Nordstrom is adding new tech tools to its omni-channel retail strategy through the purchase of two independent tech startups: BevyUp and MessageYes, reports Digital Journal.

BevyUp enables store associates to communicate with customers when the latter are not physically present in the store, and MessageYes sends personalized mobile messages to shoppers while they are. Nordstrom plans to integrate this technology into a first-party assistance app to be launched later in the year.

"The retail environment is changing faster than ever, but the value of service, speed, convenience and newness remain constant," said Brian Gill, Nordstrom's senior vice president of technology. "To continue to be successful into the future, we need to invest in technologies that will enable us to deliver on those qualities and better serve customers in a digitally connected world."

The company has not disclosed the value of either acquisition.