Five things to love about the new Nordstrom

The opening of a full-scale, full-service Nordstrom in Honolulu seems like a recent novelty, but the retailer has been studying the way we shop and live for 42 years, and has a pretty good idea of what we want.

Nordstrom has been present here since 1966, when the retailer ran the shoe department at Liberty House until 1997, when the company opened two free-standing shoe stores at the mall. A Nordstrom Rack followed in 2000, as well as a consolidated Nordstrom Shoe Store in 2002, both in the Victoria Ward complex and both part of a long-term vision that would help the company train employees and retain managers.

All the years of waiting and planning become reality tomorrow, when the store opens its doors at 9:30 a.m., preceded by a free Cosmetics Tailgate Party outside the second-floor mall entrance from 7:30 a.m. Call (866) 667-3911 for information. Employees have been at work for a month unpacking and stocking merchandise, polishing displays and being coached in customer service.

For those planning to have their noses pressed to the glass, waiting to get in on day one, here's a quick reference to five things to love about the new Nordstrom:

1. Facial Salon

If you're heading to an evening event, there's no need to leave the store. After getting your nails done in the Deborah Lippmann nail salon, specialists here, like Melissa Bassett, above, will go to work on helping you achieve a glowing countenance. Second floor

2. Shoe department

This is where many experienced their first crush on Nordstrom. Every type is carried, from trendy Harajuku Lovers and Betseyville by Betsey Johnson to casual Uggs and Mephistos, to Salon designer footwear from Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent for women. Second floor. For men, head for the first floor for dress, casual, modern and athletic shoes from Lacoste, Bruno Magli, Nike, Ferragamo and more. Second floor

3. Collectors

Luxury collections by such American and European designers as Oscar de la Renta (above, from left), Roberto Cavalli, Giambattista Valli and Versaceare displayed here in proximity to Via C, home to emerging designers and current favorites such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, M Missoni, Milly, Vince, and Elizabeth and James. Third floor

4. Girlfriend dressing room

When a second opinion is needed, your girlfriend can hang around to offer her verdict in this cute little room right off the Point of View department, home to mainstream fashion such as Michael by Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Lacoste. Third floor

5. Chanel makeup studio

Color and skin-care products are housed in wall or counter displays for quick access. Four makeup tables feature mirrors representing natural, candle and fluorescent light so shoppers are able to see how the makeup works in different environments, as Helen Soon demonstrates. Second floor