Big stores opening in Hawaii always get a lot of attention...whether it's Walmart or Walgreens.

And Nordstrom is no exception.

It was shoppers dream..

Except you had to dish out $150 to get there.

But this fashionable gala did benefit three local charities.

It's the 103rd norsdstrom store to open in the country.

And many have been waiting years for this store to open in our state.

"I worked 40 years with the company. Weve waited so long since Liberty House days to get in here and finally we're here. It's so exciting!" says Ray Ahana, a Retured Nordstrom Employee.

Tonight was the public's first chance inside.

Many said they felt like kids in a candy store.

"I'm applying for a Nordstrom card, so i can find a dress, and shoes to match, and find a bag," smiles Sherry Bertram, a Shopper.

But some were here for more than the merchandise.

"I'm just walking my way through, eating and drinking and trying to shop," says Robert Cazimero, with Brothers Cazimero.

The Opening Gala drew nearly 2500 people..and it was Nordstroms' turn to strut their stuff.

And they said they used this hype surrounding their store, to give back to the community.

An estimated $300,000 dollars will be shared amongst the Bishop museum, the Hawaii theatre, and the non-profit group HUGS.

"I think it's important to get connected to the community as fast as possible because we plan on being here a long long time," states Pete Nordstrom, the President of Merchandising.

And if this is how many people were willing to pay $150 to get a sneak preview of the store...

many shoppers say they cannot imagine how many people will show up for it's official grand opening this Friday.

"Kmart was as big as it was..can you imagine Nordstrom?' says Cazimero.

"I think it's going to be crazy, i think it's going to be crazy," says Amy Hopkins, a shopper.

Nordstrom isn't the only store that's opening Friday...the Ala Moana Center is welcoming more than two-dozen new retailers in that same wing.