Near Field Communication (NFC)
Early last year, Nordstrom introduced their mobile point-of-sale (POS) devices all through out the store. These devices, which is a modified iPod touch with a merchandise scanner and credit card slider, allow employees to check out customers anywhere in the store without the hassle of a line. The device also provides the staff access to the company's entire inventory, which helps customers who are looking for a different color or size. When a customer checks out with a POS device, they can sign for their purchase and enter their email for a paperless receipt, making the process a lot faster.
"[The goal is to] take care of [the] customer anywhere in the store. We don't have to take you to the cash register, and instead, can do that right there with you on your dressing room or when you're trying on shoes -- and then you are on your way." -- Colin Johnson, Nordstrom Spokesperson