*Screen shot from the video below, showing the Vancouver gala runway show, last September.*

Tickets for the gala openings of two Nordstrom stores in Toronto are now on sale. Interested parties are encouraged to buy them quickly, as tickets sell out fast. The cost of each gala is underwritten by Nordstrom, which means that 100% of ticket sales will fund specific programs selected by each organization.

The first gala will be on the evening of Wednesday, September 14 (prior to the September 16 public opening) for Nordstrom's 220,000 square foot CF Toronto Eaton Centre flagship. As with the Vancouver flagship opening last September, a tented runway fashion show will be part of the gala (Toronto's tent will be in Dundas Square), featuring some of the world's hottest fashion designers. The gala takes place between 7:00pm and 10:00pm, with fashion shows at 8:00pm and 9:00pm.

The second gala, for Nordstrom's new 196,000 square foot Yorkdale Shopping Centre location, will be held on the evening of Wednesday, October 19, prior to the store's October 21 public opening. The gala takes place between 7:00pm and 10:00pm in the Yorkdale store.

Gala beneficiaries include: Covenant House Toronto, Humber River Hospital Foundation, Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), SickKids Foundation, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation and Women’s College Hospital Foundation.

Tickets for the Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa galas sold out quickly. Tickets are $150 per person for each gala, and can be purchased here. Both galas will include cocktails, gourmet delights, desserts, live entertainment, fashion presentations and the opportunity to shop. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. For special accommodations info, call 416.813.5283 or email EventRSVP@sickkidsfoundation.com.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: June 21, 2016