Pros: Great modern styles, helpful and friendly staff, complimentary alterations for cardmembers
Cons: Lost garment (x2), disorganized communication between departments
Nordstrom is my standby for stylish casual as well as weekend wear. I recently ordered a gown online that required altering, so I decided to take advantage of the 'free' alterations (up to $100) for cardholders (you will be sent a Nordstrom note for the same amount to spend at a later date).
At the Cherry Hill store, I had two sets of alterations done, working with Margarita (the Alterations dept manager) and later Anna. Overall, both women did a fantastic job on the dress. With Margarita, I did find that I had to be direct/firm with some changes I wanted - ie when she first saw me in the dress she mentioned it fit perfectly (it fit well, but not perfectly, which is why I was there). I noted that I wanted the extra fabric near the small of my back and bodice taken in (and pinched the dress to show her where it was loose). I asked for a corsellette I had purchased to be sewn into the dress which they would not do, as it would alter the dress construction and I guess there is too much risk for the design to be compromised so be aware that there are some limitations, even on basic alterations. She suggested either taking it to a local tailor to have it sewn in, or she could just put a few stitches in the top of each cup to attach to the dress, which is what I opted for after she assured me it should hold with the dress.
When I called to see if the dress was ready, it was lost for a few hours. I originally called alterations and gave my ticket number; they told me the dress was not there but it was ready for pickup and waiting in the Individualist department where I had the alteration measurements taken. When I drove out to the store, the dress could not be located. After some time, it turns out it was still in alterations. They sent the dress back and I tried it on, most of the alterations were perfect, but the sewing of the bra cup led to puckering in the bodice. The next woman from alterations suggested sewing in bra snaps to loop around the back part of the bra, however, it extended about 6" which is too wide for that treatment. Instead she offered to put in some flexible boning in the bodice and cup areas, and take in some extra fabric in the front of the bodice that I had originally asked Margarita about that she said was fine. Anna even recommended a better brand for a foundation strapless bra which was also affordable.
When I came back the second time to pick up the gown, it was misplaced again (!) but located within 25 minutes. Not really sure how this system can be improved but losing a dress twice is something I was surprised to experience at a higher end department store. Props to Matthew in Individualist who repeatedly checked in to make sure I was being helped while I waited, offered me bottled water, then took the initiative to help look and was the one who found the dress... hanging on the outside of a dressing room door. (Not really sure how this was missed for 25 minutes) and Lisa who had followed protocol, signed out the dress, told her colleagues I was coming to pick it up, and packed it in a new zippered garment bag when I checked out (she was on lunch break when I arrived to get the MIA dress)
The final alterations done by Anna were perfection, I was impressed with the boning and the dress fit like it was made for me. Margarita was good, but Anna was excellent and went above and beyond. I'm excited to take advantage of the complimentary tailoring in the future. read more