Eugene, Oregon

Nordstrom Rack, Nordstrom's discount chain, will be expanding rapidly over the next two years. WWD reports that the retailer plans to add another 97 stores to its lineup by 2016, in places both predictable (Brooklyn, Chicago) and less predictible (Eugene, Ore.). And they're not going to be just some sloppy-seconds warehouses, either. The retailer is taking pains to "elevate the off-price shopping experience" by making customer service as important at Nordstrom Rack as it is at Nordstom proper. In addition to department store services, like on-site tailoring, Racks are being outfitted with iPod Touch checkout devices.

Harry & David, the website and catalog merchant famous for pricey but impressive treats, announced earlier this week that its bringing a little extra happiness to Eugene, Oregon this holiday season. The call center in Eugene, which they needed to close...