NORDSTROM: THE LONG WAIT IS OVER
Honolulu has been waiting for a full Nordstrom store almost as long as new manager Brian Tatsumura, left, Pam Miyashiro and Irving Ishihara
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and accessories for women, men and children,” says Tatsumura.
“And some things that are different about the Hawaii store is on Fridays, it’s aloha Friday. So as a store we will have aloha or business casual attire. Also, we’ll have Hawaiian or local music playing in the store, and our menu will be enhanced with local dishes.”
Also unique to the Hawaii store is the flooring in the Kids’ Wear department which includes tiles hand-painted by 200 children ages 5 to 12 from Honolulu.
The tiles were painted last September at an event benefitting the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center.
Nordstrom was founded as a shoe store by John W. Nordstrom in Seattle in 1901. His goal was to fit everyone in the city of Seattle in a shoe which meant carrying every single size and width out there.
That mission continues with not only shoes but clothing as well, and it’s one of the things Nordstrom believes sets it apart from its competitors.
“We are really dedicated to carrying a depth of sizes,” says Perret. “For women, we have petites and plus sizes.
“Also, we know from customers today that people really mix high and low (price points). And we are able to provide that breadth of offering in one store.”
Today, the company operates 101 full-line stores, 50 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques, one freestanding shoe store and two clearance stores, as well as an online and catalog service.
Nearly 600 people have been hired for the new store, with about 525 coming from the local community.
“The thing I really like about working at Nordstrom is that they empower you to run your own business,” says Tatsumura. “It’s like I’m the owner of the business, and I really enjoy that portion of it. Also, I work with really great people, some of whom I’ve worked with for more than 30 years.”
Tatsumura, a 1970 graduate of Castle High School, now lives in Hawaii Kai with wife Gina. They are parents of three children, two of them grown, and one is in high school here.
He started working at Nordstrom while going to school, which he admits to taking 10 years to do before finally earning a degree in business management from the University of Hawaii.
“My mom really wanted me to finish college, and I’m glad I did,” he says. “I went to night school for six years in order to finish.”
And while his retail experience and education should come in handy with the day-today operations of the new store, you can also count on him for his knowledge of shoes.
“That’s my roots, the shoe area,” he says.
“And it’s the history of the company too. When I walk in (the new store), I feel like I never left. Although, it’s much more modern today from when I started.’
Tatsumura confesses to owning about a dozen shoes. He says he’s constantly purging his shoe closet to make room for new pairs.
“For men’s shoes, my favorite designer is Ferragamo because of the Italian craftsmanship, and it’s all leather,” he says. “I remember saving up to buy my first pair. It was expensive - around $200. I couldn’t believe I spent that kind of money on it, but they’re great. They last, they’re comfortable and they wear well.
“That’s when I learned the whole value equation.”
Like his Ferragamo shoes, it’s probably safe to say that Nordstrom is a good fit for Hawaii shoppers.
Nordstrom at Ala Moana Center Grand Opening Events
Wednesday, March 5
(7 to 10 p.m.)
Evening Gala
This fashionable fete will benefit the Bishop Museum, Hawaii Theatre Center and HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support). Guests will enjoy lavish pupu, cocktails and buffets, live entertainment and the opportunity to do some “sneak preview” shopping in the new 210,000-square-foot specialty store. The highlight of the evening will be a full runway fashion show of American and European designer spring collections in a tent adjacent to the store. Tickets are $150 per person. For more information, call 723-1879.
Friday, March 7
(7:30 to 9 a.m.)
Cosmetics Tailgate Party
Set your alarm and bring your girlfriends to the new Nordstrom at Ala Moana for a morning of complimentary makeup applications and demonstrations from cosmetic lines including MAC, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and more. Get the inside scoop on new products and trends and learn the latest tips and tricks from the Nordstrom team of beauty experts. Located outside the second floor mall entrance, there will be light refreshments and lots of great cosmetics samples. A fun, high-energy way to start the day and be among the first in line for the Nordstrom doors to open.
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