Hot Shop: Nordstrom Rack

Forget Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building—the best part of our inaugural trip to New York was the discovery of Nordstrom Rack (we still recall that incredible haul that required the purchase of an extra suitcase with which to return home).

Now the Lower Mainland has its very own outpost of the famed store, located at Willowbrook Shopping Centre and boasting nearly 30,000 square feet of fashion (read: on-trend apparel, accessories and shoes for the whole family from popular brands, at up to 50 per cent off). Beyond the abundance of natural light, modern concrete floors and contemporary warm-grey finishes—not to mention, many measures in place to ensure a safe shopping experience—B.C.’s first Nordstrom Rack features a super-easy-to-navigate layout (and super-graphics on the walls to clearly mark each section), spacious and comfortable fitting rooms with illuminated mirrors (and cute emoji-like “keep,” “consider” and “discard” hooks) and even a seating area where you can take five and charge your phone. Plus, a beauty department stocked with full- and travel-size buys, seasonally minded home décor, apparel, shoes and handbags from top designer brands (our It Bag girl Aleesha Harris scored a pair of killer Louboutins at the media preview) and fun grab-and-go merchandise at checkout.

Move over N.Y.C.; there’s never been a better reason to head to Langley. —Noa Nichol

Nordstrom Rack, 19705 Fraser Hwy., Unit 610, Langley, 778-309-5116, nordstromrack.com