Nordstrom bets big on e-commerce, plans to hire 400

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Before the rise of Amazon.com, Seattle retail was defined by one company: Nordstrom. Now, the upscale retailer appears to be taking some plays out of the Amazon.com playbook, announcing plans to boost spending on e-commerce infrastructure to $150 million this year. That marks roughly 30 percent of the company’s capital expenditures, up from 20 percent… Read More…

Nordstrom testing iPods, other devices for checkout

One of the mobile point-of-sale devices being tested by Nordstrom -- an iPod touch with sled attachment. (Photo courtesy Nordstrom)

Seattle-based retailer Nordstrom mentioned during its annual shareholders meeting yesterday that it has been testing mobile point-of-sale devices at its Bellevue and Seattle stores, to reduce wait times for customers checking out with credit cards. It’s not a new concept in retailing, of course, but when the customer-service icon adopts a new technology, it’s worth… Read More…

Amazon launches ‘MyHabit’ upscale fashion deals site

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Amazon.com this morning announced a new standalone site called MyHabit, a membership site offering daily sales on high-end fashion. It’s an interesting move by the company in the hot area of e-commerce known as private sales. The company also will be using MyHabit to experiment in other ways — promising “fast, free shipping,” in addition… Read More…

How to write on a Nordstrom window with Microsoft’s Kinect

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Nordstrom’s flagship store in downtown Seattle is currently featuring a neat little technological trick, allowing passersby to write and doodle on one of its display windows by moving their hands across the glass. The “light writing” system uses a projector in conjunction with Microsoft’s Kinect motion sensor. It’s one of a rising number in alternative… Read More…