Nordstrom Rack hosted grand opening festivities Thursday at the Fountains at Farrah. Almost 200 people lined up for the event, which included music, free food and giveaways.
An eager collection of fashion aficionados began gathering at the outdoor mall early in the morning, beating both employees and the sun to the retailer.
According to their press release, Nordstrom Rack is “the off-price division… offering on-trend, of-the-moment clearance merchandise from Nordstrom stores.”
Attendees were eligible to enter a drawing to win a shopping spree and to be recognized as the first shopper on the opening day.
“I’ve been here since 6 (a.m.),” said Lizett Garcia, pre-nursing sophomore. “I want the $1000 prize.”
The El Paso Nordstrom Rack was one of five other locations across the nation to open on October 10. The local branch brings the national tally up to 137 stores.
“I usually shop at the mall, just whatever store,” Alejandra Alonso, sophomore biochemistry major.
Alonso said she was excited to have a new alternative to what was previously available next door at Cielo Vista Mall.
As prize slips were pulled from a spinning raffle drum, Garcia and Alonso were not among the winners. But another UTEP student had freshly-won money in hand for her first walkthrough of the store.
“It is a great opportunity for shoppers to have a different vibe from a different store,” said Jessica Sosa, junior business major. “It is really neat. It’s a nice store.”
Sosa was one of 30 to win a $100 gift card. She said her winnings will go towards shoes and high heels.
The Nordstrom Rack is located at 8889 Gateway West at the Fountains at Farah shopping center.
S. David Ramirez may be reached at [email protected].
