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[[Image:Nordstrom-flagship-store.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Nordstrom's headquarters and flagship store (in former [[Frederick & Nelson]] flagship) in downtown Seattle.]]
[[Image:Nordstrom-flagship-store.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Nordstrom's headquarters and flagship store (in former [[Frederick & Nelson]] flagship) in downtown Seattle.]]


In 1887 at the age of 16, like many other Swedish immigrants in the late nineteenth century, John W. Nordstorm emmigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. He was born in the village of Åle, close to Luleå in Northern Sweden. His name at birth was "Johan Nordström" which he later anglicized to John Nordstrom. After landing in New York, he first worked in Michigan. After working a series of menial jobs as he moved across the country, he saved enough money to purchase a 20 acre potato farm in Arlington, Washington. After gold was found in the [[[Klondike]]]] in Canada's [Yukon Territory] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon]in 1897, he joined the gold rush, leaving Seattle with countless others. After two years of prospecting and doing whatever it took to continue, he finally struck gold, but sold his disputed claim for $13,000. Returning to Seattle with his newfound wealth, he married Hilda Carison and looked for a business venture, finally settling on a shoe store that opened in 1901, called Wallin & Nordstrom. [[Carl F. Wallin]], the co-founder of the store, was the owner of the adjacent shoe repair shop. John and Hilda had five children, three of whom followed him into the family business, Everett W.(1903), Elmer J.(1904) and Lloyd N. By the time, Wallin & Nordstrom opened their second store in Seattle in 1923, Elmer who recently graduated from the University of Washington had already had enough hands-on experience to be in charge of its opening.
In 1887 at the age of 16, like many other Swedish immigrants in the late nineteenth century, John W. Nordstorm emmigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. He was born in the village of Åle, close to Luleå in Northern Sweden. His name at birth was "Johan Nordström" which he later anglicized to John Nordstrom. After landing in New York, he first worked in Michigan. After working a series of menial jobs as he moved across the country, he saved enough money to purchase a 20 acre potato farm in [[Arlington, Washington]]. In 1897, he joined the [[Klondike Gold Rush]] in Canada's [[Yukon Territory]], leaving Seattle with countless others. After two years of prospecting and doing whatever it took to continue, he finally struck gold, but sold his disputed claim for $13,000. Returning to Seattle with his newfound wealth, he married Hilda Carison and looked for a business venture, finally settling on a shoe store that opened in 1901, called Wallin & Nordstrom. [[Carl F. Wallin]], the co-founder of the store, was the owner of the adjacent shoe repair shop. John and Hilda had five children, three of whom followed him into the family business, Everett W.(1903), Elmer J.(1904) and Lloyd N. Nordstrom By the time, Wallin & Nordstrom opened their second store in Seattle in 1923, Elmer who recently graduated from the [[University of Washington]] had already had enough hands-on experience to be put in charge of its opening.


In 1928, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his shares to two of his sons, Everett and Elmer. In 1929, Wallin also retired and sold his share to them. The 1930 grand opening of the remodelled Second Avenue store marked the change of name to Nordstrom's. Lloyd Nordstrom subsequently joined the company in 1933, and the three brothers ran the business together for almost forty years.
In 1928, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his shares to two of his sons, Everett and Elmer. In 1929, Wallin also retired and sold his share to them. The 1930 grand opening of the remodelled Second Avenue store marked the change of name to Nordstrom's. Lloyd Nordstrom subsequently joined the company in 1933, and the three brothers ran the business together for almost forty years.


By 1958, Nordstrom had expanded to eight stores in two states but still only sold shoes. There expansion was based on customer service, deep product offerings and full size ranges. Apparel came with its purchase of Best Apparel of Seattle in 1963. The company's name was changed to '''Nordstrom Best''' in 1969.
By 1958, Nordstrom had expanded to eight stores in two states but still only sold shoes. Their expansion was based on customer service, deep product offerings and full size ranges. Apparel came with its purchase of Best Apparel of Seattle in 1963. The company's name was changed to '''Nordstrom Best''' in 1969.


