Nordstrom, Inc. has confirmed plans to take over Vancouver's downtown Sears location as part of four store openings that will bring the U.S. retailer into the Canadian market.
According to tentative timeframes, Nordstrom plans to open in the Pacific Centre location in the spring of 2015.
The company has also confirmed plans to open at:
- Calgary's Chinook Centre in the fall of 2014;
- Ottawa's Rideau Centre in the spring of 2015; and
- Toronto's Sherway Gardens in the fall of 2016.
At 230,000 square feet, Nordrom's Vancouver location will be the largest in Canada.
Norstrom has partnered with commercial real estate investor Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd. as part of the company's entry into Canada. Cadillac is wholly owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.
John Sullivan, president and CEO of Cadillac Fairview, welcomed the deal.
"Nordstrom is an excellent fit for all four locations," he said. "Not only will they transform our shopping centres, but enhance the Canadian retail landscape as a whole."
Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom, said the company is "thrilled" to be opening in Canada.
"While we're fortunate to have many loyal Canadian customers who've shopped with us over the years, we recognize we're new here and that we have to earn our customers' business," he said.
"We look forward to what we will learn and are grateful for the chance to better serve our Canadian customers."
Industry rumours and the company's renderings suggest that the building's exterior may also be altered.
