The Nordy Pod

• Ep 95. The Imperfect Retailer & The Quest to Improve Customer Service

  What is Nordstrom's number-one goal? If you're a Nordstrom employee you'd better know the answer, because it's pretty much the first thing that we ask at every state-of-the-company meeting. Invariably when we single out our newer crew members we'll get a mixed bag of pretty good answers. But the truth is, there is only one answer—which is to improve customer service. And it's that word "improve" that we're really focusing in on today. Customer service is our single most important characteristic and the foundation of our whole reputation. But here's the rub: with that shining reputation comes incredibly high expectations. Expectations that rest on the shoulders of each and every person that works at our company, from our salespeople to our store managers, from regional managers all the way up to our executive team. And though we do get a lot of really great feedback about our people stepping up and making somebody's day, we also get our fair share of negative remarks. Times when we've fallen short. When the customer experience doesn't live up to our reputation and the customer's expectations. And yet, it's in those failures—the imperfect moments—that we often find the most meaningful lessons. In this episode we're joined by a series of Nordstrom leaders who know full well the critical importance of continuously reigniting these conversations around our service culture. You'll hear from Co-CEO Erik Nordstrom and Chief Merchandising Officer Jamie Nordstrom, as well as three store managers: Brandon Gross, Stephany Pierce and Ted Reed. You'll also hear from our Vice President General Manager in charge of Nordstrom New York, Chris Wanlass. Listen in to their stories of missteps and mistakes, of moments when our service wasn't exactly what it should have been, and how those moments became turning points and reminders that humility is not at all a weakness, but our greatest strength. Thanks for tuning in to episode 95. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at 206.594.0526, or send an email to [email protected] to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

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• Ep 94. Designing the Experience: How Physical Spaces Shape Retail

  When you walk into a Nordstrom store, a lot of things are happening at once. The layout, the colors, the lighting—all working together to create a feeling, and that feeling doesn't happen by accident. In this episode we're exploring the incredible importance of a physical environment for retailing through the lens of interior design and architecture to create spaces that are inviting, exciting and so visually engaging that you can't help but come in and stay awhile. You'll hear from the extremely talented architectural designer behind some of the most incredible retail environments for brands like Nike, SKIMS, Cartier, Piaget and Baccarat, as well as some amazing spaces for department stores like us here at Nordstrom. He's a true artist and a super successful entrepreneur who's built his entire design business up from scratch: Rafael de Cárdenas. After that, stick around and get inspired by a return guest to the Nordy Pod, our vice president of store environments in charge of visual merchandising across our entire fleet: Paige Boggs. Thanks for tuning in to episode 94. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at 206.594.0526, or send an email to [email protected] to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

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• Ep 93. Kenneth Cole: The Intersection of Cause and Commerce

  In the world of fashion, there are a handful of names that do more than just design clothes—they shape conversations. Our guest today is someone who's done exactly that. Founder, chairman and creative director of the immensely popular fashion brand that shares his name: Kenneth Cole. Not only is Kenneth a wildly successful fashion designer and entrepreneur—he's also a bold voice for social change, and an influential supporter and advocate for HIV research, mental health awareness and several other human rights initiatives. Since launching his brand Kenneth Cole Productions in the early '80s out of a trailer on the streets of New York to becoming globally recognized for blending great style with meaningful purpose, Kenneth has been intentionally crafting a business that feels deeply personal. Kenneth talks about the steps he took to bring attention and credibility to his fledgling startup shoe company, what it's meant to him to be able to use his platform for good and why creating impactful messaging that lingers can be the absolute best thing for your brand. Thanks for tuning in to episode 93. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at 206.594.0526, or send an email to [email protected] to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

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• Ep 92. Finding What Works For You with Catherine Bloom, Director of Luxury Styling at Nordstrom

  In a store like ours—with thousands of brands in every category of men's, women's and kids' apparel, with shoes, accessories and everything in between—there are virtually limitless possibilities, which could potentially feel a little overwhelming. That's why one of the key elements for us to be able to achieve our goals and serve our customers best is styling. It's how a jacket from one label, a bag from another and a pair of shoes you never expected to wear can all come together to reflect your personal style. Styling creates connection, it inspires confidence and, in the case of today's guest, it's elevated to an art form. Join us for a trip to our Nordstrom location off Melrose Place in Los Angeles to chat with our recently appointed director of luxury styling, Catherine Bloom. Catherine has built her career around helping people look and feel their best, one relationship at a time—one outfit at a time. And let me tell you, the level of clientele that she's working with here is impressive, to say the least. Among her customers are A-list Hollywood celebrities, pro-athletes and actual royalty; and the brands that she's selling are the absolute best of designer and luxury that the world has to offer. We'll dive into Catherine's earliest styling endeavors, her rise to relevance at one of our biggest retail competitors and how she's adapting into her new position at Nordstrom, which we quite literally made up specifically for her. Thanks for tuning in to episode 92. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at 206.594.0526, or send an email to [email protected] to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

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• Ep 91. Chloe Fineman: Imitation is Love

  Our guest for this episode is an incredible artist and a master of mimicry. You've seen her face and all the faces she's put on. Settle in for Pete's conversation with film and TV star, and recurring cast member on Saturday Night Live, Chloe Fineman. Chloe has acted in a long list of TV shows and films both comedic and dramatic—films like Babylon, Megalopolis, the hilarious Hulu original Summer of 69 and the upcoming Disney franchise sequel Freakier Friday. But aside from all that, did you know that Chloe is also a huge fan of fashion, and in particular of Nordstrom? We're excited and super grateful that Chloe has agreed to partner with us for this year's Anniversary Sale marketing campaign, and while she was around we decided to ask if she'd be willing to come chat with us on the Nordy Pod. (She said yes!) After Pete's conversation with Chloe, make sure to stick around and hear the story of a loyal Nordstrom customer by the name of Melanie King who contacted us recently with a really nice story about her experience shopping in one of our stores. Thanks for tuning in to episode 91. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at 206.594.0526, or send an email to [email protected] to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

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