What sets Nordstrom apart in this self serve society that doesn't value face to face communication is their service. Their excellent service.
The store is clean. The flow of the departments is well thought out and you'll always be greeted with a smile and a sales associate who is helpful and not overbearing or pushy. Where I use to visit the Bay for my Clinique cosmetics, they never had my colour in stock. Even Sephora didn't have it. I made a trip to Nordstrom and the awesome sales associate helped me find what I needed without a fuss and signed me up for their bonus program.
With most department store service akin to being greeted by a gargoyle (that is IF you are helped by anyone), I love the personal service at Nordstrom and will continue to bypass the closer location of The Bay to the other end of the Eaton Centre for a top notch experience.