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Nordstrom’s Mobile Checkout Difference

Written by Frank Hayes
May 18th, 2011
In what is likely the most complex mobile POS rollout yet in retail, Nordstrom this summer will deploy thousands of iPod Touches and other mobile mechanisms. The IT twist, though, is that the rollout is not tied to a single type of device. That means the chain's software developers have already nailed down an architecture where the heavy POS lifting is done on the back end, not on the mobile device itself.

As a result, it should be easier for Nordstrom to quickly add new devices and new functions to the mobile POS system. Features that the iPod doesn't support, such as contactless payment, might be available on other devices. In theory, with a well-structured architecture, new devices could be swapped in on an as-needed basis. Unlike mobile POS pioneers Home Depot (which uses a highly customized handheld for its mobile POS) and Apple (which can only use Apple, naturally), Nordstrom can exercise its option to do small-scale experiments with devices from multiple vendors in the midst of its big rollout. That will also discourage developers from tying code too tightly to one device—giving Nordstrom the chance to do even more quick-hit experiments in the future.

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Posted in CRM, E-Commerce, In-Store, IT Strategy/Industry, Mobile/Wireless/Contactless, Payment Systems, Premium Content, Security/Fraud, Software
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