WBEZ | shopping

Why I'm on Team Nordstrom

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:00:00 -0500

When my mom used to take me clothes shopping, we had a bit of a disagreement over where to shop. I would have preferred to go to individual stores like the Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy (ignore the fact that those are basically the same store). But my mom preferred department stores like Bloomingdales, Saks or Marshall Fields (RIP) because they had good service, good quality, a wide variety — and because she had credit cards there. I didn’t like the department stores, though, because they felt too old-fashioned to me. I felt like I rarely saw girls my own age the department stores. You didn’t buy “pants” at department stores, you bought “slacks.” Department stores were staffed by disapproving older women, played fusty muzak, had headache-inducing lighting and were organized in confounding and monotonous ways.

I felt that way until I discovered Nordstrom. Nordstrom has everything that’s good about a department store, I.E. everything under one roof, but somehow manages to make shopping a fun experience. I’m not a consumer genius so I’m not sure exactly what it is but I think it’s a combination of their lighting (bright but not blinding), layout (open, without that never-ending college-library circular maze feel) and selection (wide but not overwhelming, like someone actually decided there were items they would not show or sell you).

Good service exists at Nordstrom, too, even if you don’t look all rich and fancy the way things often go at Neiman Marcus (AKA “Needless Markups”— haha, up here, high five!). I’ve had Nordstrom salesgirls go above and beyond the call of duty to help me track something down, or find something I needed but couldn’t articulate, or even suggest something I would have never tried before, but without making me feel like a chumpy walking commission.

Most importantly: Nordstrom gives you cash for returns. There’s something really wonderful about turning a piece of merchandise you don’t want into some cash you actually need. It’s like Nordstrom is the realistic, considerate wedding guest who knows the bride and groom could always use cash; if they want to spend it on boots, fine, but if they need to put it towards dog food, that’s OK too.

But now I have another reason to feel good about shopping at Nordstrom: The company has made a point of openly supporting gay marriage, stating so in a company-wide memo.

I admit I am not the most conscientious shopper when it comes to supporting or not-supporting organizations based on their belief systems (it’s easy for me not to patronize Chik-Fil-A mostly because of the calories and tummyache). I would have continued to happily shop at Nordstrom had it failed to ever make a public announcement on its stance on gay marriage. But I admire the company president and executives for taking a public stance on equality, probably just because they really didn’t have to. The store will undoubtedly lose some shoppers, and it may gain a few new customers, but I think more important are the consumers who probably never expected that shopping at a department store would make them think twice about marriage equality, the ladies who go to Old Orchard Mall on weekend afternoons or the teenagers cruising the Uggs collection. It’s nice knowing that they might give this topic a second thought while they’re pulling out their credit cards.

So there’s a new way that Nordstrom is keeping department store shopping hip and relevant. Getting cash back for returns is still probably my favorite thing about the chain, but taking a public stance on inclusion is pretty cool, too.

Ethics Moment: I consume, therefore I am

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:28:00 -0600

Before the secret behind Santa was revealed to us by an older sibling or a loud-mouthed classmate, the magic of the holidays were untarnishable. Now, the season seems a little less jolly, focused mainly around getting the best deals to give the best presents that may cost more than we can afford.

Professor Al Gini confirms that holiday spending has become a critical measurement of national and global economic health. The majority of the year's retail sales will, in fact, happen within a month of Christmas. However, there are other aspects of the holidays that can be appreciated and enjoyed in the company of others.

Al Gini is a professor of business ethics and chair of the department of management at Loyola University Chicago. He is also the co-founder and associate editor of Business Ethics Quarterly, and the author of several books, including My Job, My Self and Seeking the Truth of Things: Confessions of a (catholic) Philosopher.

Shop 'til you drop

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:15:00 -0600

For over a century, the day after Thanksgiving has been the busiest shopping day of the year. Let's go back and look at Black Friday thirty years ago--November 27, 1981.

The big news in Chicago was that the federal government had given the green light, and the city was set to host a World's Fair in 1992. The other major story was about Harry Caray, the Sox TV broadcaster. He was moving north, and would be doing the Cubs games next summer.

The weather had been warm, so shoppers were turning out in large numbers. Over a million people jammed the State Street Mall, and sizeable crowds were seen on North Michigan Avenue. Ford City reported a record 60,000 shoppers. Woodfield, Oak Brook, and Old Orchard were also having a busy day.

