New Retail Concept Goes Merchandise-Free

Nordstrom Local in West Hollywood will open with no dedicated inventory.

September 18, 2017

SEATTLE – One retailer is taking a major step into new territory with a unique concept. Fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom Inc. announced a new format, where customers can shop and access services in a central location. The catch: there’s no merchandise.

NACS Daily noted this development for Nordstrom last week, but here are the details. Opening in West Hollywood on October 3, Nordstrom Local’s 3,000 sq. ft. footprint is much smaller than an average 140,000 sq. ft. Nordstrom store, and the service-focused concept has no dedicated inventory. Instead, customers will have access to personal stylists and services like online purchasing and in-store pickup. The store will serve a full beverage menu including California-sourced beer and wine, cold-pressed juices from Pressed Juicery, and handcrafted espresso drinks from our Nordstrom Ebar.

"As the retail landscape continues to transform at an unprecedented pace, the one thing we know that remains constant is that customers continue to value great service, speed and convenience," said Shea Jensen, Nordstrom senior vice president of customer experience who led the Nordstrom Local initiative.

"We know there are more and more demands on a customer's time and we wanted to offer our best services in a convenient location to meet their shopping needs. Finding new ways to engage with customers on their terms is more important to us now than ever."

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