I am near a mall that has a Macy's, a L&T, and a Nordstrom's. Of all three, I prefer shopping at the L&T.
The Nordstrom's always seems to have a sparser selection compared to what's online. The lighting is dark and the mirrors are tilted, thus deceiving. The petite's section is always picked over and limited. And I've not ever been impressed with the SA's -- I can't tell you how many times I can see they size me up and know there's not going to be anything in the store that fits me, and then they wind up taking me to the computer to show me what I can order online. Frustrating! I could've saved myself the trip! This applies to shoes as well -- I've rarely bought shoes there because 9 out of 10 times, they are out of my shoe size. That said, I really like Nordstrom's online site -- the selection and the user experience -- and do order a lot online. But I dislike the brick&mortar store so much, I rarely make the trip to return items in the store. I return by mail instead.
Macy's has really gone down hill. I hate going in that store now, though I still occasionally buy items online, sticking to certain tried-and-true brands, like Ralph Lauren (love their dresses). I also don't mind their shoe department - it's a mess, yes, but I prefer shopping in their concentrated shoe mess rather than walking through an enormous DSW, hopping along on one bare foot, pulling out my own boxes, and trying them on standing up. Grrr. And the SA's in the Macy's shoe department are always helpful -- second only to Bloomingdale's shoe SA's, in my experience.
L&T - the store near me is bright, well lit, and the dressing room mirrors don't seem to play tricks. It's not messy and disorganized like Macy's (except during sales). The SA's tend to be non-existent but I don't mind that - sometimes I don't want anyone hovering. They have an enormous dress section -- with casual dresses near business dresses and formal dresses too. Petites aren't just in a separate department but are often mixed in with regulars (organized by brand) which I find can actually be helpful, for comparison's sake. And I forget the store brand, but I like their cardigans much better than Nordstrom's Calson or Halogen. Quality is better. They also have the best selection of business wear - suit jackets, shells, skirts, slacks. Not high end designer /trendy but if you need that sort of clothes, it's worth checking out. I've never bought shoes there because typically by the time I am done looking through the clothes, I am too worn out to stop and look at shoes, but they have a great selection.
Macy's - best for shoe shopping
L&T - best for dress shopping
Nordstrom's - my strategy is to swing by in hopes of being able to see an item that was online, to get a sense of the quality, without any expectation that they'll have it in my size. But while in that mall, I can at least feel the fabric and see it in person -- before going back home to order online.
