American fashion retailer, Nordstrom’s net sales increased 2.7 per cent and comparable sales decreased 0.8 per cent, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the same quarter last year. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store, Nordstrom operates 354 stores in 40 states including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 221 Nordstrom rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and two clearance stores. In fact, a recent study by Market Force Information (Market Force) on 10,000 consumers, revealed Nordstrom continues to rank as the US’ favourite fashion retailer fifth year in a row on parameters of value, atmosphere and ease of finding items. The retailer has built an enviable reputation of having an incomparable customer service and has hence, earned a loyal fan base.
It is a preferred shopping destination for consumers. Every July the retailer has a sale and brings in new styles from highly sought-after brands for men, women and children. It’s the ultimate sale with something for everyone in every category: clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, home and beauty.
Besides its huge vendor base, a small but growing portion of the overall product offering comes from Nordstrom Product Group (NPG), the retailer’s family of private label brands. In 2016, NPG included 54 brands manufactured in 484 factories across 30 countries. India has the second highest number of vendors in this category with 59 associated factories.
NPG is committed to working with agents, manufacturers, factories and mills to ensure that final consumers obtain compliant private label merchandise. The retailer is also working with two factories in northern India to train factory management and workers on effective communication strategies to increase worker satisfaction.
