NORDSTROM'S TESTS A DEPARTMENT STORE WITHOUT MERCHANDISE

Nordstrom is opening a new store next month that is going to be a fraction of the size of its typical locations. It will not be carrying clothes. Called Nordstrom Local, scheduled to open October 3 in West Hollywood, California, it will span 3,000 square feet, far less than the 140,000 square feet of a typical Nordstrom’s department stores. It will contain eight dressing rooms, where shoppers can try on clothes and accessories, though the store won’t stock them. Instead, personal stylists will retrieve goods from nine Nordstrom locations in Los Angeles, or through its website.
* A department store without merchandise. Kmart has been doing that for years.
* What are you supposed to do while you’re waiting for your clothes to be delivered?
* Do you leave and then comeback to pick them up? Great idea – have customers make TWO trips to the store.