Northwest shoppers are counting down the days in anticipation of the arrival of Neiman Marcus.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the speciality retail department store will soon sit on the corner of Northeast 8th, consuming 130,000 square feet and three levels of The Bravern in Bellevue.

A gala opening benefiting a local charity is scheduled for September 2009.

According to Ginger Reeder, the vice president of Corporate Communications, Bellevue captured the demographic and psychographic variables that Neiman Marcus was looking for.

“We looked long and hard in this area and we are very excited about the vibrancy of The Bravern and the complex,” she explained. “We think it’s a nice fit for us.”

Currently under construction, the interior of the Bellevue Neiman Marcus will be complimented with commissioned artwork from local artists including paintings, wall sculptures, works on paper and limited edition prints.

“In terms of art, there’s such a wealth of resources here in Seattle,” Ginger said. “The store will reflect materials that are indigenous to the area and that tie the store to the community.”

Reminiscent of upscale department store’s such as Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com) will offer high-end designer names including Carolina Herrera Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino and Vera Wang.