Nordstrom has announced the launch a new retail concept and neighborhood hub, where customers can shop for merchandise and get services from a central location. Nordstrom Local will open in West Hollywood, Calif., on October 3. It will cover 3,000 square feet. It is smaller than the average 140,000 sq. Nordstrom store is approximately 140,000 sq. Although the store is service-oriented, there will not be apparel for sale on site. However, personal stylists will be available to help you order items online or to get your clothes in nearby stores. You can also get a manicure, order wine, beer or juice at the in-store bar, and place your orders by 2 p.m. on Nordstrom.com to pick them up that day. You can also return products purchased online or at other Nordstrom stores. Trunk Club members can get alterations done by tailors.

Total Retail Take: Nordstrom has a history in trying new store concepts and is now taking a chance with the launch of a merchandiseless store. Nordstrom Local’s latest concept is a result of retailers struggling to find the best ways to make use of their physical space and attract customers who are moving to the internet. One solution for department store chains such as Macy’s J.C. Penney and Sears is to reduce their footprint or experiment with smaller stores. Bonobos, a men’s fashion retailer, has also experimented with stores that are inventory-free. Nothing lost, nothing gained. Nordstrom has taken this approach to grow brick-and-mortar retail.

source https://www.mytotalretail.com/article/nordstrom-launches-retail-location-no-inventory/

Neiman Marcus Closing 10 Last Call Outlet Shops

Neiman Marcus has decided to abandon its discounting strategy by closing 10 Last Call outlet stores. The high-end department store chain wants its Last-Call stores to be different by offering more merchandise from full-line stores in proportion with the made-for–outlet merchandise, which offers lower margins but isn’t what shoppers are primarily looking for. There are fewer Last Call stores that will ship clearance merchandise, which means there is more product to go around.

Elizabeth Allison, senior vice-president of Last Call, stated that the decision was made to optimize our Last Call store portfolio and provide excellent customer service. It also frees up resources for new initiatives in our full-line Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman channels. We’re investing in our strengths, as the clear leader in high-end luxury retail.”

Total Retail Take: The last few months have been difficult for Neiman Marcus. Seven consecutive quarters have seen declining comparable sales at the retailer. Neiman Marcus focused its attention on its Last Call discount stores to reverse this trend. This move did not seem to be in line with the brand’s luxury image, and shoppers instinctively sought lower prices. Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, which are top competitors to Neiman Marcus’s, have seen their sales slow even though their outlet businesses have been growing. Barneys closed some of its discount outlet shops a few years back to restore its luxury image, and not discounting.

source https://www.mytotalretail.com/article/neiman-marcus-closing-10-last-call-stores/