North Spokane residents who are disappointed that the Nordstrom Rack store moved last month from NorthTown to Spokane Valley Mall can now do their Rack-shopping online.

Last month, the Seattle retailer launched an online section to Nordstrom.com that features some of the items sold at its off-price, discount Rack store.

Nordstrom has been opening new Rack stores around the country, including one not long ago in the middle of Manhattan.  The online expansion is a sign that the company realizes many of its customers are more mindful than ever of the option of shopping for price.

The company now has 86 Rack stores in 23 states.  In its SEC documents, the company has noted that, while monthly sales at Nordstrom stores declined from mid-2008 to late 2009, the Rack division has posted growth in the low- to mid-single digits.

For fans of high-end discount shopping, the news is Nordstrom’s Rack will reopen on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m., at the Spokane Valley Plaza. It’s filling 30,000 square feet next to Old Navy (in the building due west of the west side entrance to Spokane Valley Mall).

The retailer will close the NorthTown Rack store on Tuesday and spend all day Wednesday making the final move of equipment, supplies and inventory.  The new store will have roughly 70 workers.

On Wednesday Oct. 27 we’ll do a short story and give people a heads-up on getting ready for the $2,000 Run through the Rack Contest. An explanation is offered here. But our story will give you some clues on what to do, if you’re the winner, of the $2,000 or 90-second shopping spree.

The Nordstrom Rack is the company’s wide-selection unit devoted to discounted items and overstock.