The mediocrity of North American department store (most retail companies actually) building design goes well beyond architecture and into the vary nature of the stores.
My sister just got back from London, England and she was blown away by the shops. Not only are they huge and have amazing designs. But they stock selection that if you are lucky, only a couple stores in Manhattan can probably match in North America.
The stores put emphasis on being cutting edge, etc.
A big difference however is that most do not try to operate 200 branch locations like Nordstroms and other North American stores do.
They operate one or maybe a handful if that of stores, and they put a lot of attention into these places.
The result is that they truly are exclusive and outstanding places to go to.
They are everything Northstroms and other high end stores in America wish they were, but never will be, due to their mediocre suburban mentality.
You don't even need to go to Europe. Check out Australia.
Myer Melbourne (brand new renovation). Nordstroms and many other high end American department stores wish their stores looked this cutting edge.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/...ff905ddf12.jpg