• The New York Times writes this morning about how Nordstrom is using social media influencers to offer to consumers "a glimpse into pandemic-era retailing and the ways stores are trying to bring shoppers back in person … By hiring influencers to highlight safety measures, retailers, especially those that sell apparel and other discretionary goods, are trying to restore a sense of normalcy to activities like in-store shopping that were utterly banal six months ago but now may seem dangerous to many customers."
Nordstrom's efforts in this area for the moment seem to be "unique to the New York flagship store, a colossus that opened its doors less than a year ago. The pandemic forced it to close in March, but it opened again on June 24. Mr. Subramanian said he anticipated that influencer marketing around safety would remain local or regional because of the unpredictable nature of the virus and the differing infection rates across the country.
"Scott Meden, Nordstrom’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement that working with influencers was an important part of the retailer’s marketing program and that many of its customers look to them for fashion and lifestyle tips."
• Add Facebook to the list of technology companies that have no plans to bring employees back to the office anytime soon. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said late last week that there is "currently no end in sight for when our teams here will be able to return to our offices."
