Nordstrom rack promises to open September 6 in Manchester, at Highway 141.

Granted, it's not Chesterfield, but darn close.

So what does that mean for proposed outlet malls battling it out for primacy in Chesterfield Valley along Highway 40/64? Anything?

Seems like competition. Has that been taken into account by developers spending $175 million and $275 million on two 50-acre outlet malls in Chesterfield?

The Chesterfield Valley outlets say they'll open in late fall 2013—more than a year from now. They all say they are shopping for tenants.

Now I'm sure there are studies and legalities about outlets, malls, and discount stores that I haven't yet looked into. 

And Chesterfield city staff and council members might tell you I don't have any idea how things work when it comes to business development and sales tax districts.

And I'm only guessing that Manchester's development-minded folks couldn't be happier that Nordstrom rack is in their town, and not in Chesterfield's outlet malls-to-be.

Come to think of it, public relations people for Nordstrom rack could probably tell me that they never join outlet malls, and that they prefer a separate existence. Maybe "The rack" isn't even considered an outlet?

Regardless, I'd say it's a plus for shoppers that Nordstrom rack is coming to West County. But will it change anything for outlet developers in Chesterfield?

Since I don't have the answers for these questions yet, I welcome comments from those who might. Or what do you think about the questions?

Use the comments section below, or shoot me an email jean.whitney@patch.com and I'll acknowledge your contribution in a follow-up article to this.