Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Department Stores / Nordstrom

Nordstrom

jwn · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker jwn
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Department Stores
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY1999 Annual Report · Nordstrom
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
1999 NORDSTROM ANNUAL REPORT

“Give me choices!”

“Show me what’s current!”

“I want it all in one place.”

“Wow! This looks different!”

“I want service tailored to my needs.”

“Shopping should be fun!”

“Inspire me!”
“What’s up with the new styles?”

“Where am I supposed to look?”

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

“Who has time for malls?”

“I want to look fashionable – but I’m not a size four!”

“Do you have it in my size?”

“I want the latest fashion.”

“I want perks for using my Nordstrom card.”

“You really want to know what my ideal shopping

“It’s about time!”

“Don’t make me go all over the store to find jeans!”

“I want it to feel like my store.”

“Show me what’s current, then let me decide if it’s me.”

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

IFC x IBC

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

1

“This is more like it!”

xperience would be?”

“Where am I supposed      to look?”

“It’s gotta just click!”

“Will I wear what’s on every billboard? Not on      your life!”

It’s gotta be my kind of music.”

“I want to  get in and get out.”

Sometimes the best 
thing we can do is sit

back andlisten

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 01

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

2

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

“Shopping for yourself with kids? 
Yeah, right!” “Why should motherhood deprive 

me of looking my best?”

“Who has the time…

to get into the car, drive to the mall

and search for clothes?”

Imagine shopping from your home while sipping on 
a cup of tea. Sound appealing? To our catalog and 
online shoppers, it’s more than appealing – it’s a way 
of life.

Who shops at nordstrom.com? Insomniacs. Moms 
who work full time. Stay-at-home dads. People who 
live in Memphis, Boise, Albuquerque or Syracuse – 
hundreds of miles from the nearest Nordstrom store.
Or customers who live right across from a mall,

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 02

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

3

“I want to shop in the quiet of my 

bedroom, wearing a pair of sweats,
slippers and an oversized t-shirt.”

but want the Nordstrom experience delivered to them.
All kinds of people shop our nordstrom.com Web site and
Nordstrom Life/Style and Clothes for Life by Nordstrom catalogs.
And a rush of others are discovering nordstromshoes.com,
The World’s Biggest Shoe Store! Who has the time to shop 
at Nordstrom? Now we all do.

Mother of three

Community volunteer

Age: 39

Home: Marin County, California

Hobbies: yoga, gardening, book club

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 03

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

4

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 04

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

5

Dot coms are everywhere. The Nordstrom experience is one of a kind.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 05

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

6

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

“I have a lot of free time and I 

Travel Agent

Married for 37 years

Age: 60

Home: Seattle, Washington

Hobbies: grandchildren, dancing

Should a passion for fashion fade over time?  
Of course not. We believe all customers are entitled 
to a shopping experience that leaves them 
feeling good, looking fashionable – and thinking 
of Nordstrom first when it comes time to 
buy again.

To help ensure this, we are dividing women’s 
apparel in our stores into two distinct hemispheres:
Classic and Modern.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 06

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

“I can still catch that certain 

someone gazing...”

“Timeless, classic and all in one 
place, that’s what I want.”

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

7

“I deserve to be pampered.”

“Act my age?”

“Slow Down?”

plan to enjoy it!”“My granddaughter gets excited about what

she wears – I should too!”

“I’m not ready for the bingo  parlor yet

This more intimate, boutique-like setting will make
our stores easier to navigate and shopping more
enjoyable.We want each customer to immediately
recognize the area designed for her, whether her 
tastes are modern, classic or mainstream. After all,
fashion is not about age; it’s about attitude.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 07

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

8

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 08

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

9

Whether your style is classic, mainstream or modern, we’ll make you feel right at home.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 09

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

10

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

“I want to get in 

“A second opinion never hurts.”

“Just point me to what I’m looking for...”

and get out.”

Although some men may go to the ends of the
earth for an unforgettable game of golf, or spend
hours sitting on a hard aluminum bench while
munching lukewarm hot dogs – just so they can 
root their favorite team to victory – don’t expect 
that same passion when it comes to shopping.
Most men want to get into a store – and get out.

To make shopping more expeditious, we’ve 
gathered all the tools a man needs to accomplish his
goal successfully. Knowledgeable salespeople.
Skillful tailors. An in-depth array of career and con-
temporary styles, including exclusive brands 
such as Façonnable, Halogen, and Callaway Golf
Apparel by Nordstrom.

And sizes that go beyond the norm: dress shirts in 
57 sizes; clothing and sportswear in xxl and tall sizes;
and footwear in an unbeatable selection of styles,
sizes and widths. After all, a man wants shopping to 
be effortless. So we made it that way.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 10

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

11

“I’m not shopping for a good time,

I’m looking for the clothes I need.”

Investment Broker

Sports fanatic

Age: 43

Home: Redondo Beach, California

Hobbies: golf, hoops, jazz

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 11

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

12

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 12

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

13

Let us handle the details, while you relax and savor the moment.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 13

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

14

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

“I like to challenge my 

friends...

‘Guess what I paid for this?!’”

“Shopping for bargains gives me 

such a rush!”

“Once a week just 

isn’t enough!”

“Score!”

Not everyone who has a love for bowling is on the
PBA tour. And not everyone who loves Nordstrom
merchandise shops at our full-line stores.They hit
the Nordstrom Rack.

Nordstrom Rack customers are willing to sacrifice 
a few frills in exchange for incredible bargains.
When new arrivals are shipped in from our full-line
stores, great deals are lurking everywhere.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 14

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

15

”

How popular is the Nordstrom Rack? At the end 
of 1999, there were 27 Nordstrom Rack stores in
operation. By the end of 2000, we could have more
than 35 Nordstrom Racks nationwide. And that’s 
just the beginning.

Mae West once said,“I generally avoid temptation 
unless I can’t resist it.” That might explain the 
appeal of the Nordstrom Rack. After all, it’s not just 
discount. It’s Nordstrom.

Office Manager

Social activities coordinator

Age : 27

Home: Chicago, Illinois

Hobbies: decorating, shopping, bowling

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 15

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

16

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 16

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

17

If you love great deals and Nordstrom quality, the Nordstrom Rack’s right up your alley.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 17

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

18

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

“I have eclectic tastes.”

“So, will I wear what’s on every 
billboard? Not on your life!”

Interior Designer

Aspiring playwright

Age : 31

Home: White Plains, New York

Hobbies : art collecting, samba dancing

e

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 18

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

19

“Let me express myself– 

don’t sell me the look on 
every corner.”

“I am fascinated by all forms 
of expression.”

“Inspire Me!

I can dress myself!”

and then step aside...

Fashion, like art, has the power to go beyond 
the intellect, to inspire the senses and infuse the 
soul with emotion.

and draped fabric signal what’s fresh. Modern 
music builds excitement. And new brands such as 
Halogen, and BCBG Exclusively for Nordstom,
offer stimulating choices she desires.

Our modern departments aspire to do just that,
connecting with our customer in a myriad of ways.
Theatrical windows reveal our personality and 
allow the shopper to see into the soul of our store.
Visual cues like painted columns, colored lights 

The store of the future is not an illusion. It’s a shop-
ping experience reinvented by Nordstrom.
It may look a step ahead, but it’s all here, right now.

e’re listening!

