Macy's has announced it will host a charity shopping day on March 17 at its new store in City Creek Center, the new mall in downtown Salt Lake City that's set to debut on March 22. For $5, you'll be able to shop in the store five days before the official grand opening. Shoppers who attend the event also will have access to food samples, giveaways and discounts, such as a coupon worth $10 off a $25 purchase.

Salt Lake City-area nonprofits, schools and churches that sell the $5 shopping passes get to keep 100 percent of ticket proceeds. Several organizations are selling the passes, including Discovery Gateway children’s museum (Childmuseum.org); Tracy Aviary (TracyAviary.org) and the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company (Ririewoodbury.com). All three of those organizations, and a number of others, are selling the tickets online.

Nordstrom has a preview event of its own. It is offering a free pre-opening event on March 9. Unlike the Macy's event, however, Nordstrom's event focuses on its lingerie collection and the preview event is limited to that department. (You won't be able to check out the entire store.) The event is free and includes music and refreshments. Go HERE to reserve a spot; space is limited.