Nordstorm

Nordstrom uses extremely sophisticated inventory and product life-cycle management capabilities to move products through its channels in half the time of Macy’s or Saks Fifth Avenue, cycling through each season’s new fashions more efficiently and effectively than its competitors. This is a major factor in Nordstrom’s consistent ability to outpace its rivals in profit margins and EBIT as a percentage of sales.
Nordstrom had been facing increasing challenges sustaining their competitive advantage over significant competitors. Historically, Nordstrom’s customer service driven approach accounted for earnings nearly double that of competitors. On the other hand, recently competing specialty stores along with the expanding online retailing sector have threatened Nordstrom’s sustained market advantage. Nordstrom originally began to develop additional retail outlets to counter emerging competitors which resulted in declining market value and share price. These results prompted Nordstrom to return to their core competencies of superior customer service and product quality. Nordstrom re-committed their business approach to ensure that they were second to none in terms of the service provided for customers and the quality of their product offerings. Nordstrom possesses a distinct and reputable image that effectively differentiates them from their competitors. Nordstrom is known throughout the retail sector as the distant leader in customer service. Nordstrom regards their customers as extended family and treats them as such. In addition, Nordstrom utilizes devoted sales associates for serving customers in an array of fashions. They possess the most liberal return policy that is highly regarded among customers. Also, sales associates will call in orders for merchandize not on hand free of charge. Recently, Nordstrom has improved their largest strength of customer service by implementing personal shopping sales associates who research