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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Nordstrom

American luxury department store chain
American luxury department store chain

Nordstrom, Inc. is a luxury department store chain founded in 1901. It started as a shoe store and expanded to selling clothing. Nordstrom now operates full-line and off-price divisions across the United States, competing with various retailers.

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1887
John W. Nordstrom founds Nordstrom

John W. Nordstrom establishes the luxury department store Nordstrom, which would later become a prominent retail chain known for its high-end fashion and exceptional customer service.

1900
Marriage of John W. Nordstrom

In 1900, John W. Nordstrom married Hilda Carlson after returning to Seattle with wealth from the Klondike Gold Rush, setting the stage for his future business ventures.

1901
Nordstrom Founded

John W. Nordstrom founded Nordstrom in 1901 in Seattle, WA, starting with full-line stores, off-price Nordstrom Rack stores, Jeffrey boutiques, and a clearance store named Last Chance.

1905
Annual Sales Increase to $80,000

By 1905, Nordstrom's annual sales had increased to $80,000.

1923
Opening of Nordstrom's second store

In 1923, Nordstrom opened their second store in Seattle's University District.

1928
Retirement of John W. Nordstrom

In 1928, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his shares in the business to his sons, marking a generational shift in the company's leadership.

1930
Shoe Stores Renamed Nordstrom's

In 1930, Nordstrom's shoe stores were renamed Nordstrom's, and despite the Great Depression, they made $250,000 in sales.

1933
John W. Nordstrom retires and his sons take over

In 1933, John W. Nordstrom retired from the business and sold his shares to his sons, Everett and Elmer. This marked a transition in the ownership of the company.

1946
Wallin & Nordstrom Incorporation

In 1946, Wallin & Nordstrom was incorporated as Nordstrom, Inc., marking a period of growth for the company post-World War II.

1950
Nordstrom opens first suburban store in Northgate Mall

In 1950, Nordstrom opened its first suburban store in Seattle's Northgate Mall, which was one of the world's first shopping malls.

1960
Expansion of Nordstrom

By 1960, the downtown Seattle shoe shop had grown to become the largest shoe store in the country, with the company expanding to eight locations in Washington and Oregon, establishing itself as the largest independent shoe chain in the United States.

1963
Introduction of clothing by Nordstrom Best

In 1963, Nordstrom Best chain began selling clothing, marking a significant expansion of the Nordstrom brand beyond shoes.

1966
Introduction of Apparel at Nordstrom

In 1966, Nordstrom expanded its offerings by introducing apparel to its stores, diversifying its product range beyond shoes and marking a significant evolution in the company's retail strategy.

1968
Nordstrom Acquires Best Apparel

In 1968, Nordstrom acquired Best Apparel, a two-door apparel retailer, which marked the beginning of offering shoes and apparel under the Nordstrom Best name.

1971
Nordstrom Inc. goes public

In 1971, the three Nordstrom brothers handed over the company to the third generation, including Bruce, James, and John. The company was renamed Nordstrom Inc. and went public, marking a significant milestone in its history.

1973
Nordstrom Becomes Largest Fashion Specialty Store on the West Coast

Two years after going public, Nordstrom's annual sales exceeded $100 million, solidifying its position as the largest fashion specialty store on the West Coast.

1974
Nordstrom expands business beyond stores

In 1974, Nordstrom diversified its business beyond stores.

1978
Nordstrom opens store at South Coast Plaza

In 1978, Nordstrom expanded outside the Northwest by opening a store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California.

1980
Launch of Nordstrom Rack

In 1980, Nordstrom introduced Nordstrom Rack, a discount retail division offering a wide range of products.

1985
Surpassing Sales of Saks Fifth Avenue

In 1985, Nordstrom surpassed the sales of Saks Fifth Avenue, becoming the largest specialty store chain in the country.

1988
Nordstrom opens first East Coast store in Virginia

In 1988, Nordstrom inaugurated its first store on the East Coast, located in Virginia.

1990
Labor Law Violations Allegation

In 1990, Nordstrom faced allegations of violating labor laws by failing to pay employees for various duties, leading to cost-cutting measures and layoffs.

1991
Nordstrom FSB established

Nordstrom FSB, a subsidiary of Nordstrom, Inc., was formed in 1991 as a federally chartered savings bank.

1993
Nordstrom expands into direct sales

In 1993, Nordstrom ventured into direct sales with the launch of a catalog division and later an e-commerce business.

