Nordstrom lets customers shop by text

US department store Nordstrom has launched a new service, TextStyle, which allows its customers to shop and buy products with a text message.

The service, which is available in all 116 Nordstrom US stores, means that its customers can make purchases by simply texting their salesperson or personal stylist. TextStyle uses the retailer’s NEXT secure one-to-one service that was launched to allow its Nordstrom customers who prefer texting to communicate with their salesperson using their smartphone.

To use TextStyle all a customer needs to do is send a description or a photo of the product they wish to buy, if the customer likes any of the recommended items the salesperson sends over using the service, all they have to do to purchase is reply “buy” plus a unique code to verify the purchase. The item is then purchases using the customer’s Nordstrom.com account information and shipped to their preferred address.

Jamie Nordstrom, Nordstrom president of stores, said: "TextStyle is an important step forward in our continued efforts to develop ways to serve customers on their terms. 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."