Nordstrom Rack coming to Mall of Louisiana in 2015, more new stores to be announced soon

Baton Rouge will be home to the state’s first Nordstrom Rack store come next fall. The discount store announced today it be will moving into the Mall of Louisiana outparcel that is also home to Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW and Lane Bryant. Nordstrom Rack, the off-price retail division of Nordstrom Inc., is scheduled to open a 30,000-square-foot space in September 2015 if construction moves according to schedule, says Mall of Louisiana General Manager Tony Stephens. Nordstrom plans to renovate the space currently occupied by American Factory Direct Furniture. Nordstrom operates 284 stores in 37 states, including 162 Nordstrom Racks, but this will be the company’s first location in Louisiana. Naomi Tobis, vice president of communications with Nordstrom Inc., says the company was attracted to the Baton Rouge location because it’s already successful. “It already has great retail options,” Tobis says. “It’s anchored with stores and restaurants. We look for locations that are convenient for our customers.” The Mall of Louisiana announced in April that a Red Robin, which is currently under construction, and a Microsoft Specialty Store, would also join its lineup. Stephens says a Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is also under construction, and that a number of new stores will be announced in the next 30 days as the final details on lease negotiations are worked out. —Kelly Connelly