Nordstrom opening more Local stores without inventory

When the first Nordstrom Local neighborhood hub opened in West Hollywood last fall, some questioned the wisdom of opening a store that did not carry any inventory for sale on the premises.

Others saw the 3,000-square-foot store as a more enjoyable shopping experience. The location is set up with eight dressing rooms where customers try on clothing and then have their purchases retrieved by on-staff stylists from local Nordstrom stores or ordered online.

Yesterday, the retailer announced plans to open two additional Nordstrom Local neighborhood hubs in Brentwood and downtown Los Angeles in the fall. 

Ken Worzel, president of Nordstrom.com and chief digital officer, said Local hubs are part of the company’s broader strategy to increase its share of market by delivering services and products that meet the needs of its customers.

"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," Mr. Worzel said.

The new locations will be smaller than the West Hollywood hub — Brentwood will measure 1,200-square-feet and the downtown LA site at 2,200-square-feet. The stores will offer the same services as those in the first test store, including onsite tailoring and alterations, curbside pickup, buy online, pick up in-store and easy returns at any Nordstrom location.

"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, senior vice president 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."

• Nordstrom Local success continues with new stores opening in Brentwood and Downtown Los Angeles – Nordstrom
• Nordstrom tries a no-merchandise store – RetailWire