Jacksonville’s first Nordstrom opens tonight for gala patrons to be the first to shop at the St. Johns Town Center store, while the other stores in the center’s third phase open at 10 a.m. today.
Nordstrom opens to the public at 10 a.m. Friday.
Seattle-based Nordstrom, which anchors Phase III, has raised $105,000 to benefit three Jacksonville nonprofits: Cathedral Arts Project, Junior League of Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
John Bailey, senior public relations manager for Nordstrom, said Tuesday that more than 1,400 patrons bought the $75 tickets for the gala benefit, which was underwritten by Nordstrom so that all the funds could benefit the nonprofits.
He said the tickets sold out in two weeks.
The third phase is anchored by the 124,000-square-foot Nordstrom and eight other stores: A two-level, 16,282-square-foot Arhaus Furniture, a 4,517-square-foot Disney Store, a 2,400-square-foot Boston Proper, a 2,500-square-foot Free People, a 2,000-square-foot ModelCitizen, a 2,000-square-foot Natural Life, a 1,677-square-foot Swim ‘n Sport, and a 1,500-square-foot Yankee Candle.
Free People will open in the spring. Phase III is a pedestrian wing, featuring a plaza with seating, shade and outdoor dining at Nordstrom.
Nordstrom will operate from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
It will feature the Ebar coffee shop outside the store, with indoor and patio seating, and the 150-seat Bazille restaurant inside on the second floor.
Nordstrom employs 426 people at the store, including 321 hired from Jacksonville.
Of note among the other new stores, Disney features murals of Jacksonville landmarks, such as the Main Street Bridge and the Downtown Northbank, Treaty Oak and the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
Among other opening events:
• Nordstrom will hold a “beauty bash” at 8 a.m. Friday in the south parking lot before the 10 a.m. store opening.
• A St. Johns Town Center street festival and evening entertainment start at 2 p.m. Saturday. The 2-6 p.m. festival will feature magicians, fire throwers, stilt walkers and street entertainment. From 6-9 p.m., the center plans fashion shows, piano-bar style entertainment, wine tastings and food from center restaurants. The evening will start with the latest runway fashions and in-store events.
For information, visit the St. Johns Town Center Phase III Grand Opening page on Facebook.
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