By 1968, the second generation debated setlling the company as Everett neared retirement. Instead, they were convinced by the third generation Nordstroms--Bruce A.(Everett's son), James F. and John N. (Elmer's two sons), together with John A. (Jack) MacMillan (married to Lloyd's daughter) to take the company public instead, and allow the cousins to take over the business. In 1971, 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, and the store assumed its current name of [Nordstrom][http://shop.nordstrom.com/?origin=tab-logo].
By 1968, the second generation debated setlling the company as Everett neared retirement. Instead, they were convinced by the third generation Nordstroms--Bruce A.(Everett's son), James F. and John N. (Elmer's two sons), together with John A. (Jack) MacMillan (married to Lloyd's daughter) to take the company public instead, and allow the cousins to take over the business. In 1971, 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, and the store assumed its current name of [Nordstrom][http://shop.nordstrom.com/?origin=tab-logo].
Beginning in 1995, the fourth generation of brothers and cousins served as co-presidents for time. After John Whitacre served as the first non-Nordstrom CEO in 1997,[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3070/is_199506/ai_n7732571], in 2001 the family reasserted its control, with the sons of Bruce A. (Blake, Erik and Peter) assuming senior roles in the company which they continue to hold.[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B06E6D61530F932A3575AC0A9669C8B63]
Beginning in 1995, the fourth generation of brothers and cousins served as co-presidents for time. After John Whitacre served as the first non-Nordstrom CEO in 1997,[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3070/is_199506/ai_n7732571], in 2001 the family reasserted its control, with the sons of Bruce A. (Blake, Erik and Peter) assuming senior roles in the company which they continue to hold.[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B06E6D61530F932A3575AC0A9669C8B63]


Revision as of 01:13, 1 October 2008

This article is about the Nordstrom department store chain. For other uses, see Nordstrom (disambiguation).
Nordstrom, Inc.
Company typePublic (NYSE: JWN)
Founded1901
HeadquartersSeattle, Washington, USA
ProductsClothing, footwear, bedding, furniture, jewelry, beauty products, and housewares.
Websitewww.nordstrom.com

Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) is an upscale 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 lower price level than that of Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue, and at a slightly higher price level than Lord and Taylor. The corporate headquarters and the flagship store are located in Downtown Seattle, Washington.

History

Beginnings

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

In 1887 at the age of 16, like many other Swedish immigrants in the late nineteenth century, John W. Nordstorm emmigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. He was born in the village of Åle, close to Luleå in Northern Sweden. His name at birth was "Johan Nordström" which he later anglicized to John Nordstrom. After landing in New York, he first worked in Michigan. After working a series of menial jobs as he moved across the country, he saved enough money to purchase a 20 acre potato farm in Arlington, Washington. In 1897, he joined the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada's Yukon Territory, leaving Seattle with countless others. After two years of prospecting and doing whatever it took to continue, he finally struck gold, but sold his disputed claim for $13,000. Returning to Seattle with his newfound wealth, he married Hilda Carison and looked for a business venture, finally settling on a shoe store that opened in 1901, called Wallin & Nordstrom. Carl F. Wallin, the co-founder of the store, was the owner of the adjacent shoe repair shop. John and Hilda had five children, three of whom followed him into the family business, Everett W.(1903), Elmer J.(1904) and Lloyd N. Nordstrom By the time, Wallin & Nordstrom opened their second store in Seattle in 1923, Elmer who recently graduated from the University of Washington had already had enough hands-on experience to be put in charge of its opening.

In 1928, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his shares to two of his sons, Everett and Elmer. In 1929, Wallin also retired and sold his share to them. The 1930 grand opening of the remodelled Second Avenue store marked the change of name to Nordstrom's. Lloyd Nordstrom subsequently joined the company in 1933, and the three brothers ran the business together for almost forty years.

By 1958, Nordstrom had expanded to eight stores in two states but still only sold shoes. Their expansion was based on customer service, deep product offerings and full size ranges. Apparel came with its purchase of Best Apparel of Seattle in 1963. The company's name was changed to Nordstrom Best in 1969.

By 1968, the second generation debated setlling the company as Everett neared retirement. Instead, they were convinced by the third generation Nordstroms--Bruce A.(Everett's son), James F. and John N. (Elmer's two sons), together with John A. (Jack) MacMillan (married to Lloyd's daughter) to take the company public instead, and allow the cousins to take over the business. In 1971, 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, and the store assumed its current name of [Nordstrom][1]. Beginning in 1995, the fourth generation of brothers and cousins served as co-presidents for time. After John Whitacre served as the first non-Nordstrom CEO in 1997,[2], in 2001 the family reasserted its control, with the sons of Bruce A. (Blake, Erik and Peter) assuming senior roles in the company which they continue to hold.[3]

Early expansion

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

Nordstrom has chosen to grow both methodically and organically over the years. The company has generally preferred to build stores from the ground up when possible, eschewing the growth-for-growth's sake acquisitions of other companies.

