Nordstrom to open more inventory-free stores

The Seattle-based chain opened the first 3,000-square-foot Nordstrom Local unit last year, in Los Angeles. Now the company is planning to roll out two more Los Angeles units: a 1,200-square-foot space in Brentwood, and a 2,200-square-foot store in the downtown. And Nordstrom says it also plans to expand to New York City. The concept is designed to offer customers access to such services as on-site tailoring and alterations; curbside pickup; buy online, pick up in-store; and easy returns, all in a convenient, neighborhood location.
 

All this is part of the chain's growth strategy and ongoing focus on linking up the physical and digital shopping experiences for customers. "Nordstrom is continuing to invest in its growth strategy with the goal of increasing market share by providing customers with better and more-convenient services and access to more products," said Ken Worzel, the company's chief digital officer and the president of Nordstrom.com. "Through our local market strategy, we're combining the scale of our national infrastructure with our local assets of people, product and place to help reimagine the shopping experience for our customers."

The Brentwood unit — at 214 26th St. — will be among other shops and restaurants in the heart of that neighborhood. The downtown Los Angeles shop will be situated amid commercial office towers and business-oriented hotels in the so-called Bloc, at 700 S. Flower St.

"We're learning a lot from customers through our first Nordstrom Local store on Melrose, and we're looking forward to learning even more from the addition of the Brentwood and downtown L.A. locations," said Shea Jensen, the company's senior vice president of customer experiences. "We think there are more ways to serve customers on their terms, and we are looking forward to introducing Nordstrom Local to customers who live in these neighborhoods." That first Nordstrom Local opened last October. 

"Nordstrom Local is a welcome addition to our family of premium retailers at the Bloc," said Dan Cote, Bloc general manager. "This innovative shopping experience further elevates downtown's revitalization and the Bloc's role as a leading retail and entertainment destination within the heart of the city. With the Bloc's direct access to the Metro; 33-story, class-A creative office; and 496-room Sheraton Grand Hotel, Nordstrom Local will be a convenient experiential shopping destination for many downtown residents, workers and visitors."