L L.
Yelp
I returned, as promised, to get my Jo Malone!
I tried to be loyal to Kimberly, who I had last time, but apparently she has left the company. I had the official Jo M rep this time, Natalie, and she was so sweet! She hooked me up with the GwP for Jo Malone, and the one from Nordstrom, which was a TON of samples from everywhere (Cartier, Bvlgari/Bulgari, Dior, Tory, Tiffany, YSL, Prada, etc.).
Bought three large Jo Malone bottles, though two had to be ordered online because they were out of stock at KoP. OUT OF STOCK! I have never heard of that with a fragrance. It was annoying, but the free gifts softened the blow! I was able to order one of the two I still need, myself, but the third bottle is out of stock online as well as in store. Natalie told me to check back in 3 weeks. The ordered ones will be delivered to my door for free, though, which is great!
Took a look at the Tom Ford this time, and Sarah helped us there. Both associates we had provided business cards so I could remember all the details when I go back.
The Nordstrom piano man is officially gone. In his place, they had a lame holiday decor display. Boo! Security officers in uniform were VERY present, which definitely hampered my mood. I get why they're there on Dec 23, but it's not very merry to put you in a shopping spirit, feels oppressive. Thankfully, despite festive ornaments and decor everywhere, I did NOT hear cheesy Xmas music blaring in my ears, which was very nice. Parking lot was blocked off with gates and cones. We had to drive all though the green garage, the long way down by L&T, to get back around up to the Nordstrom lot, which was filled with empty spaces. WTH, Nordstrom? Very annoying.
I joined the Nordy Club, and for all this recent shopping, I should be getting a "Nordstrom Note" which is a voucher store credit. You earn points no matter how you pay, so no obligation to a store card, which is nice!
I will say that Nordstrom is way more of a big deal on the West coast, particularly in OR and WA, where I have family and friends. One of my college bfs was obsessed with the half-yearly sale, which is a BFD out there in Portland. My sister and BIL live and die by Nordstrom in Seattle. It's just not as fancy here, but it's still a very nice store.
* * * UPDATE 1/2/19 * * *
I neglected to mention that I wanted to smell Tom Ford scents as I never had before, but have heard a lot about them. I had just bought a bottle of Jo Malone for $185 + tax (not cheap), and had my bag in hand when I went to smell the TF. The associate spoke as though you can only wear one fragrance, or one brand. Who made that law? Weird. She quickly lost interest in my desire to be able to smell all they had on offer (and we never got to smell all we hoped to). I mentioned, laughing, that I like the neroli scents because they smell like Coppertone suntan lotion, and she acted appalled. Please.
A.) This is a true fact if you have a nose to smell.
B.) You are dealing with customers, period, and whoever that is, you should be grateful for their business. But especially in a luxury store, come on.
C.) As a Yelp reviewer for the nearby Gucci store put it, "You work in a mall." I don't say that to judge, but rather to put it into perspective (as that reviewer intended it).
All in all, the experience with Jo Malone, where I made my purchase, was overall positive, so I am happy with Nordstrom. I wish TF had been more friendly. I don't just wear ONE scent, nor just ONE brand!