Shopping styles varied. The country was pulling out of a recession, and some retailers noted that customers were buying fewer--but more expensive--Christmas gifts. Other people were just looking for a bargain. That was good news for Goldblatt's, which was shutting down its last fourteen department stores.

Every retailer seemed to have a special sale. Rose Records was featuring Barbra Streisand's "Memories" album and "The Jacksons Live." If you wanted a book, Kroch's & Brentano's offered a coffee-table volume The Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana. Polk Brothers' big item was a 25-inch RCA color TV with remote control, for $598.

Of course, a few shoppers were interested in the latest in electronics. Polk's was also selling a state-of-the-art RCA video cassette recorder for $598. An electric typewriter was available for $274. And at Oak Brook, the local computer store had slapped a $530 discount on the Apple Family System. The new, low price was $2,095.

Toys remained traditional in 1981. Dolls and air rifles, puzzles and action figures were being advertised. A good portion of the kids' merchandise was connected to the "Dukes of Hazzard" TV series.

As the sun started to go down, a happy throng gathered at State and Wacker. Mayor Jane Byrne pushed a button. In front of her the city's 70-foot Christmas tree burst into light, and all down the State Street Mall, 100,000 white lights glistened.

The crowd cheered. It was the Christmas season in Chicago!

Economists predict big turnout for Black Friday sales

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0600

Retailers opened their doors early this morning to Black Friday shoppers, and some economists say after a year of economic turbulence, this might be the busiest one in years.

"The timing just couldn't be worse," said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial in Chicago

Swonk said after a year of record gas prices, stagnant wages, high unemployment and volatile stock market swings, consumer confidence has plummeted. As a result, she said people are planning to spend less on Christmas gifts this year.

Meanwhile, Mara Devitt, who's with a Chicago-based retail consulting firm, said shoppers looking for the best deals on popular items could make this Black Friday one of the busiest in recent years.

"Because of all of the economic pressures plus the way the retailers have made it more accessible it's going to make for a much more exciting and busier black friday this year," said Devitt.

Both Devitt and Swonk said retailers are anticipating improvements on sales from last year, but they credit that to shoppers buying necessities for themselves rather than gifts for others.

Where mad scientists shop

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:07:00 -0600

When you live in a city like Chicago, there are cool places that you hear a lot about but never manage to get to. For Gabriel and I, American Science and Surplus was one of those places. It's a store that sells all sorts of science-related goodies and seems like the perfect place for Clever Apes to congregate. It was almost criminal that two guys who work on a science show hadn't been there. So, a couple weeks ago, we went to check it out.

Owner Philip Cable was nice enough to show us around the location on the Northwest Side. Cable took over the operation in 2000, but the business has been around since "about 1937." Click on the audio slideshow below to hear our interview with Cable and see the store.

Carol Moseley Braun tours 87th Street on Black Friday

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:58:00 -0600

Chicago mayoral candidate Carol Moseley Braun is spending Black Friday touring a commercial corridor on 87^th Street.

November 27^th is nationally dubbed Small Business Saturday. Organizers said it’s a way to support local commerce as the holiday shopping season commences.

Essential Elements on east 87^th Street is a clothing store that’s participating. It’s also one of the merchants Moseley Braun visited near Stony Island.

"The businesses in the neighborhoods need as much attention and help as downtown. And while it’s great to shop – we’ve got great shopping in the Loop and down North Michigan. At the same time there’s some great stores in the neighborhoods as well," Moseley Braun said.

She said the city should leverage the private sector to invest in small, neighborhood businesses.

Illinois targets shoppers abusing accessible parking spots

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:34:00 -0600

Searching and circling for a parking spot this holiday season? If you're among the legions of drivers and shoppers desparate to find a place to park, beware: Illinois is cracking down on people who illegally park in accessible parking spaces.

Secretary of State Police were out on Friday giving tickets to holiday shoppers who shouldn’t be parking in spaces reserved for those with disabilities.

The police were combing the parking lots across the state. Locally, officers were at Woodfield, Oak Brook and Orland Park malls.

"Primarily this is part of our annual enforcement detail that we conduct especially around the holiday season to get the message across to the public that spaces are reserved for persons with disabilities," said Bill Bodgan, disability liaison for the Illinois Secretary of State. "They should be left open to those that truly need them."

