Neiman Marcus has launched a well-stuffed stocking of in-store and online services to help power personalized and experiential retailing for a holiday season being defined by social distancing. The new services include a virtual gift advisor and gift finder, virtual and curbside visits with Santa Claus and safe in-store holiday shopping options.
The retailer now offers Virtual Gift Advisors for ecommerce shoppers who are looking for either a curated assortment of gifts or who want to choose a unique and exclusive present for a loved one. Shoppers start by taking a short quiz to be matched with the right Gift Advisor, who will then contact them through text, direct message, email or a phone call with gift suggestions that can be purchased online or in-store.
The Gift Finder is geared toward shoppers who aren’t quite sure where to start in their search for the perfect present. This quiz is specifically aimed at generating a curated list of selections that shoppers can choose from, and it accounts for considerations like preferred price.
Customers who don’t want their children to miss out on a visit with Santa will have both online and in-person opportunities to meet the man in red. One-on-one Virtual Santa Visits are available via video calls, and participants will receive a video of their visit along with a keepsake ornament. Social distancing means kids won’t be able to sit in Santa’s lap, but he will fulfill all curbside pickup orders every Saturday from Black Friday through Christmas to let them say hello in a safe fashion.
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Neiman Marcus will further enhance the in-store holiday shopping experience with other safe shopping features. The Holiday Gifting Lounge lets shoppers browse a curated selection of items with associates on hand to make it a quick shopping experience, while the Social Distancing Lounge is a room with champagne and holiday treats where Neiman Marcus will host Virtual Holiday Events featuring personal experiences from designers and holiday experts.
Shoppers who want to bring the in-store experience home can utilize the Virtual Gifting Appointment Room, where they can book virtual appointments with associates to walk them through the entire purchasing process. The associates will greet them from a seasonally decorated holiday room and walk them through every step of the holiday shopping process, from gift suggestions to hosting essentials.
“This year, our customers are looking for innovative and meaningful ways to experience the magic and love of the holiday season, whether in store or digitally,” said Marjon Zabihi, Director of Brand Experience and Special Events for Neiman Marcus in a statement. “Neiman Marcus has designed thoughtful, personalized and extraordinary gifting services and experiences to meet our customers’ needs, wherever and whenever they are shopping.”