Nordstrom expands new creative in-store boutique Space

Los Angeles - Space is something that is relatively new for specialty retailer Nordstrom. The in-store boutique, which initially launched as a concept shop last year, rotates designers throughout the year. After launching in other locations, Space is now moving forward towards expansion.

Branching out, Space is planning to open four more locations this year. Its Nashville location just opened this past week on August 24 at The Mall in Green Hills. Over the weekend, Space opened at The Grove in Los Angeles on August 26. There two other locations to come this year within the department store, including Nordstrom’s first Toronto store on September 16 at Eaton Centre. Following that opening, Nordstrom will also open a location at Yorkdale Centre on October 21. Both of these Nordstrom locations will have Space as an in-store boutique.

Kim chose these locations due to their reputation and culture for each individual store. “These cities are known for their amazing fashion and the people there have such a strong sense of individual style,” Kim said in a statement. In order to get Space out there more as a creative spot for emerging and elite designers, Nordstrom is targeting the right audience. “We want to make a statement with our stores in these markets and identify them as destinations for fashion, style, art, and culture,” said Kim.

The boutique will feature artistic elements and vibrant colors in order to keep it unique and distinct from the rest of Nordstrom. Pop colors including bright pink and mixed prints will be added to the decor to make sure that Space stands out in every Nordstrom. Kim worked with Nordstrom’s design team in order to create an interior decor that matched her vision. The design team came up with neon pink mirrors from Ettore Sottsass, bright pink woven rubber benches by Khwango Lee, and graphic end tables by Michele De Lucchi. Additionally, the space also has vintage benches by Verner Panton that stand out in color as well as in design.

Space launched a year ago by Olivia Kim, vice president of creative projects at Nordstrom. The concept shop features collections from both emerging and advanced designers. Some of the designers that have been featured at Space include Molly Godard, Vetements, Simone Rocha, Undercover, Comme des Garçons Collection, Ellery, Colovos, and more. Although attached to Nordstrom as an in-store boutique, the space stands alone as its own department. Acting as a mini boutique inside of a big specialty retailer, Space offers collections of apparel, handbags, accessories, shoes, home goods and also fragrances. Overall, the goal is to create an art-influenced spaced that allows customers to flow in and out of the boutique and discover new artists as well as shop their favorite designers. “[Our] goal with Space is to create a platform to introduce our customers to this side of designer fashion - this place where the directional collections or up-and-comers have a place to live and grow,” said Kim.

Photo: Nordstrom, Inc.