Full-Line Nordstrom Store Coming to Mayfair Mall

Seattle-based Nordstrom on Thursday announced plans to open its first full-line store in Wisconsin at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, the largest mixed-use shopping center in Wisconsin.

The company plans to open an approximately 140,000-square-foot, three-level store by fall 2015. Nordstrom will join Macy's, Boston Store, Crate & Barrel, the Apple Store and other major names at Mayfair.

The store will be a new structure attached to the mall along the southeast side, between Boston Store and the office center, said Mayfair general manager Steve Smith.

"There is now an entrance there, which will be changed and widened inside the mall to accommodate Nordstrom," Smith said. "And, we'll be adding a parking structure roughly between it and Boston Store, just east of Boston Store, really."

As to the announcement, Smith said, "It's a great opportunity for Mayfair and the whole region – a wonderful luxury department store that, added to all the other fine retailers we have, will satisfy our guests with a great shopping expericence."

"We've heard from customers in the Milwaukee area for years that they would appreciate a store in their community," said Erik Nordstrom in a media release. "We're glad we have an opportunity to serve our customers, as well as those new to Nordstrom, in such a strong location as Mayfair."

Mayfair is home to more than 160 retail brands including the anchor Macy's and Boston Store department stores. The mall is owned and managed by General Growth Properties.

"GGP is a terrific partner for us," Nordstrom said. "They operate great shopping destinations with a quality tenant mix. That's important to us in terms of giving customers a reason to shop at one particular location over another."

Nordstrom Inc. is one of the leading fashion specialty retailers based in the United States. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 240 stores in 31 states, including 117 full-line stores, 119 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques, one treasure&bond store and one clearance store.

Nordstrom also serves customers through Nordstrom.com and through its catalog sales. Additionally, the company operates in the online private sale marketplace through its subsidiary HauteLook.

Wauwatosa mayors present and past were excited by the news.

"Having a Nordstrom store at Mayfair has been a pent-up desire for a very long time," said Mayor Kathy Ehley. "It's fantastic for Mayfair and for the whole Mayfair Road corridor.

"I really appreciate all the analysis and scrutiny that Nordstrom put into this decision. It's going to be a draw for Wauwatosa from all over the region."

Former Mayor Terry Estness, now the executive director of the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce, echoed those sentiments and more.

"I'm thrilled on many levels," Estness said, "as someone who has wanted a Nordstrom store here for what it does for Wauwatosa, and as a long-time Nordstrom customer myself."

Estness said she often makes the trek to the Nordstrom's in Oak Brook, Ill., and can't wait to have the line here.

"Our demographics are a wonderful fit for Nordstrom and it's a wonderful fit for Mayfair," she said. "It continues to position Wauwatosa as the place to be, a destination for people to shop, to visit, to live, to work.

"It's another jewel in the shopping crown of Wauwatosa, and tremendous news for the whole retail sector, throughout the region. This is going to be such a driver, drawing people in who will be looking for a place to have dinner, or even to stay overnight because they're going to be planning a shopping weekend."

Both Estness and Ehley said that they had been aware of a strong interest from Nordstrom to get into Mayfair dating back to when Estness was mayor and the Macy's store was occupied by Marshall Field's. Neither was aware of just what finally broke the ice.

"Nordstrom mirrors GGP's goal to provide an unparalleled experience for our customers and the community," said Sandeep Mathrani, CEO of General Growth Properties. "Their reputation, quality merchandise and exceptional customer service complements GGP's retail strategy.

"We're excited to provide shoppers with yet another sought-after retail option at Mayfair."