Nordstrom's New Flagship Store Opens In Columbus Circle

COLUMBUS CIRCLE, NY — New York City hasn't been a great market for large department stores in recent years. Lord & Taylor sold its Fifth Avenue flagship, Barney's is in the midst of a downsizing and Macy's is pivoting to real estate development to turn a profit. Nordstrom is looking to reverse the trend as it undertakes its largest expansion in the city.

The retail giant opened a massive new flagship store Thursday near Columbus Circle that features 320,000 square feet of shopping space spread out among seven stories. The store occupies prime real estate at the base of Extell Development's Central Park Tower, which recently topped out as the tallest residential building in the world on West 57th Street and Broadway. Construction on Central Park Tower is expected to finish in 2020.

Nordstrom's new Columbus Circle store showcases an expansive women's and kids departments, according to company executives. One example of the location's dedication to women and children is a floor entirely dedicated to women's shoes.

The store also features a massive beauty department, which occupies two full floors of the seven-story store. Nordstrom's new store is also introducing high-tech solutions such as augmented reality booths where customers can sample more than 400 shades of lipstick without having to physically try it on.

Shoppers at Nordstrom's new store can also take advantage of a wide range of services that are provided at the location such as: In-store pickup for online orders, same-day delivery, on-site alteration and tailoring and an in-store cobbler for shoe repair. Styling appointments are also offered at the store.

Nordstrom hired an estimated 1,200 employees to work at the location. The seven-story store — two floors underground and five above ground — is the retailer's largest store and largest-ever investment. The location is also home to six different food and beverage businesses run by professional chefs.