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 19

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

20

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 20

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

21

Futuristic windows, designed by artist Kenny Scharf, offer a glimpse into our new modern world.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 21

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

22

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

This is 
the Nordstrom 
Experience

“Wow! This looks different!”

“Who has time for malls?”

“Shopping should be fun.”

“I want service tailored to my needs.”

“I want to look fashionable – but I’m not a size four!”

“Give me choices!”

“Show me what’s hot now!”

“I want it all in one place.”

“Inspire me!”
“What’s up with the new styles?”

“I want the latest fashion.”
“I want perks for using my Nordstrom card.”

“You really want to know 

“It’s about time!”

“Don’t make me go all over the store to find
“Show me what’s current, then let me

“I want it to feel like my store.”

We

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 22

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

Today’s customer demands more from her 
shopping endeavors. She wants to look great,
be inspired, have fun, shop when she wants,
be pampered, and alternately, be left free to roam.

How can one retailer fulfill the wants 
and needs of so many unique individuals? 
By listening. One customer at a time.

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

23

It’s true, our world is changing. Technology has opened
up new channels of communication and shopping,
and brought our world closer together. But the more
things change, the more one thing remains the 
same: As our world evolves, the Nordstrom experience
will always revolve around you.

How do we know?

hat my ideal shopping experience would be?”

“This is more like it!”

eans!”
ecide if it’s me.”

“Where am I supposed to look?”

“It’s gotta just click.”

“Will I wear what’s on every billboard? Not on your life!”

“It’s gotta be my kind of music.”

“I want to get in and get out.”

We listened
e’re listening!

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 23

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

24

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

“I find the great thing in this world 

is not so much where we stand 

as in what direction we are moving.” 
— OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 24

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NARRATIVE.QX4  4/7/00  12:14 PM  Page 25

Dear Shareholders,

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

25

JOHN WHITACRE, Chairman & CEO

The 1999 fiscal year was one of transition for Nordstrom,
designed to position us to compete successfully in the
future.Transition was, and is, necessary. Competition
has never been more intense, whether from specialty
retailers or big-box department stores. Our industry is
consolidating, making existing competitors even more
formidable.Additionally, the playing  field is expanding
to include new ways of reaching customers.This letter
and the accompanying annual report will highlight the
progress made during the year and outline our plans for
the future.

New stores propel sales growth.
Our sales growth was fueled by the opening of full-line
stores in Norfolk,Virginia; Providence, Rhode Island;
Mission Viejo, California; and Columbia, Maryland;
plus three new Rack stores, and the relocation of our
Spokane Nordstrom and Alderwood Rack stores into
new, larger facilities.We are well positioned for future
growth.There are a number of attractive markets with-
in the United States that we have not yet penetrated, or
in which we are not fully represented.

We added 6.6 percent to our stores’ gross square foot-
age in 1999, and expect upper single-digit percentage
growth annually over the next several years. Our com-
parable  store  sales  in  1999 declined  1.1 percent. In

recent years we had allowed inventory levels to expand
at a rate in excess of our growth in sales, and have taken
steps to better align these two measures.While some of
the  shortfall  in  sales  was  offset  by  improvements
achieved in gross margin, we fully recognize the need
to generate sales growth from existing stores — as well
as from new stores. However, we want to ensure that it
is  quality sales  growth, and  later  in  this  letter  I’ll
describe several initiatives directed to accomplish this.

Streamlined structure strengthens buying process.
In 1999 we realigned the buying structure to promote
clarity and accountability, to gain increased leverage in
market, and to facilitate stronger partnerships with ven-
dors through fewer and more focused points of con-
tact.We want our most experienced merchants to have
the greatest influence over our merchandise buying
decisions. Our  aim  is  to  quickly  take  advantage  of
emerging national trends, while maintaining awareness
of local competitive factors and customer preference.

New subsidiary expands Internet presence. 
In fall of 1999 we formed a subsidiary company called
nordstrom.com, which  consists  of  our  catalog  and 
e-commerce  businesses. Since  the  Web  site  was
launched in October of 1998, it has evolved significant-
ly  in  terms  of  its  look, ease  of  navigation, and  the 

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 25

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NARRATIVE.QX4  4/7/00  12:14 PM  Page 26

26

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

merchandise offered.We believe we have the brand, tech-
nology, strategic alliances and people to become leaders
in online apparel retailing, and that the timing is right for
us to aggressively expand in this growing channel. We
also believe it is complementary to our traditional, store-
based business and will enhance and broaden the power
of  our  brand. Our  subsidiary’s  first  major  project,
nordstromshoes.com, emerged as the world’s biggest
shoe  store, offering  millions  of  pairs  of  shoes  for  sale
online. We  are  pleased  with  the  sales  performance 
thus far, and look forward to continuing to expand this
channel as we seek to be wherever our customers want us
to be.

“There are risks and costs to a program of 
action. But they are far less than the 
long-range risks and costs of comfortable 
inaction.” — JOHN F. KENNEDY

Key Initiatives.
We are focused on several key initiatives that we believe
will  have  significant  and  long-term  impacts  on  our 
business:

• Improving our merchandise
• Building our brand
• Strengthening our information resources and processes 

Reinvigorating women’s business with better merchandise.
While each key initiative is vitally important, nothing is
as critical as ensuring that we have the right merchandise
— in the right quantities, sizes, styles and colors — in
every one of our stores. Our initial focus is on women’s
merchandise, which represents the largest single category
for us and also has been our greatest challenge in recent
years. Specifically, we want to reinvigorate our women’s
business by injecting more fashion into the mix.

Fashion transcends age and cuts across all segments of
women’s merchandise.With classic styles, it can be time-
less fashion; with mainstream styles, it’s everyday fashion;
with modern styles, it’s contemporary fashion; and with
forward styles, it’s cutting-edge fashion.The point is that
in each of these segments, our objective is to have an
updated, fresh and evolving collection of merchandise
that represents more of what our customers want to buy.

“Excellence is to do a common thing in an 

uncommon way.” — BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

Building a world-class brand. 
To a great extent, our brand is the “Nordstrom shopping
experience” — defined primarily through our people
and products.We want to couple the right merchandise
with compelling presentation as we strive to deliver a sat-
isfying, unforgettable  experience  for  our  customers.
Through  improved  in-store  signage, merchandise  and
window displays, and other visual aids, we also want to
make our stores easier and more fun to shop.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 26

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NARRATIVE.QX4  4/7/00  12:14 PM  Page 27

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

27

Part  of  our  brand  includes  our  communication  with 
customers. We  hope  you  enjoyed  the  national  television
spots  we  ran  in  launching  NORDSTROMshoes.com  in
November of 1999, and more recently, the national media
campaign and other promotional activities for our full-line
stores. As we invite our customers to reinvent themselves,
we want to convey the message that change is positive, and
accepting some level of risk can be rewarding.

Better technology enables better service. 
Our effort to strengthen our information resources rep-
resents a major step forward. Over time, our people will
have the necessary tools to better perform our customer-
intensive  style  of  retailing. Whether  it’s  information
needed  in  developing  more  effective  partnerships  with
our  vendors, moving  merchandise  more  quickly  from
point  of  manufacture  to  the  sales  floor, or  responding
more quickly to sales trends and retaining better balance
in  inventory  levels, our  ultimate  objective  is  to  better
serve our customers.

“We must recognize the full human equality 
of all our people.” — ROBERT F. KENNEDY

People build our future. 
As you can sense, there is a lot going on at Nordstrom.
Much  of  the  work  is  long-term  in  nature, designed  to
deliver enduring benefits. None of it is easy, but all of it is
necessary in order for Nordstrom to compete and win in
the years ahead.

