Nordstrom, Inc.
Type	Public (NYSE: JWN)
Founded	1901
Headquarters	Seattle, Washington, USA
Products	Clothing, footwear, bedding, furniture, jewelry, beauty products, and housewares.
Website	www.nordstrom.com

Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) is a department store chain in the United States. Initially a shoe retailer, the company today also sells clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and in some locations, home furnishings. It competes at a slightly lower price level than that of Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and equal to Bloomingdale's and Barneys New York. The corporate headquarters and the flagship store are located in Downtown Seattle, Washington. Nordstrom is a chain of US department stores. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 102 pixelsFull resolution (4675 × 596 pixel, file size: 120 KB, MIME type: image/png) This is a logo of an organization, item, or event, and is protected by copyright and/or trademark. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), nicknamed the Big Board, is a New York City-based stock exchange. ... Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Seattle redirects here. ... A website (alternatively, web site or Web site) is a collection of Web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that is hosted on one or more web servers, usually accessible via the Internet. ... The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), nicknamed the Big Board, is a New York City-based stock exchange. ... The interior of a typical Macys department store. ... Lord & Taylor, based in New York, New York, is the oldest department store chain in the United States. ... Categories: Stub | Retail companies of the United States ... Saks Fifth Avenue is a chain of upscale American department stores that is owned and operated by Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises (SFAE), a subsidiary of Saks Incorporated. ... Bloomingdales is a chain of upscale American department stores owned by Macys, Inc. ... Barneys New York is a chain of upscale department stores. ... Downtown Seattle, from top of Space Needle (looking south) Map of downtown Seattle Downtown is a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington. ... Seattle redirects here. ... For the capital city of the United States, see Washington, D.C.. For other uses, see Washington (disambiguation). ...

History

Beginnings

Nordstrom's headquarters and flagship store (in former Frederick & Nelson flagship) in downtown Seattle.

Nordstrom was founded as a single shoe store in 1901 as Wallin & Nordstrom by John W. Nordstrom, a Swedish immigrant, and Carl Wallin, the owner of a Seattle shoe repair shop. Twenty-two years later, a second shoe store was opened. Download high resolution version (1023x680, 366 KB)Nordstroms flagship store in Seattle, Washington at 5th and Pine. ... Download high resolution version (1023x680, 366 KB)Nordstroms flagship store in Seattle, Washington at 5th and Pine. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different and/or consistent style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... John W. Nordstrom was the creator of the Nordstrom department store chain. ...

In 1928, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his shares to two of his sons, Everett and Elmer (according to the book The Nordstrom Way). In 1929, Wallin retired and sold his remaining shares to the two Nordstrom sons. Lloyd Nordstrom joined the company in 1933. Year 1928 (MCMXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Thirty-one years later, Nordstrom expanded to eight stores in two states but still only sold shoes. Apparel came with its purchase of Best Apparel of Seattle in 1963. The company's name was changed to Nordstrom Best in 1969. For other uses, see 1963 (disambiguation). ... Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ...

Two years later the company was taken public. (It currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol JWN.) In 1973, "Best" was dropped from the company's name. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), nicknamed the Big Board, is a New York City-based stock exchange. ... For the song by James Blunt, see 1973 (song). ...

In 1976, Nordstrom opened a series of stores called Place Two to sell a more limited selection of apparel in smaller markets. In 1983, there were ten Place Two stores, but by the end of 1994 there were only four stores, and the division was discontinued.^[1]

Early expansion

The exterior of a typical Nordstrom department store at The Florida Mall located in Orlando, Florida.

The company has opened a dot com fulfillment center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Currently, it has distribution centers in Ontario, California; Portland, Oregon; Dubuque, Iowa; Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and Gainesville, Florida. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2560x1920, 1006 KB) Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2560x1920, 1006 KB) Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... The main entrance of The Florida Mall. ... Orlando redirects here. ... Nickname: Location in the State of Iowa Coordinates: , Country State County Linn Incorporated 1849 Government  - Mayor Kay Halloran Area  - City 166. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States. ... Nickname: Location of Portland in Multnomah County and the state of Oregon Coordinates: , Country State Counties Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas Incorporated February 8, 1851 Government  - Type Commission  - Mayor Tom Potter[1]  - Commissioners Sam Adams Randy Leonard Dan Saltzman Erik Sten  - Auditor Gary Blackmer Area  - City 376. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Nickname: Location in the State of Iowa Coordinates: , Country State County Dubuque Incorporated 1833 Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Roy D. Buol  - City manager Michael C. Van Milligen Area  - City 71. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ...

