4 /5 Robert McLain: If there is a basic rule of shopping life: If its Norstroms it SHOULD be five stars. Unfortunately, it just isnt anymore. And Im not sure it can be again.
Nordstroms service is what makes a 400.00 sweater seem worthwhile. Service is what makes perusing mens wear for 2 - 3 hours seem like a day out instead of a lost afternoon. Great service is what I got this week in the perfume department (and have always gotten) and why I didnt feel like I dropped an inordinate sum on my wifes Christmas present.
But, in 3 other departments I got, at best, Sears service. And we know where Sears is now.
Lukewarm or no greeting. No offer of help. Wife went to get a bra - no fitters, no offer of help, no nothing. Lingerie used to be a specialty of high-end department stores. Now it seems to be the "underware barn". Ick - you could do this on-line.
The perspective seems to have shifted and maybe irreversible. Can you tell your staff that they have to be friendly? That they have to offer help? That they have to smile? Probably not - its probably a violation of something nowadays.
But you could remind your floor manager not to explain that, while your Bistro has a "order at the cash-register" and seat yourself system, other Nordstroms do have sit-down table service in their Bistros, because, "theyre more High-end stores".
I thought EVERY Nordstroms was a high-end store!
You hate to see it.