But Bogdan says abuse escalates during the holiday season.

The fine for parking without an accessible placard or disability license can be up to $350.

Is the term 'Black Friday' outdated?

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 06:00:00 -0600

Some economists expect retailers to be pleased with the amount of shoppers out Friday. That's after a few disappointing Black Fridays in recent years.

Diane Swonk thinks the term Black Friday is outdated. "I think it should be crowned Red Tag Friday," she said. Swonk is chief economist at Mesirow Financial in Chicago. She said Black Friday is now more of a season as opposed to just one day. She expects long lines Friday and retail sales to be the best they've been in four years. But, "When you've lowered the bar so low, it's easy to clear the hurdle," she said.

Swonk says sales of high end items, like jewelry, dipped during the recession but those are expected to rebound nicely this year.

Meantime, the Chicago Police Department is stepping up patrols downtown Friday. Officers are trying to crack down on pickpocketing around the city's major shopping areas on Michigan Avenue and State Street. Police Commander Ken Angarone said subways and stores with a high amount of foot traffic are prime targets for pickpocketers.

"Any time you have crowds, that's an opportunity for increased criminal activity. Where a criminal feels that he can become anonymous in a crowd, that's a prime opportunity."

Angarone said shoppers should keep their purses in front of them when walking in crowded areas.

Top 5 places to eat near shopping centers

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0600

photo of Bandera's Macho Salad by Joseph Storch

If it weren't for the promise of a satisfying lunch, many of us wouldn't even bother with holiday shopping. Seriously, if you don't fuel up, you're going to get cranky, and that's going to affect how much you spend on Uncle Random, right? Herewith, five tasty recommendations for notable noshing near our most splendid shopping centers.

1. Michigan Avenue: Bandera
Yes, it's a chain, but there are only five in the country, and this is the only one in the state. I could go on and on about their Macho Salad, jammed with rotisserie chicken, goat cheese and incomparable cornbread croutons (thanks, Meme) but really, you have to try it for yourself.

2. Northbrook Court: Charlie Beinlich's
Ok, so it's not exactly IN the Mall, but it's only a five-minute drive, and the burgers, shrimp and crabmeat cocktails and tuna salad are well worth the wait.

3. Old Orchard: Ruby of Siam
I may have overlooked this last week, as an honorable mention for my top Thai, but this unassuming little joint in the Fashion Square Mall just a few blocks South of Old Orchard has remarkable home-cooked dishes. Be sure to order the One-Bite Noodle!

4. Ford City Mall: Zacatacos
I'm referring to the 71st Street location, just a few minutes' drive from the Mall, but well worth it, compared to the crap actually within the Mall. There is extremely high turnover here, so you know everything is incredibly fresh.

5. Oak Brook/Yorktown Mall: Labriola Bakery & Cafe
Again, this is actually closer to Yorktown Mall - and you'll have to get in your car to get there - but the pizza and burger alone are worth it. Surprising fact: the homemade gelato here is just about as good as Freddie's in Cicero. No joke.

Also: can't ignore Woodfield Mall, and would recommend the Shaw's/Big Bowl combo at the Streets of Woodfield. Someone on Twitter also reminded me of the Frontera Fresco at Old Orchard (inside Macy's) which is also great (if there isn't a Hot Doug's-esque line).

Sears, other stores hope for shoppers on Thanksgiving Day

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:01:00 -0600

This year, some retailers are hoping for a Black Thursday in addition to a Black Friday.

The economic slump is pushing some retailers to encroach on a once sacrosanct holiday. For the first time, Sears will open Thanksgiving morning. Sears spokeswoman Natalie Norris-Howser says this is a response to what customers want.

``Every opportunity they can take to check that one more thing off of their list, they’re willing to do,’’ Norris-Howser said.

But not everyone thinks it will yield much of a payoff. Morningstar analyst Paul Swinand says it’s a gamble that he usually sees from retailers that are struggling.

``You might have just captured somebody you would have captured later in December anyway, so now you’ve spent more money to capture the same amount of sales in aggregate over the holiday period,’’ Swinand said.

Many Old Navy stores will open on Thanksgiving, but most retailers are waiting till Black Friday. Carson Pirie Scott hopes people will take a little catnap after digesting pumpkin pie and head out to shop at 3:00 am on Friday.