Nordstrom will introduce weekend delivery as part of its shipping expansion, an executive announced at the Parcel Forum in Orlando this month. The retailer already provides next-day and two-day shipping alongside standard options, but it is now assessing how to deliver seven-day service through partnerships with multiple carriers. Kevin Breedlove, Nordstrom’s director of customer delivery and returns, stated that consistent speed across all days could drive more repeat purchases from shoppers.
This initiative follows the retail industry’s broader adoption of weekend delivery. OnTrac began Saturday and Sunday service in 2024, while FedEx extended its Sunday home delivery coverage last year—a move that influenced Best Buy’s decision to name FedEx its primary carrier. Amazon Shipping has operated on a seven-day schedule for years, offering Nordstrom additional examples to study as it develops its own strategy.
Same-day beauty deliveries expand to new cities
The retailer’s push for faster shipping does not stop at weekends. Nordstrom recently completed a pilot program for same-day beauty product deliveries in Los Angeles, with orders placed by 3 p.m. arriving by 9 p.m. Farah Akoum, senior director of product management and digital shopping experience, confirmed the test’s success and said the company will expand the service to additional markets in the fall. While specifics about the pilot remain limited, the focus on beauty products indicates Nordstrom is prioritizing high-demand, high-margin categories for expedited fulfillment.
Improving delivery estimate accuracy remains a key focus. Nordstrom aims to refine its promised delivery windows, a challenge shared by competitors. Breedlove acknowledged the tension between conservative estimates, which ensure on-time deliveries but may disappoint customers expecting precise timing, and tighter promises, which risk more late arrivals. He described late deliveries as less tolerable than early ones and emphasized finding a balance between reliability and customer expectations.
Read Also: Shippers seek inland routes to de-risk global supply chains
Nordstrom’s carrier strategy reflects its broader logistics approach. The company depends on national carriers for nationwide coverage but supplements them with regional providers in high-traffic areas. To optimize its network, Nordstrom hosts an annual carrier summit where logistics partners present their capabilities and discuss future plans. The first day features general discussions with all carriers, while the second day shifts to one-on-one meetings to address specific operational needs.
Adding new carriers requires clear justification, according to Parker Bushaw, Nordstrom’s strategic sourcing manager. The retailer avoids unnecessary diversification, such as cost-cutting alone, instead evaluating whether a carrier fills a specific gap in speed, pricing, or geographic reach. Before negotiations begin, Nordstrom’s procurement team consults with other departments to distinguish essential requirements from secondary preferences. Bushaw warned that securing lower rates for slower delivery options conflicts with the company’s speed-driven strategy.
Return policies balance cost savings and customer experience
Separately, the company continues to refine its return policies to reduce costs while maintaining customer satisfaction. Breedlove noted that return-related expenses have risen alongside shipping demands, prompting Nordstrom to explore automated return centers and carrier partnerships that simplify the process. The goal is to streamline returns without compromising the unboxing experience, which remains critical for brand perception.
Nordstrom’s logistics investments extend to its private-label brands, where faster shipping can drive higher sales. The retailer is now testing dynamic pricing adjustments for expedited options, where discounts are applied to encourage adoption during peak periods.
Read Also: Lego Invests $400M in Mexico Plant Expansion
Looking ahead, Nordstrom’s carrier summit in 2025 will likely include discussions on integrating automation into last-mile delivery, particularly for urban areas where traffic congestion remains a hurdle. Bushaw indicated that the retailer is evaluating drone and micro-fulfillment center partnerships to address these challenges, though no final decisions have been made.
Carrier deals now prioritize speed over price cuts
Nordstrom’s carrier negotiations prioritize aligning delivery contracts with customer expectations over cost reduction alone. The retailer emphasizes collaboration between procurement teams and other departments to define key requirements before contract discussions. These priorities are categorized into essential and secondary needs, ensuring service quality matches shopper demands.
Executives stressed that expanding carrier options without clear strategic value risks inefficiency. Before entering negotiations, Nordstrom evaluates whether a carrier improves speed, pricing, or geographic coverage. The process avoids unnecessary diversification, focusing instead on filling specific operational gaps in its logistics network.