In 1998, Nordstrom replaced its downtown Seattle store with a new flagship location in the former Frederick & Nelson building across the street. At 383,000 square feet, the downtown Seattle location is the chain's largest store as of February 2007. By contrast, the smallest Nordstrom store (as of August 2007) opened in 1977 in Vancouver, Washington and has a total area of just under 72,000 square feet. Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different and/or consistent style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... February 2007 is the second month of the year. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... For other uses, see Vancouver (disambiguation). ...

The "Espresso Bar" from older stores has been discontinued and re-introduced as the "eBar" with a new look and offers a variety of quick-fix snacks, sandwiches, salads, fruit smoothies, and an expanded 'hotbar' drink list. Smaller stores (mostly consisting of two-stories) have a new concept called "in-House Cafe," which offers the same menu as the eBar but with a sit & dine area. Nordstrom has also developed four restaurant concepts, which can be found in select larger stores. Both the "Classic Cafe" and "Marketplace Cafe" are more casual and offer items such as sandwiches, soups, and salads. "Cafe Bistro" specializes in brick oven entrees and the "Nordstrom Grill" offers both food and alcoholic beverages.

Today

Nordstrom Rack, the company's off-price clearance store.

Today, Nordstrom has chosen to grow both methodically and organically over the years, eschewing the growth-for-growth's sake acquisitions of other companies, expanding to Alaska in 1975, Southern California only in 1978, Northern California in 1982, the East Coast in 1988, the Midwest in 1991, Texas in 1996 and the Southeast in 1998. The company has generally preferred to build stores from the ground up when possible. Nordstrom has grown from one downtown Seattle shoe store into a nationwide fashion specialty chain with renowned services, generous size ranges and a selection of the finest apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family. Currently, Nordstrom operates 101 full-line stores, 51 Nordstrom Rack stores, two Jeffrey Boutiques, one shoe store, and two final clearance stores in 28 different states. On September 7, 2007 Nordstrom opened up their first store in Massachusetts at the newly renovated and upscale Natick Collection, making it one of the most profitable openings in Nordstrom history. Just at the opening gala, Nordstrom helped raise over $2,500,000 for the Boston Museum of Science and Boston Ballet. Nordstrom plans to open approximately 50 stores within the next 10 years and has already publicly announced 26 store openings through 2011. Among them will be stores in Birmingham, Phoenix, Naples, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Honolulu, and Nashville. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 250th day of the year (251st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The new expansion to the Natick Collection, taken two days after its grand opening. ... Located on the dam spanning the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge Massachusetts, the Museum of Science is a Boston city landmark. ... The Boston Ballet is a professional ballet company based in Boston, Massachusetts. ... Nickname: Location in Jefferson County in the state of Alabama Coordinates: , Country State Counties Jefferson, Shelby Incorporated December 19, 1871 Government  - Type Mayor - Council  - Mayor Bernard Kincaid (Current) Larry Langford (Mayor-Elect) Area  - City 151. ... Nickname: Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: , Country State County Maricopa Incorporated February 25, 1881 Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Phil Gordon (D) Area  - City  515. ... Location in Collier County and the state of Florida Coordinates: , Country State Counties Collier Settled 6 November 1886 Incorporated (town) 1925 Incorporated (city) 25 May 1949 Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Bill Barnett   - City Manager Robert E. Lee  Area [1]  - city  14. ... Indianapolis redirects here. ... Minneapolis redirects here. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Missouri Coordinates: , Country State County Independent City Government  - Mayor Francis G. Slay (D) Area  - City  66. ... For the city and county of Honolulu, see City & County of Honolulu. ... Nashville redirects here. ...

Future Store Openings

Openings in 2008

Laguna Hills, CA - Laguna Hills Mall (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Fall 2008

Thousand Oaks, CA - The Oaks Shopping Center Opening Date: September 5, 2008

Danvers, MA - Liberty Tree Mall (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Fall 2008

Naperville, IL - Springbrook Prairie Market (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Fall 2008

Indianapolis, IN - Fashion Mall at Keystone Opening Date: September 19, 2008

Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Mall (relocation) Opening Date: October 3, 2008

Pittsburgh, PA - Ross Park Mall Opening Date: October 24, 2008

Naples, FL - Waterside Shops Opening Date: November 7, 2008

Openings in 2009

Paramus, NJ - Bergen Town Center (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Spring 2009

