Nordstrom creates Instalog

Nordstrom has created its own Instalog - an e-catalog featuring its products by having 12 "Instagrammers" photograph some of their products.  Nordstrom found 12 diverse perspectives based out of New York City (some work for fashion magazines, others are serial bloggers) to come and photograph some of their products however they liked.  Those photos are then placed on Nordstroms ecommerce website, linked to instagram feeds, and linked to "guide" slides - highlighting trends for the fall.

Nordstrom has also invested in a "Like2buy" platform created by Curalate, which is one of the first companies that has linked Instagram to a website, enabling customers to like a product and buy it fairly seamlessly.  I wouldn't be surprised if this platform rapidly gets adopted by other retailers.

I found this to be a great way for a traditional retailer to utilize social media.  Too often, retailers are trying to curate their own social media presence, instead of using people who are doing it already (and probably doing it better).  The Instalog allows Nordstrom to appear fresh and relevant, expands its reach to other consumers, and genuinely appears authentic.   

Source: Nordstrom Employs Instagrammers