By 1975, Nordstrom expanded into Alaska (by aquisition) and opened its first Rack clearance store in Seattle. With its sales already approaching $250 million (making it the third-largest specialty retailer in the U.S.) it opened it first Southern California store at Costa Mesa in 1978, subsequently opening 26 stores plus Racks in California by the early nineties. Later it expanded to the Northeast (Tyson's Corner, 1988), Midwest (Oak Brook Mall, 1991) Southeast (Atlanta, 1998) and Southwest. In each case, the initial store in a region was used as a base for training and recruitment for subsequent expansion, usually backed by a regional distribution center. From 1978 to 1995, Nordstrom opened a total of 46 full-line department stores.[1]

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.[2]

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 September 2008) opened in 1980 in Salem, Oregon and has a total area of just under 72,000 square feet.

The company also expanded into direct sales in 1993, beginning with a catalog division[3] that was followed by a .com business. 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.

Today

File:NordstromRACKLogo.png
Nordstrom Rack, the company's off-price clearance store.

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 105 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, and Nashville. 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.

Future store openings

Click "show" for full list


Openings in 2008

Lyndhurst, OH - Legacy Village (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: October 2nd

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

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

Danvers, MA - Liberty Tree Mall (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: November 6th

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

San Antonio, TX - The Rim (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: November 13th

Openings in 2009

Murray, UT - Fashion Place (relocation) Opening Date: March 6th

Cherry Hill, NJ - Cherry Hill Mall Opening Date: March 27th

Peabody, MA - Northshore Mall Opening Date: April 17th

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

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

Orlando, FL - Millenia Crossing (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Spring

Sandy, UT - The Commons at Southtowne (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Spring

Cincinnati, OH - Kenwood Towne Centre Opening Date: September 25th

Las Vegas, NV – Summerlin Centre Opening Date: October 16th

Los Angeles, CA - Beverly Connection (Nordstrom Rack) Opening Date: Fall

Openings in 2010

Braintree, MA - South Shore Plaza Opening Date: Spring

Newport Beach, CA - Fashion Island Opening Date: Spring

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

Cerritos, CA - Los Cerritos Center (relocation and expansion) Opening Date: Spring

Las Vegas, NV – Summerlin Centre Opening Date: Fall

Phoenix, AZ - CityNorth Opening Date: Fall

Sarasota, FL - University Town Center Opening Date: Fall

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

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

Santa Monica, CA - Santa Monica Place Opening Date: Fall

Fremont, CA - Creekside Landing Opening Date: Fall

Openings in 2011

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

Wilmington, DE - Christiana Mall Opening Date: Spring

Lawrenceville, NJ - Quaker Bridge Mall Opening Date: Fall

Austin, TX - The Domain Opening Date: Fall

Minneapolis, MN - Ridgedale Center Opening Date: Fall

Openings in 2012

Birmingham, AL - Riverchase Galleria Opening Date: Spring

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

[4]

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.[5]

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:[6]

Welcome to Nordstrom

We're glad to have you with our Company. Our number one goal is to provide outstanding customer service. Set both your personal and professional goals high. We have great confidence in your ability to achieve them.

Nordstrom Rules: Rule #1: Use good judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules.

Please feel free to ask your department manager, store manager, or division general manager any question at any time.

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.

Notable achievements

  • Nordstrom was listed at No. 24 in Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For 2007.[7] (Nordstrom is a Hall of Fame member of Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list.[8])
  • Nordstrom was at No. 46 on the same list in 2006 and at No. 88 in 2005.[9]
  • Nordstrom was ranked No. 286 (previously 293) on the Fortune 500 for 2007.[10]

References

  1. ^ The Nordstrom Way (1996), 133
  2. ^ Dow Jones News Services. "Nordstrom-Place Two -2-: To Close 3 Stores, Convert 1." 26 April 1994.
  3. ^ The Nordstrom Way, 213
  4. ^ New Store Openings - Nordstrom
  5. ^ Nordstrom Tire Return
  6. ^ Lessons of the Nordstrom Way, eCustomerServiceWorld.com
  7. ^ 100 Best Companies to Work For 2007, CNNMoney.com, Last accessed February 15, 2007.
  8. ^ Nordstrom Careers, Nordstrom. Last accessed March 2, 2007.
  9. ^ 100 Best Companies to Work For 2006, CNNMoney.com, Last accessed February 15, 2007.
  10. ^ Fortune 500 2007, CNNMoney.com, Last accessed July 24, 2007.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nordstrom&oldid=242131586"