1994
Launch of First Catalog

In 1994, Nordstrom launched its first catalog, 'Nordstrom, The Catalogue,' entering the direct-mail segment of the women's apparel industry.

1995
Opening of Nordstrom's First Store in New York State

In 1995, Nordstrom opened its first store location in New York State at The Westchester in White Plains, a suburb of New York City.

1997
Appointment of John Whitacre as First Non-Nordstrom CEO

In 1997, John Whitacre was appointed as the first non-Nordstrom CEO, marking a significant change in leadership for the company.

1998
Launch of Nordstrom.com

In 1998, Nordstrom launches its online platform, Nordstrom.com, expanding its reach and offering customers the convenience of shopping online.

1999
Nordstrom moves to NYSE as JWN

In 1999, Nordstrom transitioned to the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol JWN.

2000
Acquisition of Façonnable S.A.

In 2000, Nordstrom acquired Façonnable S.A., gaining control of the brand and its boutiques worldwide.

2006
Nordstrom buys control of Jeffrey

In 2006, Nordstrom acquires control of Jeffrey, a company known for its luxury boutiques in Atlanta and New York City.

2009
Nordstrom listed in Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For

In 2009, Nordstrom was ranked No. 72 in Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For. They have consistently been recognized on this list over the years.

2011-02
Acquisition of HauteLook by Nordstrom

In February 2011, Nordstrom announced the acquisition of HauteLook, an LA-based online retailer, expanding its offerings in designer goods.

2011-08
Opening of Treasure & Bond Store in SoHo

In August 2011, Nordstrom opened the store Treasure & Bond in SoHo, New York, with all profits being donated to charity.

2012
Exclusive Retailer of Topshop and Topman

In 2012, Nordstrom became the sole major US retailer to offer a wide range of products from the renowned British fashion brands Topshop and Topman.

2013-12
Nordstrom named top fashion retailer by Women's Wear Daily

In December 2013, Women's Wear Daily reported Nordstrom as the top fashion retailer.

2014
Nordstrom Achieves Record Total Net Sales

In 2014, Nordstrom reached an all-time high in total net sales, amounting to $13.1 billion. This demonstrated the company's continued growth and success in the retail industry.

2015-03
Opening of Nordstrom store in The Mall of San Juan

Nordstrom opened a 138,000-square-foot store in The Mall of San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico in March 2015. The store faced water damage and temporary closure after Hurricane Maria in 2017, but reopened on November 9, 2018.

2015-09
Opening of Nordstrom Store in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

In September 2015, Nordstrom opened a new location at Ridgedale Center in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan region, expanding its presence in the area.

2017-02-02
Nordstrom ceases to carry Ivanka Trump's branded fashion line

On February 2, 2017, Nordstrom announced it would stop carrying Ivanka Trump's branded fashion line due to weak sales. This decision was followed by a tweet from President Donald Trump condemning the brand's treatment of his daughter.

2018-04-12
Opening of Nordstrom's first full-line store in New York City

Nordstrom opened its first full-line store in New York City on April 12, 2018. The three-floor store is located at 57th Street and Broadway, in the Columbus Circle neighborhood.

2019-01-02
Death of Blake Nordstrom

Blake Nordstrom, co-president of Nordstrom, passed away suddenly on January 2, 2019, at the age of 58. He had been a lifelong employee of the company, rising through the ranks to become co-president.

2020-03-03
Erik Nordstrom becomes sole CEO of Nordstrom

On March 3, 2020, Erik Nordstrom took on the role of the sole CEO of Nordstrom. This marked a significant leadership change within the company.

2020-05-05
Reopening of Nordstrom stores after COVID-19 closures

Nordstrom began reopening stores on May 5, 2020, after temporary closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also announced the permanent closure of sixteen locations by August.

2021-10
Partnership with 11 Honoré for plus-sized designer fashion

In October 2021, Nordstrom announced an agreement with 11 Honoré, an online retailer of plus-sized designer fashion, to sell the company's clothing in Nordstrom stores and on their website.

2023-06
Nordstrom operates five flagship stores

As of June 2023, Nordstrom operates five flagship stores in four states, known for being smaller than competitors' flagship stores.

2024
Nordstrom Future Copyright Year

The copyright year for Nordstrom in 2024.

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Nordstrom
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