It’s hard to argue with “free.” At least that’s what Seattle-based Nordstrom is banking on as it undercuts the competition by offering free shipping on virtually everything on its website. Previously, Nordstrom charged for shipping on orders of under $200. Why the change of heart?”Free shipping is reflective of how customers increasingly want to shop online, and we hope this change makes it easier and more convenient to shop with us,” Jamie Nordstrom, president of Nordstrom Direct, told his PR department, which put it in a press release. To which we can only add, really compelling quote, Jamie. Thanks for that. (No one at Nordstrom was immediately available to comment further, but a friendly Nordstrom worker bee did confirm that unlike crosstown rival Amazon, Nordstrom will still be collecting sales tax in the 45 states where it’s applicable.)A handful of other big-name retailers offer across-the-board free shipping, including shoe-purveyor Zappos. But there aren’t many. Macy’s, for one, charges $8 for shipping orders under $99. Target and the Gap family of companies both charge for shipping on orders under $50. At Amazon, shipping is free, but only if you’re buying more than $25 worth of stuff. Walmart offered free shipping last year during the holiday season, but reverted to its “No Free Shipping for Americans” policy at the start of the year. Nordstrom’s sales figures have actually been pretty good lately, which indicates that this isn’t a move made in desperation. It will be interesting to see which other retailers, if any, will feel compelled to follow suit.Follow The Daily Weekly on Facebook and Twitter.