Web Watch: Neiman Marcus

The butterfly has landed. On Sept. 10, Neiman Marcus will mark 100 years of style-savvy business. Part of the aristocracy of department stores, Neiman has pumped up advertising (have you seen the new W?) and secured designer exclusives from the likes of Charriol, David Yurman, Gurhan, Ippolita, John Hardy, JudeFrances, Judith Ripka, Philip Stein Teslar, and Stephen Dweck. In-store festivities are on the horizon.

But what I love most is Neiman’s new Instant Style: an interactive Web feature … not unlike JCKstyle’s What to Wear Where in design. It’s dress up for grown-ups where users mix and match outfits and accessories that range from chic Burberry booties to sterling silver Slane & Slane cuffs. What a great way for customers to try things on without really doing so … and what a great concept for the jewelry industry to tap into. If your online business is expanding, or if you’re using your Web site as a gateway to your store, why not help your customer see how that pearl necklace looks with her V-neck LBD as well as her jeans and classic T?