CNBC: Nordstrom to Roll out Smaller Stores With No Merchandise, More Experiences

Can a retail store get by without inventory? According to a recent CNBC article, Nordstrom is launching a new line of stores called Nordstrom Local focusing more on providing an experience over merchandise for customers. Each store will be 3,000 square feet instead of the usual 14,000 and will come with eight dressing rooms for customers to try on clothes that are picked out from the website or other mall-anchored stores.

"Shopping today may not always mean going to a store and looking at a vast amount of inventory," said Shea Jensen, Nordstrom's senior vice president of customer experience. "It can mean trusting an expert to pick out a selection of items."

Along with personal stylists, the Local shops will include bars that serve wine or juices, and provide manicures and on-site tailoring. Customers can also use Nordstrom’s “Buy Online, Pick-Up In-Store” service.

Downsizing has been a trend throughout the retail industry as this concept follows announcements from Sears and Target to do the same. E-retailers are opening showrooms for customers with low amounts of inventory as the way consumers shop continues to change.

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