Simply stated, we want to be better. We’re proud of our
99-year heritage of striving to provide outstanding serv-
ice  to  every  customer. We’re  proud  of  our  people, who
are  the  lifeblood  of  our  company  and  the  vital  link
between our products and our customers. During 1999
we were honored to be included among:

• Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work 

For in America”

• Working Woman’s “Top 25 Companies for 

Executive Women”

• Fortune’s “50 Best Workplaces for Blacks, Asians,

and Hispanics”

Yet  we  cannot  stand  still. Our  goal  is  to  achieve  total
shareholder return among the top quartile of our peers,
and  that  requires  that  we  continue  to  build  —  stores,
systems, capabilities and people. The 21st century is sure
to  bring  new  opportunities  for  growth. As  we  expand,
the  key  will  be  to  impart  a  distinct, consistent  message
across all channels, in every customer interaction, that is
uniquely one Nordstrom.

Thank  you  for  your  continued  support  as  we  work  to
better serve our customers, employees, communities and
shareholders.

Sincerely,

John Whitacre
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 27

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

28

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Financial Highlights

Dollars in thousands except per share amounts

Fiscal Year

Net sales
Earnings before income taxes
Net earnings
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Cash dividends paid per share

Stock Prices

Fiscal Year

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

1999

1998

% Change

$5,124,223

$5,027,890

332,057

202,557

1.47

1.46

.32

337,723

206,723

1.41

1.41

.30

1.9

(1.7)

(2.0)

4.3

3.5

6.7

1999

1998

high

low

4413⁄16
39 3⁄8
33 1⁄8

28

34 5⁄8
30 3⁄8
23 1⁄8
215⁄16

high

339⁄16
40 3⁄8
39 1⁄2
44 1⁄8

low

25 1⁄8
30 1⁄8

22
271⁄16

Nordstrom, Inc. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and quoted daily in leading financial publications. NYSE symbol — JWN

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 28

BUMP

BUMP

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

29

Index

30

Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis

34

Consolidated Statements 
of Earnings

35

Consolidated 
Balance Sheets

36

Consolidated Statements 
of Shareholders’ Equity

37

Consolidated Statements 
of Cash Flows

38

Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements

49

Management and 
Independent Auditors’ 
Reports

50

Ten-Year Statistical 
Summary

52

Officers of Nordstrom, Inc.

55

Directors and Committees

56

Retail Store Facilities

58

Shareholder Information

6
4
1
$

.

Net Sales Dollars in Millions

Diluted Earnings Per Share

8
2
0
5
$

,

2
5
8
4
$

,

4
2
1
5
$

,

8
4
4
4
$

,

7
0
1
4
$

,

3
9
8
3
$

,

1
9
5
3
$

,

6
1
4
3
$

,

5
7
1
3
$

,

2
9
8
2
$

,

3
2
1
$

.

0
0
1
$

.

0
9
$

.

2
8
$

.

2
8
$

.

6
8
$

.

1
7
$

.

.

1
4
1
0 $
2
1
$

.

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 29

BUMP

BUMP

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

30

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis

including, but  not  limited  to,

The  following  discussion  and  analysis  reviews  the  past
three  years, as  well  as  additional  information  on  future
expectations and trends. Some of the information in this
annual  report,
including  anticipated  store  openings,
planned  capital  expenditures  and  trends  in  company
operations, are  forward-looking  statements, which  are
subject  to  risks  and  uncertainties. Actual  future  results
and trends may differ materially depending upon a vari-
the
ety  of  factors,
Company’s  ability  to  predict  fashion  trends, consumer
apparel buying patterns, the Company’s ability to control
costs  and  expenses, trends  in  personal  bankruptcies  and
bad debt write-offs, employee relations, adverse weather
conditions  and  other  hazards  of  nature  such  as  earth-
quakes and floods, the Company’s ability to continue its
expansion plans, and the impact of ongoing competitive
market  factors. This  discussion  and  analysis  should  be
read in conjunction with the basic consolidated financial
statements and the Ten-Year Statistical Summary.

Overview
During  1999  (the  fiscal  year  ended  January  31, 2000),
Nordstrom, Inc. and  its  subsidiaries  (collectively, the
“Company”) achieved record sales and an improvement
in gross margin.These improvements were offset by third
quarter 1999 charges of approximately $10 million (pre-
tax), primarily  associated  with  the  restructuring  of  the
Company’s information technology services area in order 

to  improve  efficiency  and  effectiveness. The  Company 
also  experienced  substantially  increased  operating  ex-
penses  associated  with  the  accelerated  development  of
nordstrom.com and nordstromshoes.com.

On  November  1, 1999, the  Company  established  a  new
subsidiary, nordstrom.com, to  promote  the  rapid  expan-
sion of both its Internet commerce and catalog businesses.
The  Company  contributed  the  assets  and  certain  liabili-
ties  associated  with  its  Internet  commerce  and  catalog
businesses  and  $10  million  in  cash  to  the  subsidiary.
Affiliates of Benchmark Capital and Madrona Investment
Group, collectively, contributed $16 million in cash to the 
new entity. The Company owns approximately 81.4% of
nordstrom.com, with Benchmark Capital and Madrona
Investment Group holding the remaining interest.

The  first  major  endeavor 
in  November  1999  by 
nordstrom.com  was  the  launching  of  the  Internet  site
nordstromshoes.com, which offers online access to mil-
lions of pairs of shoes.The launch was supported by a mul-
timedia national advertising campaign.

Also  during  1999, the  Company  opened  four  new  full-
line  stores  in  Providence, Rhode  Island; Mission Viejo,
California; Columbia, Maryland; and  Norfolk, Virginia.
The  Company  also  opened  three  new  Rack  stores  in
Sacramento, California; Brea, California; and Gaithersburg,
Maryland.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 30

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

31

2% Other

4% Children’s Apparel 
and Accessories

18% Men’s Apparel
and Furnishings

36% Women’s Apparel

19% Shoes

21% Women’s Accessories

Percentage of 1999 Sales 
by Merchandise Category

Results of Operations

Sales
The  Company  achieved  a  1.9%  sales  increase  in  1999.
Certain components of the percentage change in sales by
year are as follows:

Fiscal Year

1999

1998

1997

Sales in comparable stores

(1.1%)

(2.7%)

NORDSTROM.com

Total increase

8.3%

1.9%

33.0%

3.6%

4.0%

49.8%

9.1%

Comparable store sales (sales in stores open at least one
full  fiscal  year  at  the  beginning  of  the  fiscal  year)
decreased in 1999 primarily due to missed fashion prod-
uct offering opportunities in the women’s, kids’ and jun-
iors’ apparel divisions. The decrease in comparable store
sales in 1998 was attributable to management’s focus on
controlling inventory levels, which resulted in lower, but
more  profitable, sales. In  1997, comparable  store  sales
growth reflected the strong economic environment and
a positive reaction to changes in the merchandise mix in
the  women’s  apparel  departments, which  occurred  in
mid-1996.

In addition to the aforementioned new full-line and Rack
stores, the Company opened a replacement full-line store
and  a  replacement  Rack  store  in  1999. New  stores  are
generally not as productive as “comparable stores” because
the  customer  base  and  traffic  patterns  of  each  store  are
developed over time.

