Just chimimg in to say that I have purchased a 1941 bag from my local Nordstrom. It was an exclusive (or at least Coach never got it); the bag was the whiplash saddle in black. I checked with my local SA a few times prior to buying @ Nordstrom but Coach never got it so I pulled the trigger. I have 3 other whiplash saddles purchased directly from Coach. The black one from Nordstrom is not inferior in any way. It is the same quality as my others & has been used far more & going strong. Perhaps I got lucky but would not hesitate to do again for a bag I could not get through Coach directly. For example, Nordstrom currently has the medium Rogue in oxblood which, to my knowledge, Coach only carries in the larger 36 size. I'm considering it for fall. My preference is always to go through Coach, specifically through my SA, but if another department store has a bag I can't get there, I'll hedge my bets knowing I can return if not up to standards.
Anyway, just wanted to share.
Anyway, just wanted to share.