Essay On Nordstrom

Weaknesses - Although Nordstrom has substantial strength, the organization is not without weaknesses. First, although Nordstrom’s has a superior selection in comparison to the majority of other retail clothing companies, their quality also comes at a cost that many consumers are not willing to pay. In a period of economic instability and uncertainty, consumers are turning to online retailers such as Amazon in order to fulfill their clothing needs. Moreover, consumers are looking for more convenient ways of purchasing products and clothing is typically something where overnight shipping is acceptable versus an immediate need. Additionally, another weakness of Nordstrom is the geographic dispersion of their retail locations which are most commonly associated with shopping malls. Coincidentally, shopping malls are also struggling to compete with online retailers, thus Nordstrom experiences less opportunistic walk-in customers. On the same token, the opportunity costs for underserved

(External view) Kohl’s has an effective communication to employees and customers. Also, it has strong management team and market share leadership.

Well while I believe that they provide service to the customers and obviously they strive for excellence on the idea of low prices and high sales. I believe the first and most important of their rhetoric they fall short of especially in the respect for their employees.

“We believed from the start that if we brought the customer quality merchandise at the right price and offered excellent service, we could change retailing in the United States. Today, we are the model of what retailing should be.” – Bernie Marcus

One of those weaknesses being the high concentration in the state of California. Looking at the coverage of the Full-line and Rack Nordstrom stores, there is heavy presence in the east and west coasts. When comparing Nordstrom to its competitors, Nordstrom has little to no presence in the Mid-West. With such a heavy concentration on a geographic location like California, the economic condition of the location risks a high influence on the company's sales.  Unlike Macy’s, who has just announced the closure of one-hundred stores nationwide, Nordstrom is continuing to increase their store counts, with 20 stores opening in 2017 (five in California).  To grow out of this weakness and not have to produce closures in stores like Macy’s, further concentration in other geographic markets would reduce the economic risk of focusing on California

Through the 70’s the company continued to grow. In 1974 annual sales hit $130 million. By 1980 Nordstrom was the third largest specialty retailer in the country. Sales hit $407 million and in the next few years, sales continued to rise. Nordstrom’s success was due to many factors. Shoes accounted for about 18 percent of total sales. In addition Nordstrom consistently maintained huge inventories and selection, which were usually twice the size of other department stores. Anchor malls seek the company, as a cornerstone of downtown renovation projects or as an added jewel for high end shopping customers. By being able to expand not only by adding locations, but also by expanding merchandise sold, Nordstrom became a dominant force in the industry and strengthened their market share position.

Nordstrom is one of the top retailers in the United States. With a solid brand image and a sound financial situation, Nordstrom is relentless in their expansion in the US, and are beginning to expand into international markets. Nordstrom takes pleasure in providing state of the art client support and having experienced sales people. In order to hold their position as the most successful high-end retailer in the United States, Nordstrom must continue to figure out ways to improve their brand image and customer satisfaction. Nordstrom’s current business working strategy is successful but I believe there are a few ideal solutions that the organization could apply to further enhance the organization. Due to the aggressive

Customer service can be taught anyone to a certain point. That being, interacting with the customer for their immediate benefit or encompassing positive language in their conversation with the customer. However, there are some who just don’t have the ability to interact with customers. Whether it be a personality trait, inability to interact with people, or they just don’t want too. The best way to start teaching good customer service skills is with management. Management must first develop a positive work environment in where they treat their employees. An environment where employees are treated badly fosters an avenue for them to treat customers the same way. As I stated, nearly everyone can learn basic skills along with exceptional customer service skills as well with extended training. But there is a certain percentage of people who have the knack for truly exceptional customer service skills, usually inherited with one’s personality. Things that can’t be taught commitment and enthusiasm, you have to like who you work for and what you do. This can be faked, how you find out? The employee finds a slightly better paying job usually with no relationship that the employee was previously doing.

To try and solve conflict within its employees Nordstrom has an open door policy. This meaning that if an employee ever has a concern or complaint they can always go to one of the management members whether it is the store manager, hr manager or the regional manager. Through this the goal is to establish open communication between the employees and the managers. Whenever a problem does arise the goal of Nordstrom is to try and resolve the problem internally and in person without having to take it to court. After the problem is brought to the attention of a member of management an arbitrator is brought in, in order to determine a decision and try to solve the problem all of this according to the “Nordstrom Dispute Resolution Program” presented by Nordstrom themselves. After the complaint or type of conflict is resolved Nordstrom also believes in no retaliation, this meaning that the employee cannot be dismissed or transferred somewhere else unless it is really necessary, and everything should continue the same as before the conflict or complaint was brought

Nordstrom, created in 1901 by John W. Nordstrom as a small shoe store in Seattle, Washington, is a major department store located in the United States and Canada. At Nordstrom you can find apparel, home goods, shoes, and accessories for your daily lives. Nordstrom has over 300 stores located in 40 states and has become one of the top department stores through their innovative tactics, great customer service, welcoming store environment, and their wide range of brands and products.

Opportunity: the company should try to expand its horizon by opening its retail outlets in even small townships. Secondly, the retail chain should try to specialize in selected items like home building materials, apparels for children or youth etc. The American family has also changed dramatically in the past decade. Because of this Nordstrom has changed its focus toward the individual. Ten years ago, it would not be a common sight to see moms shopping with their children, or dad’s waiting on the couch by the escalator with their children. Now days, it is almost unheard of to see families walking around the store. Teenagers, women, and men all come alone or with their significant other.

Nordstrom Inc., started as a small shoe store in Seattle, Washington in 1901. Since that time it has become one of the leading and successful shoe and apparel retailers in operation today. After reviewing different information regarding Nordstrom Inc. espoused values and enacted values, it is apparent that they are in alignment. Espoused values are the core values of the company. The history and organizational beliefs, developed into policy for the company. The goal of the espoused values is to create standard of behavior for the company. The enacted values are norms exhibited by employees (Answers, 2013). If the espoused and enacted values are misaligned problems could occur within the

Founded by J.W. Nordstrom in 1880 as a small shoe store, by 1995 Nordstrom had become a giant retailer with net earnings of $203 million and over 35,000 employees. Nordstrom remains a family operation to date. The idea of the ‘Nordstrom Way’ - with strong commitment to the firm, emphasis on proactive service, no external hiring, and a decentralized management structure (e.g., Nordstrom has no CEO) - is central to their employee relations, and is seen as central to their success. Average compensation within the company is above industry average.

Nordstrom falls under the department store category of retailing usually selling upscale durable products. Stores that mirror Nordstrom are Sears, JCPenny, Dillards and Macy’s. These department stores carry a variety of goods from apparel, cosmetics, housewares, electronics and furniture. Each department having its own buying center that’s run by a department head that is in charge of ordering merchandise, running product promotions and managing department employees. Nordstrom is able to

For example, Apple is an organization that emphasizes creativity, innovation, and proficiency. Apple can be selective while hiring new employees and they also have to have to be train to promote Apple products. Employees that deal with customers represent the company image and they are also the one promoting the products. According to Carmine Gallo, there is a five step procedure that help businesses and they represent: (Gallo 2012) “‘(A)pproach’, ‘(P)probe’, ‘(Present)’, ‘(Listen).’” At the end of this