Sales at nordstrom.com continued to contribute to the
Company’s sales growth with sales of $210 million, $194
million and $146 million in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respec-
tively.

The  Company’s  average  price  point  has  varied  slightly
over  the  past  three  years, due  primarily  to  changes  in 
the  merchandise  mix. Inflation  in  overall  merchandise
costs and prices has not been significant during the past
three years.

Gross Margin 
Gross margin (net sales less cost of sales and related buy-
ing and occupancy expenses) as a percentage of net sales
improved  to  34.5%  in  1999, as  compared  to  33.5%  in
1998, and 32.1% in 1997.

in 

improvement 

reflects  changes 

The  1999 
the
Company’s  buying  processes  and  vendor  programs. The
1998 improvement was principally due to favorable pric-
ing  strategies  and  the  Company’s  increased  focus  on
managing  inventory  levels, which  resulted  in  lower
markdowns. A decrease in buying costs, due to efficien-
cies  gained  through  restructuring  of  certain  buying
responsibilities, also  contributed  to  the  improvement  in
1998. The  improvement  in  gross  margin  percentage  in
both  1999  and  1998  was  partially  offset  by  increased
occupancy  costs  related  to  new  stores  and  remodeling
projects.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 31

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

32

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Selling, General, and Administrative
Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent-
age of net sales were 29.1% in 1999, 28.0% in 1998, and
27.3% in 1997.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company finances its working capital needs, capital
expenditures and share repurchase activity with cash pro-
vided by operations and borrowings.

The 1999 increase, as a percentage of net sales, was due to
the  aforementioned  $10  million  of  pre-tax  restructuring
charges. In  addition, the  Company  incurred  substantial
additional  costs  associated  with  the  accelerated  develop-
ment  of  nordstrom.com  and  nordstromshoes.com. In
August 1999, the Company announced that, compared to
its  plan  prior  thereto, nordstrom.com  would  increase
operating expenses by approximately $22 million over the
balance  of  the  year, in  order  to  accelerate  growth  and
development  of  its  Internet  business  channel. The  actual
increase  for  1999  was  $23  million. These  increases  were
partially  offset  by  lower  bad  debt  expense  due  to  the
improved  credit  quality  of  the  Company’s  credit  card
receivables.

The 1998 increase in selling, general, and administrative
expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was due to higher
sales promotion costs for the Company’s direct sales cata-
log division, and spending on Year 2000 compliance and
other information system operational costs. The increase
was  partially  offset  by  decreases  in  bad  debt  expenses
associated  with  the  Company’s  credit  card  business  and
lower selling expenses, as a percentage of sales.

Interest Expense, Net
Interest  expense, net  increased  7%  in  1999  and  37%  in
1998  as  a  result  of  higher  average  borrowings  to  finance
share repurchases.The Company repurchased 10.2 million
shares and 11.2 million shares at an aggregate cost of $303
million and $346 million in 1999 and 1998, respectively.

Service Charge Income and Other, Net
Service  charge  income  and  other, net  primarily  repre-
sents income from the Company’s credit card operations,
offset by miscellaneous expenses.

Service  charge  income  and  other, net  was  flat  in  1999
and 1998, both in dollars and as a percent of sales.

Net Earnings
Net earnings for 1999 were slightly lower than 1998 as
the Company’s record sales and gross margin were offset
by increases in selling, general, and administrative expens-
es. Net earnings for 1998 increased as compared to 1997
primarily due to gross margin improvements.

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2000, net cash pro-
vided  by  operating  activities  decreased  approximately
$223 million compared to the fiscal year ended January
31, 1999, primarily due to the non-recurring benefit of
prior year reductions in inventories and customer receiv-
able  account  balances. Net  cash  provided  by  operating
activities  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  January  31, 1999
increased by approximately $301 million as compared to
the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998, primarily due to a
reduction  in  merchandise  inventories  resulting  from
management’s focus on managing inventory levels and a
decrease in customer receivable balances.

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2000, net cash used in
investing  activities  decreased  approximately  $68  million
compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, prima-
rily due to an increase in funds provided by developers to
defray part of the Company’s costs of constructing new
stores. The  Company’s  capital  expenditures  aggregated
approximately $700 million over the last three years, net
of deferred lease credits, principally to add new stores and
facilities  and  to  improve  existing  stores  and  facilities.
Over 2.7 million square feet of retail store space has been
added  during  this  time  period, representing  an  increase
of 23% since January 31, 1997.

The Company plans to spend approximately $1.0 billion,
net of deferred lease credits, on capital projects during the
next three years, including new stores, the remodeling of
existing  stores, new  systems  and  technology, and  other
items. At January 31, 2000, approximately $80 million has
been  contractually  committed  for  the  construction  of
new  stores  or  remodel  of  existing  stores. Although  the
Company  has  made  commitments  for  stores  opening  in
2000 and beyond, it is possible that some stores may not
be opened as scheduled because of delays inherent in the
development process, or for other reasons. In addition to
its  cash  flow  from  operations, the  Company  has  funds
available  under  its  revolving  credit  facility. Management
believes that the Company’s current financial strength and
credit position enable it to maintain its existing stores and
to take advantage of attractive new opportunities.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 32

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

33

The  Board  of  Directors  has  authorized  an  aggregate  of
$1.1  billion  of  share  repurchases  since  May  1995. As  of
January  31, 2000, the  Company  had  purchased  approxi-
mately 35 million shares of its common stock for approx-
imately $931 million pursuant to these authorizations, and
had remaining share repurchase authority of $169 million.
Share  repurchases  have  been  financed, in  part, through
additional  borrowings, resulting  in  a  planned  increase  in
the  Company’s  debt  to  capital  (debt  plus  shareholders’
equity) ratio. At January 31, 2000, the Company’s debt to
capital ratio was .42.

In  March  1998, the  Company  issued  $300  million  of
6.95%  Senior  Debentures  due  in  2028. The  proceeds
were used to repay commercial paper and current matu-
rities of long-term debt. In January 1999, the Company
issued $250 million of 5.625% Senior Notes due in 2009,
the  proceeds  of  which  were  used  to  repay  short-term
debt  and  for  general  corporate  purposes. A  substantial
portion  of  the  Company’s  total  debt  of  $876  million  at
January  31, 2000, finances  the  Company’s  credit  card

portfolio, which aggregated $612 million at that date.

Year 2000
The  Company  transitioned  into  the Year  2000  without
any material negative effects on its business, operations or
financial  condition. The  Company’s  accumulative Year
2000 expenses, through January 31, 2000, were $17 mil-
lion. Approximately $4 million of expense was incurred
in 1999, $7 million in 1998 and $5 million in 1997.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards 
No. 133, “Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and
Hedging  Activities,” which  will  require  an  entity  to 
recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
statement of financial position and measure those instru-
ments at fair value. Adoption of this standard, as amended
by  the  Company, beginning  February  1, 2001, is  not
expected  to  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Company’s
consolidated financial statements.

