US retailer Nordstrom has unveiled its new TextStyle service, giving shoppers the ability to shop and buy with a text message.
According to Nordstrom, it is the first retail company in the country to offer customers who opt in the ability to shop in this way; it has launched the service across all of its 116 US stores. Consumers are able to buy all of Nordstrom's products via TextStyle including cosmetics.
The service encourages a personal relationship between salespeople and consumers, with either party being able to send a direct text message to the other with a description or an image of a product. If the customer likes any of the recommended items, they can purchase by replying 'buy' plus a unique code. Items ship directly to the customer with free standard delivery.
Jamie 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 personalised styling experience and for customers to view and buy seamlessly with the convenience and simplicity of a text message, wherever and whenever they like."