Nordstrom vs. Target – Store Wars Rd. 2

STORE WARS:  Nordstrom vs. Target

Starting March 13th and running through April 2nd, Dappered.com is hosting a bracket based tournament with the purpose of eventually crowning the all around Affordable Men’s Style Retail Champ for 2012.  For a full introduction see this post.  The bracket on the right will be updated as the tournament progresses.  Click on it for the full size.  Make a case for your preferred competitor in the comments section, but don’t forget to vote at the bottom of each match up.  On with today’s showdown:

Strengths:  Arguably the premier retailer for a wide variety of clothing, shoes, and accessories that land on the high end of what most would call “affordable.”  One of if not the biggest mass retailer to offer free shipping and free returns all the time.  The legendary “half-yearly” sales for men, and the additional markdowns that usually follow.  A sale section that’s usually decently well stocked.  Designer brand list has wild range.  In-house brands like Calibrate, 1901, and the plain ol’ Nordstrom line offer more than a few items with incredible looks and high quality for very reasonable prices.  Website is clean and easy to navigate.

Weaknesses:  They hardly ever have large-scale sales, so those higher than Macy’s-level retail prices won’t come down real often, if at all.  Could use a few more affordable suiting options.  Their in-house brand Calibrate seems to make blazers and jackets that look a little chopped/too short.

How they got here:  Easily outgunned L.L. Bean Signature in the first round.

Strengths:  As affordable as it gets this side of thrift stores.  Everywhere and incredibly accessible.  Their ultimate dress shirt is the best you can buy for around $20.  The new Merona Kensington cotton unstructured blazer.  The place to find Timex Weekenders (just about the entire series) plus slip-thru straps.  Mossimo trim fit polos and t-shirts.  Bold striped socks.  Surprisingly decent wool/silk ties.  And some of their furniture ain’t half bad either.

Weaknesses:  You’re not going to find a lot of stuff that’s built to last.  Or manufactured in the USA (or this hemisphere.)  Good to great for low cost casual stuff, but understandably struggles when it comes to more dressed up options.  Sweaters can be wonky fitting.  Jeans aren’t really worth the savings.  Wearing a red shirt when shopping there might leave you with confused customers asking you questions.

How they got here:  Proved the doubters wrong by eliminating Indochino, a finalist from 2011, in the first round.

Your votes determine who goes on to the next round.  Cast your ballot below.  Voting ends at midnight ET.
UPDATE:  That was close.  Real close.  Nordstrom barely hangs on by a few votes to beat Target at the wire.
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