Southwest 32.7%
4,729,000

Other 0.4%
57,000

Rack 8.1%
1,174,000

Central States 14.4%
2,086,000

Northwest 19.1%
2,770,000

East Coast 25.3%
3,671,000

Square Footage by Market
Segment at January 31, 2000

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 33

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

34

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements 
of Earnings

Dollars in thousands except per share amounts

Year ended January 31,

Net sales
Costs and expenses:

2000 % of sales

1999 % of sales

1998 % of sales

$5,124,223

100.0

$ 5,027,890

100.0

$4,851,624

100.0

Cost of sales and related 
buying and occupancy

Selling, general, and administrative
Interest, net

3,359,760

1,491,040

50,396

Service charge income and other, net

(109,030)

Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes

Net earnings

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cash dividends paid per share

4,792,166

332,057

129,500

$ 202,557

$ 1.47

$ 1.46

$ .32

65.5

29.1

1.0

(2.1)

93.5

6.5

2.5

4.0

66.5

28.0

0.9

(2.1)

93.3

6.7

2.6

4.1

3,344,945

1,405,270

47,091

(107,139)

4,690,167

337,723

131,000

$ 206,723

$ 1.41

$ 1.41

$ .30

67.9

27.3

0.7

(2.2)

93.7

6.3

2.5

3.8

3,295,813

1,322,929

34,250

(108,581)

4,544,411

307,213

121,000

$ 186,213

$ 1.20

$ 1.20

$ .265

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 34

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

Consolidated Balance Sheets

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

35

Dollars in thousands

January 31,

Assets
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investment
Accounts receivable, net
Merchandise inventories
Prepaid income taxes and other

Total current assets

Land, buildings and equipment, net
Available-for-sale investment
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable
Accounts payable
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
Income taxes and other accruals
Current portion of long-term debt

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Deferred lease credits 
Other liabilities
Shareholders’ equity:

Common stock, no par:

250,000,000 shares authorized;
132,279,988 and 142,114,167 
shares issued and outstanding

Unearned stock compensation
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

2000

1999

$

27,042

25,527

616,989

797,845

97,245

1,564,648

1,429,492

35,251

32,690

$

241,431

—

587,135

750,269

74,228

1,653,063

1,378,006

—

56,994

$ 3,062,081

$ 3,088,063

$

70,934

$

78,783

390,688

211,308

135,388

58,191

866,509

746,791

194,995

68,172

339,635

196,366

100,739

63,341

778,864

804,893

147,188

56,573

247,559

(8,593)

929,616

17,032

230,761

(4,703)

1,074,487

—

1,185,614

1,300,545

$ 3,062,081

$ 3,088,063

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 35

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

36

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements 
of Shareholders’ Equity

Dollars in thousands except per share amounts

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Unearned
Compensation

Retained 
Earnings

Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Income

Total 

159,269,954

$183,398

— $1,289,794

— $1,473,192

(16,108)

(16,108)

Balance at February 1, 1997,

as previously reported
Adjustment for sales returns

reserve, net of taxes

Balance at February 1, 1997,

as adjusted 
Net earnings
Cash dividends paid 
($.265 per share)

Issuance of common stock
Stock compensation
Purchase and retirement of 

Net earnings
Cash dividends paid 
($.30 per share)

Issuance of common stock 
Stock compensation
Purchase and retirement 

159,269,954

183,398

—

—

—

—

838,478

4,672

17,406

246

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,273,686

186,213

(41,168)

—

(160,831)

1,257,900

206,723

(44,059)

—

—

common stock

(7,595,000)

—

Balance at January 31, 1998

152,518,104

201,050

—

—

—

—

599,593

194,070

14,971

14,740

$ (4,703)

of common stock

(11,197,600)

—

—

(346,077)

Balance at January 31, 1999

142,114,167

230,761

(4,703)

1,074,487

Net earnings
Unrealized gain on investment

Comprehensive net earnings

Cash dividends paid 
($.32 per share)

Issuance of common stock 
Stock compensation
Purchase and retirement 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

341,947

40,274

9,577

7,221

—

—

—

—

—

(3,890)

202,557

—

—

(44,463)

—

—

of common stock

(10,216,400)

—

—

(302,965)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$17,032

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,457,084

186,213

(41,168)

17,406

246

(160,831)

1,458,950

206,723

(44,059)

14,971

10,037

(346,077)

1,300,545

202,557

17,032

219,589

(44,463)

9,577

3,331

(302,965)

Balance at January 31, 2000

132,279,988

$247,559

$(8,593) $ 929,616

$17,032 $1,185,614

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 36

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

37

Consolidated Statements 
of Cash Flows

Dollars in thousands 

Year ended January 31,

Operating Activities

Net earnings
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net 

cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of deferred lease credits and other, net
Stock-based compensation expense
Change in:

Accounts receivable, net
Merchandise inventories
Prepaid income taxes and other
Accounts payable
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
Income tax liabilities and other accruals
Other liabilities

2000

1999

1998

$ 202,557

$ 206,723

$ 186,213

193,718

(6,387)

3,331

(29,854)

(47,576)

(23,017)

51,053

14,942

12,205

7,154

180,655

(3,501)

10,037

77,313

75,776

30,983

18,324

17,156

(20,454)

8,296

158,969

(2,092)

246

50,141

(106,126)

(11,616)

10,881

9,635

2,104

2,301

Net cash provided by operating activities

378,126

601,308

300,656

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures
Additions to deferred lease credits
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Other, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing Activities

(Decrease) increase in notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Principal payments on long-term debt
Capital contribution to subsidiary from minority shareholders
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Cash dividends paid
Purchase and retirement of common stock

Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

(305,052)

114,910

—

(9,332)

(306,737)

(259,935)

74,264

(32,857)

(2,251)

—

—

(49)

(199,474)

(267,581)

(259,984)

(7,849)

—

(63,341)

16,000

9,577

(44,463)

(302,965)

(184,984)

544,165

(101,106)

—

14,971

(44,059)

(346,077)

(393,041)

(117,090)

(214,389)

241,431

216,637

24,794

99,997

91,644

(51,210)

—

17,406

(41,168)

(160,831)

(44,162)

(3,490)

28,284

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$ 27,042

$ 241,431

$ 24,794

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 37

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

38

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements

Dollars in thousands except per share amounts

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The  Company: Nordstrom, Inc. is  a  fashion  specialty
retailer offering a wide selection of high-quality apparel,
shoes  and  accessories  for  women, men  and  children,
principally through 71 large specialty stores and 28 clear-
ance stores.All of the Company’s stores are located in the
United States, with approximately 34% of its retail square
footage located in the state of California.

The  Company  purchases  a  significant  percentage  of  its
merchandise  from  foreign  countries, principally  in  the
Far East. An event causing a disruption in imports from
the Far East could have a material adverse impact on the
Company’s operations. In connection with the purchase
of  foreign  merchandise, the  Company  has  outstanding
letters of credit totaling $60,038 at January 31, 2000.

On  November  1, 1999  the  Company  established  a  sub-
sidiary to operate its Internet commerce and catalog busi-
nesses, nordstrom.com  llc. The  Company  contributed
certain  assets  and  liabilities  associated  with  its  Internet
commerce and catalog businesses, and $10 million in cash.
Funds  associated  with  Benchmark  Capital  and  Madrona
Investment Group collectively contributed $16 million in
cash to the new entity. At January 31, 2000 the Company
owns approximately 81.4% of nordstrom.com llc, with
Benchmark  Capital  and  Madrona  Investment  Group
holding  the  remaining  minority  interest. The  minority
interest  holders  have  the  right  to  put  their  shares  of 
nordstrom.com  llc to  the  Company  at  a  multiple  of

their original investment in the event that certain events
do not occur. This put right will expire if the Company
provides additional funding to nordstrom.com llc prior
to September 2002.