Peabody, MA - Northshore Mall Opening Date: Spring 2009

Cherry Hill, NJ - Cherry Hill Mall Opening Date: Spring 2009

Murray, UT - Fashion Place (relocation) Opening Date: Spring 2009

Dallas, TX - Park Lane (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Spring 2009

Cincinnati, OH - Kenwood Towne Centre Opening Date: Fall 2009

Phoenix, AZ - CityNorth Opening Date: Fall 2009

Las Vegas, NV – Summerlin Centre Opening Date: Fall 2009

Openings in 2010

Braintree, MA - South Shore Plaza Opening Date: Spring 2010

Newport Beach, CA - Fashion Island Opening Date: Spring 2010

St. Louis, MO - Saint Louis Galleria Opening Date: Spring 2010

Sarasota, FL - University Town Center Opening Date: Fall 2010

Syosset, Long Island, NY - The Mall at Oyster Bay Opening Date: Fall 2010

Austin, TX - The Domain Opening Date: Fall 2010

Nashville, TN - The Mall at Green Hills Opening Date: Fall 2010

Openings in 2011

Lawrenceville, NJ - Quaker Bridge Mall Opening Date: Spring 2011

Palm Desert, CA - Westfield Palm Desert Opening Date: Spring 2011

Wilmington, DE - Christiana Mall Opening Date: Spring 2011

Salt Lake City, UT - City Creek (relocation) Opening Date: Spring 2011

Minneapolis, MN - Ridgedale Center Opening Date: Fall 2011

Openings in 2012

Birmingham, AL - Riverchase Galleria Opening Date: Spring 2012

Salt Lake City, UT - City Creek (relocation) Opening Date: 2012

^[2]

Customer service

Nordstrom is well-known for its customer service, so much so that several urban legends have appeared regarding the store. One of the best known legends is purported to have taken place at the Anchorage store soon after its 1975 purchase from Northern Commercial Company. A customer, unaware that the store had changed hands, returned a set of tires. Although Nordstrom had never sold tires since opening, it was determined not to be the fault of the customer the store had changed hands, and the return was accepted. The urban legend watch website Snopes has not been able to confirm or deny the authenticity of the story. While the authenticity of that story is not confirmed, many Nordstrom customers will attest that Nordstrom will refund the purchase price of an item bought at another department store provided they carry the brand.^[3] An urban legend or urban myth is similar to a modern folklore consisting of stories often thought to be factual by those circulating them. ... The Alaska Commercial Company was a company that operated retail stores in United States. ... Snopes, also known as the Urban Legends Reference Pages, is a website dedicated to determining the truth about many urban legends, Internet rumors, email forwards, and other such stories of uncertain or questionable origin. ...

Here is the statement regarding Nordstrom's policy about finding a lower purchase price elsewhere, copied from the Nordstrom website:

• We assure you'll never pay more. If you find the same item elsewhere for a lower price, we will gladly match it. Our Customer Service Specialists are ready to assist you, simply call 1-888-282-6060, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In other words, if a customer finds the identical item elsewhere for a lower price, Nordstrom will refund the difference to its customer or will sell the item to the customer at the lower price.

Employee handbook

For many years, new employees were given a copy of the famous Nordstrom's Employee Handbook -- a single 5 x 8 inch gray card containing 75 words:^[4]

However, new hire orientations now provide this card along with a full handbook of other more specific rules and legal regulations, as the way Nordstrom operates has evolved.

Controversy

In 2001, Peter Nordstrom was the respondent in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former shoe department employee. ^[5] In 2002 the suit was dismissed. ^[6] The plaintiff, Stacy Pinney, later sued Seattle newspaper The Stranger and Nordstrom after the publication ran an article about the sexual harassment suit. The second suit claimed that statements by a Nordstrom public relations officer quoted in the article were defamatory. The second suit was dismissed in 2004. ^[7]

Notable achievements

• Nordstrom was listed at No. 24 in Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For 2007.^[8] (Nordstrom is a Hall of Fame member of Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list.^[9])
• Nordstrom was at No. 46 on the same list in 2006 and at No. 88 in 2005.^[10]
• Nordstrom was ranked No. 286 (previously 293) on the Fortune 500 for 2007.^[11]

Fortune magazine is Americas second longest-running business magazine after Forbes magazine. ...

References

is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 61st day of the year (62nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

External links

• Nordstrom Official Website