Nordstrom Inc and Rent the Runway announced a partnership that aims to draw more foot traffic into the department store while making the clothing rental service more convenient so it can improve service to existing customers and attract new ones. Rent the Runway "drop-off boxes," where subscribers can quickly scan and return rented items, will be placed inside four Los Angeles-based Nordstrom stores, three of which are smaller "Nordstrom Local" stores billed by the chain as "a convenient drop-in hub" closer to residential areas.

The idea is to make it more convenient for Rent the Runway subscribers to drop off rented items and explore other offerings at Nordstrom Local stores, where shoppers can consult personal stylists for fashion and beauty services, have clothes altered or make quick returns.

Los Angeles is Rent the Runway's fourth largest market, where there is a "particularly high density of subscribers living or working close to the Nordstrom Locals in West Hollywood, Brentwood and Downtown LA," the clothing rental company said.