Basis  of  Presentation: The  consolidated  financial  state-
ments  include  the  accounts  of  Nordstrom, Inc. and 
its  subsidiaries,
the  most  significant  of  which  are
Nordstrom Credit, Inc., Nordstrom National Credit Bank
and  nordstrom.com  llc. All  significant  intercompany
transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.
The  presentation  of  these  financial  statements  in  con-
formity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles
requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  judgments
that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,
liabilities,
revenues  and  expenses. Actual  results  could  differ  from
those estimates.

Prior to 1999, the Company did not record sales returns
on the accrual basis of accounting because the difference
between the cash and accrual basis of accounting was not
material. In  1999, the  Company  began  accruing  sales
returns.Accordingly, the Company recorded the cumula-
tive effect of this change on prior periods, which resulted
in  an  increase  in  current  assets  of  $9,840, an  increase 
in  current  liabilities  of  $25,948  and  a  corresponding
decrease in retained earnings of $16,108 as of February 1,
1997. Because  the  effects  of  this  change  were  insignifi-
cant  in  1997  and  1998, the  Company  recorded  such
amounts in 1999 as a reduction in net income of $1,313,
or $.01 per share.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 38

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

39

Merchandise Inventories: Merchandise inventories are stat-
ed at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market,
using the retail method.

Advertising: Costs  for  newspaper, television, radio  and
other  media  are  generally  expensed  as  incurred. Direct
response advertising costs, consisting primarily of catalog
book  production  and  printing  costs, are  capitalized  and
amortized  over  the  expected  life  of  the  catalog, not  to
exceed six months. Net capitalized direct response adver-
tising costs were $3,938 and $3,436 at January 31, 2000
and 1999, and are included in prepaid income taxes and
other on the consolidated balance sheets. Total advertis-
ing expenses were $160,957, $145,841 and $115,272 in
1999, 1998 and 1997.

Land, Buildings and Equipment: For buildings and equip-
ment acquired prior to February 1, 1999, depreciation is
computed  using  a  combination  of  accelerated  and 
straight-line  methods. The  straight-line  method  was
adopted  for  all  property  placed  into  service  after
February 1, 1999 in order to better reflect the utilization
of the assets over time. The effect of this change on net
earnings for 1999 was not material. Lives used for calcu-
lating depreciation and amortization rates for the princi-
pal asset classifications are as follows: buildings, five to 40
years; store  fixtures  and  equipment, three  to  15  years;
leasehold improvements, life of lease or applicable shorter
period; software, three to seven years.

Store  Preopening  Costs: Store  opening  and  preopening
costs are charged to expense when incurred.

Capitalization  of  Interest: The  interest-carrying  costs  of
capital  assets  under  development  or  construction  are 
capitalized  based  on  the  Company’s  weighted  average
borrowing rate.

Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all short-term
investments with a maturity at date of purchase of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.

Investments: Short-term and available-for-sale investments
consist  of  available-for-sale  equity  securities  which  are
recorded  at  market  value  based  on  quoted  market  prices
using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains
(and losses) from changes in market value are reflected in
accumulated  other  comprehensive  income, net  of  related
deferred  taxes. All  other  investments  are  recorded  at  cost
and included in other assets.

Customer Accounts Receivable: In accordance with indus-
try  practices, installments  maturing  in  more  than  one
year or deferred payment accounts receivable are includ-
ed in current assets.

Net  Sales: Revenues  are  recorded  net  of  estimated
returns and exclude sales tax.

Cash Management: The Company’s cash management sys-
tem  provides  for  the  reimbursement  of  all  major  bank
disbursement accounts on a daily basis. Accounts payable
at  January  31, 2000  and  1999  include  $7,605  and 

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 39

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

40

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Note 1 continued)

$10,189 of checks not yet presented for payment drawn
in excess of cash balances.

Deferred  Lease  Credits: Deferred  lease  credits  are  amor-
tized on a straight-line basis primarily over the life of the
applicable lease.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The carrying amount
of  cash  equivalents  and  notes  payable  approximates  fair
value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
The  fair  value  of  the  Company’s  investment  in  mar-
ketable equity securities is based upon the quoted market
price and is approximately $60,778 at January 31, 2000.
The  fair  value  of  long-term  debt  (including  current
maturities), using  quoted  market  prices  of  the  same  or
similar issues with the same remaining term to maturity,
is  approximately  $715,500  and  $894,000  at  January  31,
2000 and 1999.

Derivatives Policy: The Company limits its use of deriva-
tive financial instruments to the management of foreign
currency and interest rate risks.The effect of these activ-
ities is not material to the Company’s financial condition
or  results  of  operations. The  Company  has  no  material
off-balance sheet credit risk, and the fair value of deriva-
tive financial instruments at January 31, 2000 and 1999 is
not material.

Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 133,
“Accounting  For  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging
Activities,” as amended, requires an entity to recognize all
derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of
financial  position  and  measure  those  instruments  at  fair
value.The Company is currently reviewing the impact of
this  statement; however, based  on  the  Company’s  mini-
mal use of derivatives, management expects that adoption
of  this  standard, in  its  fiscal  year  beginning  February  1,
2001, will not have a material impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications: Certain  reclassifications  of  prior  year
balances have been made for consistent presentation with
the current year.

Note 2: Employee Benefits

The  Company  provides  a  profit  sharing  plan  for
employees. The  plan  is  fully  funded  by  the  Company
and is non-contributory except for employee contribu-
tions  made  under  Section  401(k)  of  the  Internal 

Revenue  Code. Under  this  provision  of  the  plan, the 
Company provides matching contributions up to a stipu-
lated  percentage  of  employee  contributions. Company
contributions to the profit sharing portion of the plan vest
over  a  seven-year  period. The  Company  contribution  is
established each year by the Board of Directors and totaled
$47,500, $50,000 and $45,000 in 1999, 1998 and 1997.

Note 3: Interest, Net

The components of interest, net are as follows:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Short-term debt

Long-term debt

$ 2,584

$ 10,707

$ 10,931

56,831

43,601

32,887

Total interest cost

59,415

54,308

43,818

Less: Interest income

(3,521)

(1,883)

Capitalized interest

(5,498)

(5,334)

(1,221)

(8,347)

Interest, net

$50,396

$47,091

$34,250

Note 4: Income Taxes

Income taxes consist of the following:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Current income taxes:

Federal

$130,524 $113,270

$ 98,464

State and local

21,835

19,672

18,679

Total current 

income taxes

Deferred income taxes:

Current

Non-current

Total deferred

income taxes

152,359

132,942

117,143

(18,367)

(1,357)

(4,614)

(4,492)

(585)

8,471

(22,859)

(1,942)

3,857

Total income taxes

$129,500 $131,000

$121,000

A reconciliation of the statutory Federal income tax rate
to the effective tax rate is as follows:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Statutory rate

State and local 

income taxes, net of 
Federal income taxes

Other, net

35.00%

35.00%

35.00%

4.06

(.06)

4.03

(0.24)

4.17

0.21

Effective tax rate

39.00% 38.79%

39.38%

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 40

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  result  from 
temporary  differences  in  the  timing  of  recognition  of
revenue and expenses for tax and financial reporting pur-
poses. Significant  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities, by
nature  of  the  temporary  differences  giving  rise  thereto,
are as follows:

2000

1999

$ 29,276

$ 30,071

35,651

24,461

30,404

18,801

January 31,

Accrued expenses

Compensation and 
benefits accruals

Merchandise inventories

Land, buildings and

equipment basis and
depreciation differences

Employee benefits

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

41

January 2000, this public company merged with a private
company  in  a  pooling-of-interests  transaction. The
Company  had  an  investment  in  the  preferred  stock  of
the  acquired  private  company  since  October  1998.
The  Company’s  available-for-sale  investment  has  been
increased to reflect the consummation of the merger. A 
portion  of  the  investment  is  reported  as  short-term
because the Company intends to sell it within one year.
Accumulated other comprehensive income includes the
increase in the fair market value of the investment based
on  its  quoted  market  value  at  January  31, 2000, net  of
applicable taxes of $10.9 million.

