I love to browse and shop in department stores. A couple of weeks ago, I was in Scottsdale, Arizona for vacation, and visited a department store called Dillard’s for the first time. In short, I was blown away by its fabness, and left wishing we had one in Seattle. I later learned that this was the largest and fanciest Dillard’s store in the US. Their flagship.
I was in the company of fantastic friends who are very familiar with Dillard’s. They patiently took me to the footwear, handbag and clothing areas, where we stayed for hours. They rate it as the best department store in the US, and I understand why. The assortment is vast, varied, and value-driven. The prices are much more affordable than Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. The merchandise is different and diverse, and there are discounts available too. One of my friends describes Dillard’s as Macy’s back in its heyday.
I was like a kid in a candy store, and I gobbled it all up. I saw familiar brands and items I had yet to see in person. There were new-to-me brands that are now on my radar. I saw favourite brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, which was reassuring. Dillard’s house brands looked very promising. There was a huge petites and plus size area. And the endless racks of amazing dresses and skirts that you can simply take to the dressing room and try on was very appealing.
The handbag section launched me into orbit. It was huge, budget-friendly, oozing with high quality and pizazz, and some discounts too. So much gorgeousness, and my friends scored big time. I could have bought two on the spot, but didn’t. That said, I have the cream darling on the right in my wishlist.
As I was browsing the offerings, I could see items that my diverse set of clientele and friends would like. I could take any of them to this Dillard’s store, and we’d find come back with wardrobe winners. I cannot say the same about Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, as much as I adore those department stores too. It really opened my eyes, and I’m grateful for the experience. The Dillard’s website and their search function does not do the offerings justice. It’s not as extensive as the in-store assortment either. That’s the reason I wasn’t as impressed with Dillard’s from afar. Now that I’ve spent time in their top store, I’m much, much more impressed.
The experience reminded me how important it is to visit stores in-person, when we can. I can get bogged down ordering more and more items online, when we have excellent malls in Seattle. The Dillard’s mall in Scottsdale – Fashion Square – was absolutely buzzing in the middle of February. I left feeling exhilarated and bouncing off the walls. I’ve promised myself to do more in-store shopping. I love to shop online, yet brick ’n mortar shopping has my heart. Especially when you’re joined by fab friends and loved ones.
Keep Dillard’s on your radar as a go-to shopping destination because of their more affordable and diverse assortment. Get to a brick ’n mortar store if you can, although some stores are better than others. I am checking out Dillard’s very frequently these days, although I have to order online.
Feel free to share your thoughts on Dillard’s in the comments section.
