What: Nordstrom and FIT have launched a specialised certificate course to train the next generation of retail tailors and alterations specialists.

Why it is important: Nordstrom’s investment in alterations and workforce development demonstrates how service excellence can be leveraged as a key differentiator.

Nordstrom and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) have partnered to launch a nine-week certificate course in custom alterations and tailoring techniques, targeting adult learners and early career professionals. The programme, taught in-person at FIT by Broadway costume builder Michael Harrell, is designed to provide advanced, hands-on training in garment alterations, fitting, and specialized sewing skills. By offering tuition assistance, the initiative aims to remove financial barriers and broaden access to a career in retail tailoring, particularly within Nordstrom’s extensive network of tailor shops. Graduates will be well-positioned to meet Nordstrom’s hiring standards, benefiting from a curriculum co-developed by industry and academic leaders. This collaboration not only addresses the pressing need for skilled alterations specialists but also reinforces Nordstrom’s commitment to maintaining high standards of personalised service. The partnership exemplifies how targeted educational initiatives can create direct pathways to employment, ensuring the sustainability and evolution of specialised retail services in a competitive market.

IADS Notes:

Nordstrom’s collaboration with FIT to develop a specialized tailoring course reflects a wider movement in retail, as seen with John Lewis’s expanded apprenticeship programs in February 2025, which aim to build diverse talent pipelines. The focus on advanced, hands-on training aligns with industry evidence from July 2025 and September 2024, showing that retailers who invest in expert-led, personalized service are better equipped to meet evolving customer expectations. Nordstrom’s ongoing investment in service hubs and luxury styling roles, highlighted in February and June 2025, further demonstrates how service innovation and workforce development are central to sustaining competitive advantage in retail.

Nordstrom and FIT launch certificate course in custom alterations and tailoring