(22,982)

(34,519)

(11,008)

(10,659)

Note 7: Accounts Receivable

The components of accounts receivable are as follows:

Unrealized gain on investment

(10,889)

—

January 31,

Other

12,570

11,011

Customers

Net deferred tax assets

$57,079

$45,109

Other

2000

1999

$611,858

$592,204

20,969

19,474

Note 5: Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed on the basis of the
weighted  average  number  of  common  shares  outstand-
ing  during  the  year. Average  shares  outstanding  were
137,814,589, 146,241,091  and  154,972,560  in  1999,
1998 and 1997.

Diluted  earnings  per  share  are  computed  on  the  basis  of
the weighted average number of common shares outstand-
ing  during  the  year  plus  dilutive  common  stock  equiva-
lents  (primarily  stock  options). Weighted  average  diluted
shares  outstanding  were  138,424,844, 146,858,271  and
155,350,296 in 1999, 1998 and 1997.

Options with an exercise price greater than the average
market  price  were  not  included  in  the  computation  of
diluted  earnings  per  share. These  options 
totaled
2,798,966, 1,146,113  and  303,622  shares  in  1999, 1998
and 1997.

Note 6: Investment

In September 1998, the Company purchased non-voting
convertible preferred stock in a private company. In June
1999, this company completed an initial public offering
of common stock. Upon completion of the offering, the
Company’s investment was converted to common stock,
which  has  been  categorized  as  available-for-sale. In

Allowance for doubtful accounts

(15,838)

(24,543)

Accounts receivable, net

$616,989 $587,135

Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is concen-
trated in the geographic regions in which the Company
operates  stores. At  January  31, 2000  and  1999, approxi-
mately  38%  of  the  Company’s  receivables  were  obliga-
tions of customers residing in California. Concentration
of the remaining receivables is considered to be limited
due to their geographical dispersion.

Bad debt expense totaled $11,707, $23,828 and $40,440
in 1999, 1998 and 1997.

Nordstrom National Credit Bank, a wholly owned sub-
sidiary  of  the  Company, issues  both  a  proprietary  and
VISA credit card. In 1996, the Company transferred sub-
stantially all of its VISA credit card receivables (approxi-
mately  $203,000)  to  a  trust  in  exchange  for  certificates
representing  undivided  interests  in  the  trust. A  Class A
certificate with a market value of $186,600 was sold to a
third party, and a Class B certificate, which is subordinat-
ed  to  the  Class  A  certificate, was  retained  by  the
Company. The Company owns the remaining undivided
interests in the trust not represented by the Class A and
Class B certificates (the “Seller’s Interest”).

Cash flows generated from the receivables in the trust are,
to  the  extent  allocable  to  the  investors, applied  to  the 

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 41

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

42

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Note 7 continued)

Note 9: Notes Payable

payment  of  interest  on  the  Class A  and  Class  B  certifi-
cates, absorption of credit losses, and payment of servicing
fees  to  the  Company, which  services  the  receivables  for
the  trust. Excess  cash  flows  revert  to  the  Company. The
Company’s investment in the Class B certificate and the
Seller’s Interest totals $42,754 and $8,208 at January 31,
2000  and  1999, and  is  included  in  customer  accounts
receivable.

Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  operative  documents  of  the
trust, in certain events the Company may be required to
fund  certain  amounts  pursuant  to  a  recourse  obligation
for credit losses. Based on current cash flow projections,
the  Company  does  not  believe  any  additional  funding
will be required.

Note 8: Land, Buildings and Equipment

Land, buildings  and  equipment  consist  of  the  following
(at cost):

January 31,

2000

1999

Land and land improvements

$

59,237

$

57,337

Buildings

Leasehold improvements

Capitalized software

650,414

870,821

20,150

500,831

957,877

7,603

A summary of notes payable is as follows:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Average daily short-
term borrowings

Maximum amount 
outstanding

Weighted average
interest rate:
During the year 

At year-end

$ 45,030 $195,596

$ 193,811

178,533

385,734

278,471

5.8%

6.0%

5.5%

5.2%

5.6%

5.5%

At  January  31, 2000, the  Company  has  an  unsecured
line of credit with a group of commercial banks totaling
$500,000 which is available as liquidity support for the
Company’s  commercial  paper  program, and  expires  in
July 2002.The line of credit agreement contains restric-
tive  covenants  which, among  other  things, require  the
Company  to  maintain  a  certain  minimum  level  of  net
worth and a coverage ratio (as defined) of no less than 2
to 1.The Company pays a commitment fee for the line
based on the Company’s debt rating.

Note 10: Long-Term Debt

A summary of long-term debt is as follows:

Store fixtures and equipment

1,037,936

944,202

January 31,

2000

1999

Less accumulated depreciation 

and amortization

(1,370,726)

(1,235,410)

due 2028

$ 300,000

$ 300,000

Senior notes, 5.625%, due 2009

250,000

250,000

2,638,558

2,467,850

Senior debentures, 6.95%,

1,267,832

1,232,440

Construction in progress

161,660

145,566

Land, buildings and 
equipment, net

$1,429,492

$1,378,006

At  January  31, 2000, the  net  book  value  of  property
located  in  California  is  approximately  $335,000. The
Company  does  not  carry  earthquake  insurance  in
California because of its high cost.

At January 31, 2000, the Company has contractual com-
mitments of approximately $80 million for the construc-
tion of new stores or remodel of existing stores.

Medium-term notes, payable by

Nordstrom Credit, Inc.,
7.0%-8.67%, due 2000-2002

Notes payable, of

Nordstrom Credit, Inc.,
6.7%, due 2005

Other

Total long-term debt

Less current portion

145,350

203,350

100,000

100,000

9,632

14,884

804,982

868,234

(58,191)

(63,341)

Total due beyond one year

$746,791 $804,893

Aggregate principal payments on long-term debt are as
follows: 2000-$58,191; 2001-$11,454; 2002-$77,247;
2003-$319; 2004-$350; and thereafter-$657,421.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 42

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

43

Note 11: Leases

The  Company  leases  land, buildings  and  equipment
under  noncancelable  lease  agreements  with  expiration
dates ranging from 2000 to 2080. Certain leases include
renewal provisions at the Company’s option. Most of the
leases  provide  for  additional  rentals  based  upon  specific
percentages of sales and require the Company to pay for
certain other costs.

Future minimum lease payments as of January 31, 2000
are  as  follows: 2000-$52,940; 2001-$52,762; 2002-
$44,050; 2003-$42,092; 2004-$41,010; and  thereafter-
$326,281.

