Nordstrom is known for fashion selections and customer service that are among the best in U.S. retailing. Now, the retailer is looking to bring those things that make it special to American consumers to shoppers in 30 other countries across the globe. The company, however, is not building stores to achieve its goal. It is going online.
"We are excited about this opportunity to better serve our customers internationally," said Jamie Nordstrom, president of Nordstrom Direct, in a press release. "We've made it a lot easier for our customers abroad to shop from nordstrom.com. Sending great fashion merchandise from Nordstrom to friends and family overseas is also more convenient than ever for our domestic customers. We will continue looking for ways to improve the shopping experience for customers, no matter where they live."
Shoppers, both here in the U.S. and elsewhere, who place orders through the Nordstrom International Shopping site have the option of shipping to another country and paying in U.S. dollars or other currency. When shoppers check out, they are given an estimated time of delivery with a global tracking number. Shipments come with a guaranteed exchange rate when the order is placed and they include all international duties, taxes and delivery.
Discussion Questions: What do you think of Nordstrom's approach to global expansion? Will the chain be able to maintain those elements that make shopping its stores special? Will we see others follow suit?