I wasnt aware Nordstrom eliminated name badges....How would you know that they were an employee versus a shopper?
I think people can be clad in many "appropriate" garbs, none of the must be a tie and shirt (which minus the jacket doesnt work for me anyhow, stylistically). Frankly, a tie with a short sleeved shirt (uh uh) looks the same to me as a nice 'polo'. Name badges included, of course.