What: Former Neiman Marcus personal shopping powerhouse Catherine Bloom joins Nordstrom to create an innovative 3,700 sq ft private shopping destination, bringing her eight-person team and decades of luxury retail expertise to transform the traditional department store experience.

Why it is important: The investment in dedicated personal shopping spaces and expert talent reflects the evolving nature of luxury retail, where personalized service and private environments are becoming crucial differentiators in an increasingly competitive market.

Nordstrom's appointment of Catherine Bloom marks a significant evolution in luxury retail service. The transformation of a former Nordstrom Local store on Melrose Place into "Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom" represents a prototype for future small-format, personal-shopping-focused stores. Bloom, who built her reputation over decades at Neiman Marcus, brings her entire eight-person team and extensive experience serving high-profile clients. Her approach combines careful attention to client preferences with deep expertise in luxury fashion, regularly recommending brands like Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta, and Alaïa. The space will feature a curated assortment of vintage pieces and premium footwear, creating an intimate, home-like atmosphere for exclusive client interactions. This initiative reflects the broader industry recognition that personalized service and private shopping environments are essential for maintaining relationships with valuable customers. The prototype store aims to create an experience that feels like visiting a private home, complete with valet parking access and discreet entry options for VIP clients.

IADS Notes: The luxury retail landscape has undergone significant transformation in personal shopping and VIC services throughout 2024-2025. In August 2024, Retail Wire revealed that just 1% of customers generate 25% of department store sales, setting the stage for strategic shifts in customer service. By November 2024, WWD reported Harrods' creation of dedicated spaces for timeless luxury brands, demonstrating the evolution of physical retail environments. A major development came in February 2025, when WWD covered Nordstrom's appointment of Catherine Bloom as Director of Luxury Styling, generating over USD 300 million in sales. The same month, Fashion United detailed Saks Fifth Avenue's innovative expansion of personal shopping services to luxury hotels. March 2025 saw LSA Conso report on Printemps' prioritization of customer experience over traditional metrics, while Inside Retail highlighted how 68% of VIP clients follow their trusted advisors to new employers. By July 2025, the Financial Times reported BCG data showing top-tier clients now represent 23% of market share, validating the industry's increased focus on personalized service and VIC relationships.

Nordstrom’s new head of personal shopping interviewed