Nordstrom enables shopping by text

Seattle - Nordstrom Inc. is launching a text-based shopping service called TextStyle at all 116 U.S. stores. Customers can now make curated purchases from their salesperson or personal stylist using text messaging.



In 2014, the retailer launched Next, an opt-in, secure one-to-one service that lets Nordstrom customers communicate with their salesperson using their smartphone. TextStyle leverages the security, privacy and capabilities built into the Nordstrom Next texting service.



To use TextStyle, customers use their Next account TextStyle opt-in, and then a customer or salesperson can send a private text message with a description and/or photo of a product. If the customer likes any of the recommended items, they can purchase by replying "buy" plus a unique code. The purchase is completed using the customer's Nordstrom.com account information. Items ship directly to the customer with Nordstrom free standard delivery.



"TextStyle is an important step forward in our continued efforts to develop ways to serve customers on their terms," said Jamie Nordstrom, president of stores. "For customers who prefer text messaging, TextStyle is a way for our salespeople to provide a personalized styling experience and for customers to view and buy seamlessly with the convenience and simplicity of a text message, wherever and whenever they like."