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Nordstrom's: a Case for Service

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Nordstrom's: A Case for service
Introduction

The purpose of this study is to examine the customer service model used by retail department store, Nordstrom’s, and determine if their approach to customer service is a proven way to mitigate potential conflict. I will answer three case questions presented within the study, analyze the information presented, and draw an independent conclusion based on my review of the case material. Nordstrom’s is an upscale retail department store headquartered in Seattle, Washington (Nelson & Quick, 2013). They operate about 200 stores in roughly 3/5ths of the sates in America (Fowler & Dodes, 2010). The company’s philosophy has remained unchanged for more than 100 years: “offer the customer the best possible service, selection, quality, and value (Anonymous, 2011).”

Case Question 1

The first case question asks, “Is Nordstrom’s approach to customer service and customer relationships management an appropriate way to defuse or prevent potential conflict situations (Nelson & Quick, 2013)?” Nordstrom’s has begun utilizing multiple techniques and strategies intended to mitigate conflict and provide exceptional customer service. The first notable tactic used by Nordstrom’s is their customized shopping experience. Based on personal experience and observation, I assess among the chief causes of conflict within a retail setting is, confusing floor plans. Most customers do not want to walk the entire store to find the item(s) they are looking for. Nordstrom’s has circumvented that issue by creating individual customer profiles.
An anonymous author explains, “Nordstrom’s sales associates keep close tabs on their clientele so they can provide excellent customer service, especially to patrons who are frequent shoppers and who spend considerable sums of money. Associates carry a clientele book with them onto the selling

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