Nordstrom opens outlet in Maple Grove today Nordstrom Rack (Arbor Lakes, 12745 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, 763-898-5300) opens today at 9 a.m. At a recent Rack opening in Texas, more than 600 people were in line before doors opened. What's the fuss? Nordstrom usually overstocks a new store with premium goods to get shoppers excited. One difference from the Mall of America outlet is that shoes are in boxes on the floor so customers don't have to go to the shoe mate window. Other goodies to look for: a large supply of Uggs, cuff links, North Face clothing, Coach and Cole Haan handbags, and plenty of premium denim for men and women. The Rack also has on-site tailors. At 8:45 a.m., one shopper will get 90 seconds to grab up to $2,000 in merchandise (sizes can be exchanged later). Get a $5 coupon for Houlihan's restaurant with any Rack purchase. The first 1,000 customers get free reusable shopping bags.

Worthy sample sale It's not nearly as big as a Gabberts warehouse sale, but there are plenty of gems at the Hirshfield's Design Studio sample sale (721 2nd Av. N., Minneapolis, 612-374-8901). The bargain quotient is jacked up this year when, for the first time, everything on the floor is discounted 35 percent (special orders excluded). Samples will be discounted 50 to 70 percent, including 20 pieces by Baker. Highlights: a Bernhardt neutral tuxedo sofa for $800, regularly $2,610, and a 44- by 64-inch abstract art piece that was $1,050 for $200. Many accessories are below wholesale cost. A preview from 4 to 7 p.m. today costs $15. Admission is free from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Gabberts hopes to have a warehouse sale in the fall if a location can be found.

More fine sample sales Operation Glass Slipper, which provides free prom dresses and accessories to girls from low-income families in the Twin Cities, is having a sale for the public to take advantage of excess inventory and raise cash for the nonprofit. Gowns include mother of the bride, flower girl, prom and special occasion from $1 to $20. Eighty percent of the dresses are new, donated by local retailers. OGS will also accept donations of special occasion dresses, jewelry, shoes and accessories at the sale from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 10950 Club West Parkway, Suite 210, Blaine, 763-755-6500, www.operation glassslipper.org).

Glenrose Bridal (10100 6th Av. N., Plymouth, 763-591-9333, and 582 W. 78th St., Chanhassen, 952-934-3434) will have a sample sale of bridal gowns and mother's dresses Tuesday through Sept. 19. Bridal gowns start at $99 with most about $300 in sizes 10 or 12 (4 to 20 size range). Brands include Morilee, Alfred Angelo, Maggie Sottero and Casablanca. Bridesmaids' dresses are $10, mother of the bride dresses are $40 (regularly $200 to $300) and flower girls' dresses are $50. Due to a limited number of dressing rooms, appointments are requested during sale hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

David Rosenberg's sample sale (11525 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, 612-343-3221) includes fall/winter clothing for younger and older women, plus sizes, men and boys. Most brands are moderate, including Tribal, Habitat, Quiksilver, Pepe and Sun Moda. Many of the goods are discounted 70 to 80 percent from wholesale prices; there will also be $3 and $5 racks. The sale will be today through Saturday.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/blogs/dealspotter.