INTERVIEW: Nordstrom NYC Vice President And General Manager, Chris Wanlass, On Nordstrom X The Ness, The Fashion Retailer’s Hamptons Presence, Fall Trends And More

Nordstrom is closing out the summer by teaming up with The Ness to host a series of low-impact – and socially distanced – sculpt workout classes and a wellness and activewear pop-up shop at Hero Beach Club in Montauk. Additionally, the luxury department store is now offering same-day and next-day delivery to the Hamptons and New York City.

We caught up with Chris Wanlass, Nordstrom NYC Vice President and General Manager, about the leading fashion retailer’s Hamptons presence, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, fall trends and more.

Tell us about the new delivery service to the Hamptons.

CW: We know many of our customers are enjoying their summers outside of the city, or have been out of the city working remotely during the pandemic. We’re excited to launch two expedited delivery options for New Yorkers to make shopping online and in our stores even more easy, convenient and make their experience between the two as seamless as possible. Customers can now choose same-day and next-delivery options to the Hamptons and within New York City for $20. We’re excited to also offer our Nordstrom cardmembers free next-day delivery too!

What items will be available?

CW: If an item is in our NYC Flagship or Men’s Store and online, it’s available for delivery. Customers can shop Nordstrom.com and order before 12:00 p.m., noon, local time to receive their purchase same-day. Customers can also work with one of our NYC salespeople by phone to have their purchases shipped same-day if they place their order before noon. If a customer chooses the next-day delivery option, their online product choices increase to include merchandise from all of our stores in the surrounding area, as well as our fulfillment center.

This summer, Nordstrom is collaborating with The Ness on a pop-up at Hero Beach in Montauk. What does the partnership entail?

CW: To celebrate our new Hamptons delivery options, we’re partnering with The Ness at the Hero Beach Club in Montauk to host outdoor socially-distanced workout classes, as well as the ‘Au Courant by Dria for Nordstrom Pop-Up Shop‘ on August 27, August 28 and August 29. Located in the hotel’s garden, the shop will encompass a curated selection of activewear and wellness products from our NYC flagship curated by The Ness Co-Founder Dria Murphy. Some of the activewear brands are Nike, Alo, Sweaty Betty, Aviator Nation, Beach Riot, Electric Rose, Tory Burch Sport, and our own exclusive private label, Zella. There will also be a selection of wellness and beauty brands including Golde, Sunday Riley, Briogeo, Tata Harper and more. Customers are invited to place their orders at the pop-up for same-day delivery and we’ll waive the $20 fee.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (August 19 through August 30) just commenced. What are some of the most highly anticipated items that will be available?

CW: Every year during the Anniversary Sale, we bring customers the best deals on the hottest brands and trends, as well as everyday must-haves for the whole family. New this year in response to our customers, the sale will feature an expanded assortment of loungewear, activewear and home items to accommodate the stay-at-home life that many customers are experiencing. Women will find brands like Nike, Adidas and Sweaty Betty, as well as Veronica Beard, L’Agence, Vince, Free People and more. For a little self-care, customers will find hundreds of beauty and wellness exclusives from brands like Trish McEvoy, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Charlotte Tilbury and Beauty Bio. There are lots of items for men and kids too!

Looking towards the fall, what trends can we expect?

CW: For fall, we’re seeing a return to the familiar with simplified design and a shift towards a casualized approach to dressing with luxe materials in easy silhouettes, cozy textures and a focus on timeless investment pieces.

To register for a sculpt class, visit www.thenessnyc.com.