Is New York City's hottest new attraction a department store?
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Hear us out: You might want to factor in a visit to a department store on your next trip to New York City. No, not Macy's on 34th (though that's cool too, especially if you have kids into the whole Santa thing), but today we're talking about the new Nordstrom flagship store.
The new 320,000-square-foot department store officially opened on Thursday, and it's clear there's a lot for both serious shopaholics and casual window-shoppers.
We're not just talking about the fact that you can order a glass of wine or pizza while you shop, but that doesn't hurt.
The store — located on 57th and Broadway along the aptly named "Billionaire's Row" — has more than 10,000 handbags, 100,000 pairs of shoes and 6,000 pairs of jeans, according to AM New York. But retail is just the beginning of the over-the-top experience (and I do mean that in a good way).
We're interested in all things NYC, so we went to go check Nordstrom out on opening day. It was equal parts amazing and terrifying. It was as busy as you'd expect, if not busier, but everything still felt relatively organized. The sales associates were happy and helpful, although probably as overwhelmed as the shoppers.
In fact, when I asked one of them how to get to the Drybar, he replied, "Yeah, we have no [freaking] idea where anything is." So, that's 'good' and speaks to the size of the place.
The sprawling Nordstrom has a full lineup of spa and salon services, and cult-favorite brands such as FaceGym and the aforementioned Drybar are on location in case you need a rigorous facial "workout" or blowout. FaceGym, because we know you're wondering, claims to exercise your face in the name of beauty.
Related: Avoid tourists at these secret NYC spots
There's also a Sisely-Paris for (less aggressive) facials and massages; an Anastasia Beverly Hills and Blink Brow Bar for eyebrow touch-ups; and a Kate Somerville shop for fillers and Botox. You can even get a $30 manicure at Base Coast, which is basically unheard of on this side of the Hudson. File all that away in case you need some one-stop glam on a future trip to NYC.
Turns out, the Drybar — along with other stores-within-the-store, including Heydey, FaceGym and the salon — were, well, "complicated" to find. And those were the associate's words, not mine. To get there, you have to walk past the beauty area on the first floor, and then go up a staircase to the mezzanine level.
I also inquired with some other sales associates about the aforementioned glass of wine or pizza you can get delivered to you while you're trying on your summer swimsuit. Unfortunately, the service won't be available until Nov. 7.
And here I was, all excited to order a pizza while I try on a dress for the TPG Awards, all for you. I do it all for you.
I may or may not have a minor obsession with sneakers, and so I was itching to scope out Nordstrom's collaboration with Nike. But during my visit, I noticed plenty of other buzzy brand setups, such as Acne Studios, Reformation, Everlane, Trunk Club and more. You could say I was like a kid in a candy store, but I was more like a tiny, overwhelmed puppy seeing the world for the first time.
You'll see the special Christian Louboutin exhibit as soon as you walk in on the ground level floor. My heart said yes, but my wallet said no.
My personal favorite spot, though, was the shoe bar on one of the lower levels. Shoes and sparkling wine — what more could you ask for? (Another glass is often the right answer.)
Nordstrom's new flagship arrives at an interesting time for New York City's brick-and-mortar retail culture. While Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are doubling down on flashy storefronts in the Big Apple, mainstays such as Barneys and Lord & Taylor are struggling to see another day.
Online shopping has become ubiquitous — and exponentially more convenient in many ways. While some would argue there's no need to deal with the crowds when you can just peruse Nordstrom online in your pajamas, others would argue you can't beat going to a store and seeing the merchandise in all its real-life glory. Of course, getting a blowout, manicure and snack at the same time as searching for you next perfect pair of jeans certainly helps.
If you want your shopping (or browsing) to be a destination experience instead of an on-the-couch in jammies event, you'll definitely want to brush up on our tips for maximizing your Nordstrom purchases before heading to this new flagship. The retailer revamped its loyalty points program last year — and, silly name aside, the Nordy Club, as it's called, really upped its game. It's also possible to stock up on Nordstrom gift cards at places that offer some bonus points such as grocery stores and office supply stores. Sadly for the online shoppers who like to earn extra points or cash back, Nordstrom itself hasn't been in a shopping portal in some time, though Nordstrom Rack usually can be found.
No matter whether this new NYC store is calling your name or not, we always recommend shopping using a card that will earn you bonus points and miles on your shopping purchases; our favorite for department store shopping right now is the Chase Freedom (No longer open to new applicants) since department stores are a 4th quarter 5% cash back (5x) bonus category (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter), but we also like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express and Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card.
The information for the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express, Chase Freedom has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Let the games begin.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.