Nordstrom Market Entry Strategy — South Korea

Project Overview
Developed a market entry and intercultural communication strategy for Nordstrom's expansion into South Korea as part of the Intercultural Business Communication course (MSPM1-GC 1020200) at NYU SPS. The objective was to identify cultural barriers, map key stakeholders, and propose a phased entry plan tailored to the South Korean market.

Problem Statement
South Korea presents a high-growth luxury retail opportunity, but its highly formal, hierarchy-driven, and digitally advanced consumer culture poses significant internal and external challenges for a U.S.-based retailer like Nordstrom entering the market.

Your Role
Team Member responsible for market entry timeline development, cultural analysis, and presentation delivery as part of a four-person team.

Methodology
Stakeholder Analysis, Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Framework, Market Analysis, Phased Implementation Planning, Risk & Challenge Mapping

Key Deliverables
Market opportunity overview, stakeholder map, four-phase market entry timeline, internal and external cultural challenge analysis with proposed approaches, KPIs, and call to action

Key Takeaways
Recommended a 12-month phased rollout covering digital integration, K-culture influencer mapping, community teasing, and full launch — targeting $25–30M in revenue by Q4 post-launch, 2M+ social media followers within six months, and 70% repeat purchase rate within the first two quarters.