Photo Credit: Nordstrom
Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Nordstrom has just concluded the first phase of a major downtown Seattle store remodel, but as part of the renovations, some customers won’t even have to walk through the door.

Of course, the purpose of the remodel is to draw in new shoppers, but the Seattle-based department store also wants to appeal to online shoppers who are seeking speed and convenience.

Nordstrom has begun testing curbside pickup for purchases made online, so in addition to having the option of having items shipped to a home, customers will also be able to pick up purchases without getting out of their car.

For example, in Seattle, customers will be able to pull up to the entrance on Sixth Avenue, where they will text or call to let a customer service representative know they have arrived. Purchases made online during regular business hours are ready within one hour of placing the order, the retailer says. Customers receive an email confirming when their item is ready, with the number to call or text.

Curbside pickup is being tested in 20 stores across the country. Another Seattle-area store where it is available, is Alderwood Mall, according to Nordstrom spokesman Dan Evans. “We were able to launch this test quickly and empowered the stores to work with mall owners (if necessary) to create a designated parking spot with signage making it easy and fast for their customers,” he said.

In addition to online purchases, people who have ordered alterations in the men’s department will also be able to pick up items.

Last week, Nordstrom said it finished remodeling the third and fourth floors of the downtown Seattle flagship store. In a tour with reporters, The Seattle Times reports the store feels much airier with lots of natural light coming through the windows. Customers can also treat themselves to a meal or a cocktail in a new cafe, and a fancy cocktail and tapas bar called Habitant.

The idea behind the design was to create an “international destination,” appealing to travelers from Beijing or Shanghai. Wooing this constituency becomes even more important as local customers turn to the Internet to shop.

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