Leading Question

>>Retail analysts say local stores should brace for the impact when the Seattle-based retailer opens its first Southwest Florida store on Nov. 7 in Waterside Shops. The two-story, 77,000-square-foot store in the Naples shopping center will be the ninth Nordstrom in Florida.

Some retailers are already expecting a slow month, or beyond, as residents and vacationers check out the well-known retailer.

"It’s like another hurricane in Naples," says Ed Verdesca, co-owner of Jami’s & Just Comfortable Clothing, which has locations on Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South in Naples. "I think November will be soft because the first few weeks of November, everybody’s going to see Nordstrom."

For Scot Congress, the concern isn’t just about the impact on sales at Congress Jewelers, but competition for employees.

"I think whenever you have any jewelry operations opening up, I’m going to see an impact. There’s only so many dollars to go around," he says. "On another frustrating level for me, there’s great competition for trained personnel. A company like Nordstrom certainly has the ability to offer more [such as in benefits and salary]."

The store is expected to employ 180.

Players above and below Nordstrom’s price range, which some term "affordable luxury," should be prepared to notice the retailer’s entrance in the market, says Derek Noce, director of Tampa-based Retail Intelligence Group, an investment advisory firm specializing in the retail industry.

"Macy’s stands to be hurt somewhat, as well as other specialty chains that appeal to a more upscale audience," he says. "Chico’s has been hurting as it is, and it doesn’t help their cause."

Howard Davidowitz, chairman of New York-based retail consulting and investment banking firm Davidowitz & Associates Inc., says specialty stores and department stores should expect to be impacted for longer than the grand-opening period as Nordstrom changes the market.