In another indication of the growing role of social media in web retailing, department store retailer Nordstrom Inc. has hired Shauna Causey as its head of social business, a new position.

Nordstrom, No. 29 in Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide, today confirmed the new hire but would give few details about Causey’s exact duties.  “The whole social media space is growing so much out there and within Nordstrom,” a spokeswoman says.  “It’s very exciting.”

Causey had worked at Ant’s Eye View, a marketing firm that focuses on social media. She also is founder of Tech Mavens, a network for women in technology, and Voluntweetup, which provides training in social media for nonprofits.  She has worked for the Seattle Mariners baseball team, Fox Sports Net and Comcast. 

In August, Nordstrom.com underwent a major site redesign that included larger site imagery, better site search and new features such as the “Conversation” section, which enables customers to post and share design ideas, comments and photos.