Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack in general has declined in quality over the years into not much better than a Kohl's or JC Penny or some other mid-range retailer with cheaply made clothing. In years past, one could find tons of wool and cashmere coats and sweaters, and more brands like North Face, Cole Hahn, Garcons, even Burberry and Nordstrom's own brand which used to make cashmere, etc... I have a gorgeous, timeless, Burberry wool coat I purchased at Nordstrom Rack in Michigan (Detroit area) maybe 10+ years ago for roughly 50% off. Thank the Lord I did because you won't find anything like that anymore at Nordstrom Racks (or very rarely except perhaps in Chicago or the larger cities). I also purchased a Burberry toddler outfit.

In recent years, the smaller metro area's Nordstrom Racks seem to be MOSTLY synthetics like acrylic and polyester Kohl's-type clothing. Things I can buy at Target for less. Also, the shoes are ok, but used to be better. And the handbags in the past 5-10 years are the same 2 brands OVER AND OVER AND OVER ... Michael Kors and Kate Spade, and that's it. So much so that I call it the hospice care center for the weak and worn-out MK and KS handbags. On the higher end one may find a Marc Jacob's- but again, the same styles month after month, and year after year. AND... it's not even the best of those brands, it's the ugliest/cheapest of their lines. Again, it used to be various gorgeous italian leather brands with some lesser quality items here and there. Now it's the other way around - it's now the above mentioned names with some awful fake leather brands like Steve Madden. I've never been into labels for label sake, but some also = quality, which is never the case here anymore.

How Nordstrom Rack stayed in business and the far superior Filene's Basement or Loehmann's didn't is beyond me. I can only assume its because the main Nordstrom company kept them afloat - because it sure isn't the same level of uniqueness or quality.

THIS particular Nordstrom Rack even pails in comparison to the Rack stores in Michigan who still often have higher end designer goods. For instance, the Michigan Nordstrom Racks still have a designer shoe section often with Gucci, Tory Burch, Stuart Weitzman, and even Christian Louboutin! The only brands one might consider higher end I've seen at this store are some Uggs, Hunter, or Nike - and obviously those are all for casual wear.

All in all, I've been in various Nordstrom Rack's in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio many times - and my overall impression of this Nordstrom Rack (as well as the east side Legacy location) is that it's the lowest in quality and quantity by comparison. I cannot comment, however, on the Columbus store as I have never been there. Nordstrom Rack in general used to be brimming with quality; and has now been reduced to a dump of bad wannabes. It has become an embarrassment to Nordstrom, IMO and a shell of its former self. I say don't waste your time (unless of course in Chicago or major east and west coast cities. Even hit one in the Detroit area if you're in town and you'll see what I mean.