Nordstrom counts down to Friday's opening

Nordstrom in Ridgedale mall opened its doors for a short time to the media on Monday. I gleaned a few tidbits not covered in Sunday's story.

The entire two floors are Nordstrom's latest design called "single surface floor." The company can enlarge or contract any department since departments are not compartmentalized by different carpeting or fixtures. All fixtures are movable. This is the 7th Nordstrom with the new design, said Nordstom spokeswoman Emily Sterken.

The cosmetics department is probably the most different from the Mall of America store. Customers who prefer to select their own items without having to ask someone behind the counter will find nearly everything within their own reach. There is also a "trending now" video kiosk and a "must have" counter with beauty products larger than sample sizes but smaller than the standard, said Sterken.

Women's apparel, which takes up most of the second floor, includes a "girlfriends" extra large fitting room. A customer can bring several friends into her dressing room for consultation.

The store has a number of pieces by local artists including a large, stunning canvas inspired by Duluth from Minneapolis artist Betsy Byers.