1901In Seattle, Washington, John W. Nordstrom and Carl Wallin opened Wallin & Nordstrom, a small downtown shoe store and the humble beginning of what was to become Nordstrom Inc.
In 1928, John retired and sold his share of his company to his sons Everett and Elmer. Carl Wallin retired a year later and also sold his share to the Nordstrom son's. The third son, Lloyd, joined the team in 1933. |
1960By 1960, the downtown Seattle shoe shop had become the largest shoe store in the country, and the company, now with 8 locations, was the largest independent shoe chain in the United States.
In 1963, Nordstrom ventured into the women's clothing market operating under the name Nordstrom Best. In 1966, men's and children's wear were added. In 1968, the Nordstrom brothers handed the company to Everett's son Bruce, Elmer's son James and John, Lloyd's son-in-law Jack, and family friend Bob Bender. 1971The company was formally named Nordstrom, Inc. after going public. Two years later, the company was recognized as the largest-volume fashion specality store on the West Coast.
In 1973 the company opened its first Nordstrom Rack in Seattle is a clearance outlet for the full line store. Over the next few years the company expanded to Alaska and the East Coast. |
TodayNordstrom currently operates 261 stores located in 35 states. Looking ahead, the company plans to open its first Manhattan store in 2018 and plans are underway to expand into Canada.
From one tiny shoe store, Nordstrom has grown into a specialty fashion chain with global reach. It offers an unparelled selection of shoes, clothing and accessories and an extensive range of services. The company has taken full advantage of mobile technology, putting the entire Nordstrom experience in the hands of the customer. |