Nordstrom plans to open 1st Mass. store in Natick

After more than 20 years of eyeing the Boston market, Nordstrom Inc. said yesterday it plans to open its first Bay State store in fall 2006 or spring 2007 at the Natick Mall.

The Seattle-based retailer will be one of two anchor stores at a planned expansion of the mall. The two-level Nordstrom will occupy 144,000 square feet, offering clothes, shoes, and accessories from pricey designers such as Dana Buchman to more moderately priced brands like Levi's.

''Nordstrom has always been at the top of our customer's wish list," said John McGourty, group vice president at General Growth Properties, the Chicago firm that owns and operates Natick Mall.

The aim of the expansion is to attract higher-end retailers that appeal to the area's increasingly affluent shoppers, McGourty said. Informally dubbed ''Natick Mall 2," the expansion will add 550,000 square feet to the existing mall. General Growth hopes to attract another high-end anchor such as Neiman Marcus, four restaurants, and 65 other retailers. Nordstrom is the first to disclose plans to locate in the new part of the mall.

Founded in 1901 as a shoe store, Nordstrom is now a chain of 149 stores nationwide. The retailer is known for adding special touches to its stores, including live piano players and personal shoppers. Its stores carry many of the high-fashion designers that rivals such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue carry while also providing a wide selection of more affordable fashion alternatives.

''We don't view one visit from a customer as success," said Nordstrom spokeswoman Brooke White. ''We work to earn the loyalty of every customer with a great mix of fashion merchandise and a compelling shopping experience."

As for why it took more than 20 years to come to Greater Boston, White said it wasn't easy to find the right spot. In a metropolitan area as built up as Boston, she said, anchor spots at malls don't often open up because the existing retailer has the right of first refusal when the lease is due for renewal. Assuming the Natick store is a success, however, she said, the company will continue to look for other area locations, including one in Boston. In the region, Nordstrom has a store in Providence and one in Connecticut.

Naomi Aoki can be reached at naoki@globe.com.