Many consumers enjoy shopping in department stores, others enjoy making purchases directly via eCommerce — and then there are those who fall somewhere in-between, and Nordstrom is aiming to capture that market with an expansion of its latest innovation.
The retailer is expanding its Reserve Online & Try In Store service to about 40 locations nationwide, Chain Store Age reports. Those who use the program can choose items via Nordstrom’s mobile app and then head to a store to try them on. Consumers will be made aware when the option is available via the app’s product detail pages, which will have a “Reserve Online & Try In Store” selection. Those who choose this route will receive a text when the clothes are ready to be tried on, and when they arrive at the store, another text will tell them which dressing room has been reserved for them, where they’ll find the apparel waiting for them.
Nordstrom is unveiling the program at specific stores in 11 states after launching an initial pilot last year in Washington, where about 80 percent of shoppers who tried it used it again. The company is also hoping to further expand the program, Chain Store Age reported.
Nordstrom is rolling out its latest innovation on the heels of a recent earnings report that revealed the retailer surpassed most analysts’ expectations. Earlier this month, the company said its net sales were up 3.5 percent to $3.72 billion during the second quarter.
“We’re thrilled to expand our Reserve Online & Try In Store service to provide a better experience for customers shopping with Nordstrom – whether that’s online, in-store or a combination of both,” said Shea Jensen, the company’s senior vice president of customer experience, in comments reported by Chain Store Age. “Many of our customers like to feel and try on clothes and shoes before they purchase them, and we’re excited to offer them a more convenient way to do so.”