Nordstrom — Local services in Chicago

Reviewing the jellyfish cat store in Nordstrom

The recent Jellycat pop-up at Nordstrom in downtown Chicago arrived with considerable buzz a chance, many hoped, to step into the plush, whimsical world that has captured hearts worldwide. I had seen the features on social media and even on the news, where staff at other Jellycat pop-ups created an interactive, imaginative experience for example, “pretending to cook” plushies or wrapping them up like little pastries or treats. It was cute, charming, and very on-brand for Jellycat. Naturally, I assumed the Chicago experience would bring that same sense of magic and creativity. Unfortunately, it did not. From the moment I entered Nordstrom, the first thing that hit me was the heat. The entire floor felt humid, almost suffocatingly warm, which made waiting nearly three hours, in my case increasingly uncomfortable. After all that anticipation, stepping into the so-called “Jellycat experience” was anticlimactic. The pop-up itself was tiny, barely larger than a walk-in closet. The layout was cluttered, with people pushing past one another just to move a few feet. It was difficult to appreciate anything in that kind of environment.The selection of items was equally underwhelming. For a brand celebrated for its creativity and variety, the assortment felt rushed and limited the kind of stock you’d expect from a clearance table rather than a feature event. Many of the plushies available were standard designs easily found online, and not even the more beloved or exclusive pieces that make Jellycat special. Ironically, Amazon and other retailers online offer better selections and prices. When a pop-up fails to offer a unique or immersive element, it loses its entire purpose. Staff energy didn’t help much either. Some were friendly and moving about, but others appeared disengaged chatting casually with security, complaining about standing too long, or simply ignoring the crowd forming around them. Organization was minimal, and crowd control nonexistent. It was clear the space and staff were not prepared for the turnout or the expectations. Pricing, as anticipated, was high that’s expected for Jellycat. But price alone isn’t the problem; it’s when the experience doesn’t justify it. The news segments and social media teasers showed a delightful, imaginative setup where shoppers got to see plushies “cooked,” “wrapped,” or playfully presented like they were part of a whimsical story. That’s what I came for. I wanted that heartwarming, lighthearted interaction the moment that makes a brand feel alive. Instead, what Chicago received was a cramped corner with plushies on shelves and very little of the fun or fantasy that Jellycat had teased elsewhere. Overall, this pop-up felt rushed, unplanned, and misrepresented. For a brand built on creativity and comfort, this execution failed to capture its soul. I still adore Jellycat’s plushies they’re adorable, soft, and full of character but I can’t say the same for this location or its presentation. Final thoughts: Jellycat should rethink not just the space but the entire concept of what they call a “Jellycat experience.” Chicago deserved better. The charm of Jellycat lies not in its price tags, but in the feelings it creates — warmth, play, and imagination. Sadly, none of that was...

I love Nordstrom. I have spent too much money at this location and others throughout the Chicagoland area over the years. However, the one in River North I've found leaves in some cases much to be desired in terms of customer service. I had one experience a few months ago that stands out.

My friend and I were shopping for shoes. He was looking for a pair not only for himself but for his sister as well. We were in the women's shoes department when we were approached by a salesman. He seemed quiet annoyed that we were there. Being young I am used to the attitude I receive when shopping. This man brought it to a new level though. After very rudely asking why two men were in the women's shoes section he asked if we wanted to try anything on. My friend asked for a certain pair of shoes to see if they would be an ideal purchase for his sister's birthday. The salesman was very quick to go to the back and bring them out. My friend took a closer look and compared the shoe and it's size to his foot (His sister and him have very similar sized feet). Upon thinking about it for a few seconds my friend said he appreciated the help but they just weren't what he was looking for. "Ya what a surprise...I figured as much." This was the salesman's response. He shoved the shoes very aggressively back into the box and walked away. I understand that a certain percentage of their compensation is based on commission. This doesn't give you the right though to be out right rude and disrespectful to people.

Sorry about the long story. The short of the long of it is, I go to Nordstrom because of the customer service. I value that aspect of a business as I have worked in customer service myself for many years. I do not appreciate the attitude we received by this one salesman. However, overall this Nordstrom has great employees otherwise and I haven't had a problem since. The store has a bar inside that is well stocked with options. The overall look and feel of the location is great and there are 9/10 very helpful people around...

I am giving lingerie 4th floor one star. I needed a gray slip to my knees and you know, Nordstrom customer service is supposed to be legendary. I was coughing (2 1/2 weeks after Covid) and in urgent care, my almost 97-year-old dad waiting for me to go to my stepdaughter's wedding. ( Not Covid positive but exhausted when I arrived Chicago; I had left at home the gray slip to my almost transparent gray chiffon/ lace gorgeous dress. I described to *manager on duty 6/21 needing a slip size M to my knees. I said I could cut it if longer. I was so stressed and our hotel in River North was 5 1/2 minutes walk and my husband was about to come and buy the slip but I told her he might be 20 minutes away .... and she refused to hold it! She Said it was a black slip, somehow she missed an entire rack of gray comfortable long -- not uncomfortable Spanx-type slips, which indeed were longer to knees or to the floor, and they were $20 less. I didn't know this at the time and she refused to Hold this stupid slip 20 minutes, saying she would sell it to someone else if they asked for it?!!) When the nurse in urgent care heard me arguing with the manager, she opened her mouth and said "wait you're talking to Nordstrom Michigan Avenue? Aren't they supposed to be all about customer service?" ... with her mouth agape. (My husband bought the one this witch found, but it went to thighs -- embarrassing for a 64-year-old but it worked. So i am returning this $88 slip cause I went to 55 E Grand this am (6/24/24 morning)... , the wedding is over, and as I walked in there, just as I imagined there was a rack of gray slips, exactly as I had described as if i knew the Nordstrom inventory (though I did not). Many slips medium or large. I just described my ordeal to another manager, who looked upon me with great pity and sadness re my experience. What happened Nordstrom? She said policy is not to hold something around $1,500 in...