JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In about two weeks Jacksonville shoppers will have yet another department store to spend their cash: Nordstrom.
The store will be the anchor store of phase three of the St. Johns Town Center’s which will also include Arhaus Furniture, Disney Store, Free People, Boston Proper, Natural Life, Model Citizen, Swim ‘N Sport and Yankee Candle.
It’s been seven years since the Town Center has opened a new phase, its last one opened in 2007 and before that in 2005.
For the Town Center’s Director of Marketing and Business Development Lindsey VonHoven, the new additions further cement the mall’s retail dominance in Northeast Florida.
“We consider ourselves Jacksonville's premier shopping destination. Obviously we have everything from Target to Tiffany's here we like to think that we are a one stop destination,” said VonHoven.
Nordstrom alone is looking to fill at least 400 positions, with even more job opportunities at the smaller stores opening in the same wing.
According to Jacksonville University’s Dean of the Davis College of Business Don Capener, Nordstrom didn’t chose the Town Center by accident.
“These full service Nordstrom stores are chosen very carefully based on high income in the area, lots of potential for loyal customers, and they did their homework,” said Capener.
But the Town Center’s gains could mean losses for other malls like The Avenues or Regency.
“My prediction is with all the activity, with things like this new Nordstrom store opening, that the economic impact will be much greater and to a higher level here at the St. Johns Town Center than their competitors,” said Capener.
But Capener said the hope is that there’s enough business for all three to grow. Ultimately, he said having a full service Nordstrom store puts Jacksonville in the big leagues of retail.
The smaller stores in phase three open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 8 while Nordstrom's grand opening will be held on Oct. 10.
On Saturday, Oct. 11 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. the Town Center will host a grand opening celebration in the new wing, complete with Cirque du Soleil performers.
WJAX
