Case Study

Evaluation on Retailing

Evaluation on Retailing

Introduction

This paper intends to evaluate and analyze Nordstrom as a retailer and its characteristics. Further, this paper examines the six components of Nordstrom's retailing mix, Nordstrom's level of services, primary challenges for Nordstrom and changing competition in current years. Nordstrom is one of the most well known departmental stores in the United States. Initially it was a retailer of shoes, but now the firm more over sells accessories, clothing, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, perfumes, and also dwelling furnishings in some locations. The flagship store and the corporate head quarters are located in Seattle, Washington.

Discussion

1.Identify the type of retailer that Nordstrom's is classified as. Describe the characteristics it shares with other retailers of this type.

As a retailer Nordstrom company can be classified into an independent departmental store. It offers the customers accessories, clothing, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, perfumes, and also dwelling furnishings in some locations. “The characteristics of Nordstrom are shared by various other departmental stores like Dillard, Sears and Macys. Nordstrom deals with competition on many levels. Its competition includes Barney's, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue among many other. Nordstrom also competes with second tier stores such as Bloomingdale and Macy's.

The characteristics of Nordstrom are shared by Saks Fifth Avenue as it is categorized as the mini version of Nordstrom. Saks Fifth Avenue carries the same products as Nordstrom; however, they have a smaller target market and have less variety. Saks is more expensive as compared to Nordstrom. Saks focus of bridal stuff to provide the customers with unique experience. The major difference between these companies apart from the similar characteristics is the focus of the company. Nordstrom focuses more on satisfying the customers and creating brand loyalty. The products offered by the Nordstrom are more in variety and are of good quality.

2.Describe Nordstrom's level of service on the continuum from full service to self-service. Give an example of a store that would be on the opposite end of the continuum and explain their differences.

Nordstrom wants to give you the best possible experience, whether it is in their store or purchasing online or thru a mail-order catalog. When going into the store they want to make sure that you are treated with “love” and respect. They refer to their business strategy as “greed through love”.

Wal Mart can be considered as the opposite end of the continuum of Nordstrom. Explaining the difference is easy between the ...