2 Big Name Stores Breathing New Life Into Center City's Retail Landscape
By Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Attention shoppers!
Two stores opening this week will breathe new life into Center City's retail landscape.
New York-based department store Century 21 will open in the Gallery on 8th and Market Thursday.
Nordstrom Rack is set to open Friday on the corner of 17th and Chestnut.
Casandra Dominguez says, "Center City retail is well and booming and there is more to come."
Casandra is with the Center City district and says both store openings will help make Philadelphia a shopping destination.
"Because of Nordstrom Rack coming in for example, some of their competitors are also starting to look for space in the city."
Both retailers are "setting up shop" in buildings that used to house other department stores.
Even though Century 21 signs are up, the ghost of shopping past can be seen.
Strawbridges used to be here for more than 130 years until it closed in 2006.
And Nordstrom Rack is taking up three floors of the former eight-floor Daffy's, which closed two years ago.
Casandra adds, "It's going to cause excitement for what's to come in Center City."
Retail experts say the newest shopping trend revolves around discount luxury brands.
Linda Shein of the Wharton School says, "Nordstrom and Century 21 spotted this at the same time so that sort of tells us something. It's not one company doing it in isolation, so that would probably indicate that everybody thinks that's the direction."
Linda Shein is an expert in brick and mortar retail and says a grand opening in Fall is a smart move.
"It's perfect timing, just in time for the holidays."
And shoppers have been counting down to the grand openings.
Toni Harris says, "Now that Nordstrom is down here I'm so happy! Ahh! And Century 21 because you have the best!"
And with excitement like this, how can companies not cater to Philly shoppers?
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