You don’t need a therapy dog to get some retail therapy with your pooch. In Seattle, there are dozens if not hundreds of retail stores that allow you to shop with your dog. But did you know that Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack welcome leashed dogs of all sizes, not just purse pooches?
Bringing your dog shopping with you is a little bit like bringing your dog with you to the gym: There is not much of an enjoyment factor for you, but at times you may want to out of convenience.
Imagine it’s a hot summer day and you would like to run in to Nordstrom to pick up a new outfit, but you can’t leave your pup in the car. Well, you can just bring him in!
But don’t take my word for it. Here is what @NordstromSEA and @NordstromRack had to say in response to my inquiries on Twitter:
I have actually brought Bondi in to Nordstrom Rack on a number of occasions. Other shoppers often ask if he is a service dog and then I let them know that in fact, both Nordstrom and the Rack are dog-friendly.
Official Dog Policy: Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome at any time.
A few caveats.
Don’t expect to see a lot of other dogs in Nordstrom or the Rack. I can count on one hand the number of dogs I’ve seen in countless shopping trips to Nordstrom in my life.
Also, I wouldn’t recommend bringing your dog unless he is either very small (I call these purse pups) or very well behaved on a leash. There is nothing enjoyable about trying to juggle hangers in one hand and a leash attached to an unruly dog in the other.
Finally, keep a close watch on your dog in the dressing room. Bondi has given more than one unsuspecting woman quite the scare by poking his nose under the divider into the neighboring dressing room! (Spoiler alert: Shrieks and hilarity ensue.)
On the plus side, unlike some shopping companions, your dog will never tell you “that dress is not flattering” or “those jeans are too expensive.” In fact, if you pay close attention, they usually tell you exactly what you want to hear!
Have you ever brought your dog in to a retail store? I’d love to hear about your experience.