stay on the fast track for this project!

This just in – By contrast, it was just announced that plans already announced for additional space for Saks Fifth Avenue and  other projects for The Gardens on El Paseo are now being postponed for about a year or so.