The following is a schedule of rent expense:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Minimum rent:

Store locations

$18,794

$ 19,167

$16,869

Offices, warehouses 
and equipment

Store locations

percentage rent

19,926

19,208

17,811

7,441

8,603

12,542

Total rent expense

$46,161

$46,978

$47,222

Note 12: Stock-Based Compensation

The  Company  has  a  stock  option  plan  (the  “Plan”)
administered  by  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the
Board  of  Directors  (the  “Committee”)  under  which
stock  options, performance  share  units  and  restricted
stock may be granted to key employees of the Company.
Stock  options  are  issued  at  the  fair  market  value  of  the
stock at the date of grant. Options vest over periods rang-
ing from four to eight years, and expire ten years after the
date  of  grant. In  certain  circumstances, vesting  of  some
options may be accelerated.

In addition to option grants each year, in 1999 and 1998
the  Committee  granted  272,970  and  185,201  perform-
ance share units, respectively, which will vest over three
years  if  certain  financial  goals  are  attained. Employees
may elect to receive common stock or cash upon vesting
of these performance shares.The Committee also granted
30,069 and 180,000 shares of restricted stock in 1999 and
1998  with  weighted  average  fair  values  of  $32.09  and
$27.75, respectively, which vest over five years. No mon-
etary  consideration  is  paid  by  employees  who  receive
performance share units or restricted stock.

The  Company  applies  Accounting  Principles  Board
Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”) in measuring compensation
costs under the Plan. Accordingly, no compensation cost
has been recognized for stock options because the option
price  equals  the  market  price  on  the  date  of  grant. For
is
performance  share  units, compensation  expense 
recorded over the performance period based on the fair
market value of the stock at the date it is determined that
such shares have been earned. For restricted stock grants,
compensation  expense  is  based  on  the  market  price  on
the date of grant and is recorded over the vesting period.
Stock-based  compensation  expense  for  1999, 1998  and
1997 was $3,331, $10,037 and $246, respectively.

In addition to the above, in the fourth quarter of 1999,
nordstrom.com established an option plan under which
3.4  million  options  were  granted  at  an  option  price  of
$1.67  per  share. Pursuant  to APB  25, no  compensation
cost  has  been  recognized  for  the  options  because 
the  option  price  was  equal  to, or  in  excess  of, the  fair
value  of  nordstrom.com’s  stock  on  the  date  of  grant.
The  options  vest  over  a  period  of  two  and  one-half  to
four years and must be exercised within ten years of the
grant date.

If the Company had elected to follow the measurement
provisions  of  SFAS  No. 123  in  accounting  for  its  stock
options, compensation  expense  would  be  recognized
based on the fair value of the options at the date of grant.
To  estimate  compensation  expense  which  would  be 
recognized  under  SFAS  123, the  Company  used  the
modified  Black-Scholes  option-pricing  model  with  the
following  weighted-average  assumptions  for  options
granted  in  1999, 1998  and  1997, respectively: risk-free
interest rates of 5.7%, 5.2% and 5.4%; expected volatility
factors of .61, .46 and .32; expected dividend yield of 1%
for all years; and expected lives of 5 years for all years.

If  SFAS  123  were  used  to  account  for  the  Company’s
stock-based  compensation  programs, the  pro  forma  net
earnings and earnings per share would be as follows:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Pro forma net earnings

$192,936 $201,499

$183,618

Pro forma basic 

earnings per share

$1.40

$1.38

$1.18

Pro forma diluted

earnings per share

$1.39

$1.37

$1.18

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 43

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

44

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Note 12 continued)

The effects of applying SFAS 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not indicative of future amounts as awards prior to
1995 are not included, and additional awards in future years are anticipated.

The number of shares reserved for future stock option grants pursuant to the Plan is 3,212,879 at January 31, 2000.

Stock option activity for the Plan was as follows:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Outstanding, beginning of year 

Granted

Exercised

Cancelled

Shares

5,893,632

2,926,368

(341,947)

(342,752)

Outstanding, end of year

8,135,301

Options exercisable at end of year

3,145,393

Weighted-average fair value of

options granted during the year

Weighted- 
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted- 
Average 
Exercise 
Price

Shares

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares

$27

3,401,602

$21 

3,719,506 

3,252,217

(599,593)

(160,594)

5,893,632

2,544,092

31

23

30

$28

$25

$17

31

18

27

$27

$23

$14

692,764

(838,478)

(172,190)

3,401,602

1,759,464

$19

26

17

22

$21

$19

$ 9

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding for the Plan as of January 31, 2000:

Range of
Exercise Prices

Shares

$11 – $23

2,807,518

$24 – $33

2,919,777

$34 – $40

2,408,006

8,135,301

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

7

8

9

8

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

$21

$29

$37

$28

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

$20

$29

$34

$25

Shares

1,487,867

1,457,294

200,232

3,145,393

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 44

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

45

Note 13: Supplementary Cash Flow Information

Supplementary  cash  flow  information  includes  the 
following:

Year ended January 31,

2000

1999

1998

Cash paid during 
the year for: 

Interest (net 

of capitalized
interest)

Income taxes

$ 54,195 $ 44,418

$ 35,351

129,566

126,157

126,606

Note 14: Segment Reporting

The Company has three reportable segments which have
been  identified  based  on  differences  in  products  and
services  offered  and  regulatory  conditions: the  Retail
Stores, Credit  Operations, and  Catalog/Internet  seg-
ments. The  Retail  Stores  segment  derives  its  sales  from
high-quality  apparel, shoes  and  accessories  for  women,
men  and  children, sold  through  retail  store  locations. It
includes  the  Company’s  Product  Development  Group
which coordinates the design and production of private
label  merchandise  sold  in  the  Company’s  retail  stores.

Credit  Operations  segment  revenues  consist  primarily  of
finance charges earned through issuance of the Nordstrom
proprietary  and VISA  credit  cards. The  Catalog/Internet
segment generates revenues from direct mail catalogs and
the nordstrom.com and nordstromshoes.com Web sites.

The  Company’s  senior  management  utilizes  various
measurements  to  assess  segment  performance  and  to 
allocate  resources  to  segments. The  measurements  used 
to  compute  net  earnings  for  reportable  segments  are 
consistent with those used to compute net earnings for
the Company.

The  accounting  policies  of  the  operating  segments  are
the same as those described in the summary of significant
accounting  policies  in  Note  1. Corporate  and  Other
includes  certain  expenses  and  a  portion  of  interest
expense  which  are  not  allocated  to  the  operating  seg-
ments. Intersegment revenues primarily consist of fees for
credit card services and are based on fees charged by third
party cards.

The  following  tables  set  forth  the  information  for  the  Company’s  reportable  segments  and  a  reconciliation  to  the 
consolidated totals:

Year ended January 31, 2000

Net sales and revenues to
external customers

Service charge income

Intersegment revenues

Interest, net

Depreciation and amortization

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net earnings (loss)

Assets (a)

Capital expenditures

Retail
Stores

Credit
Operations

Catalog/
Internet

Corporate 
and Other

Eliminations

Total

$4,914,293

—

$209,930

—

$117,974

20,285

728

170,765

191,790

300,009

25,963

26,933

1,424

19,450

30,417

2,051,327

601,320

263,352

2,792

—

—

—

—

—

(167)

$ 22,902

6,313

—

(35,685)

95,241

5,206

15,216

(81,740)

(92,184)

314,193

33,702

— $5,124,223

—

117,974

$(46,248)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

50,396

193,718

129,500

202,557

3,062,081

305,052

(a) Segment assets in Corporate and Other include unallocated assets in corporate headquarters, consisting primarily of land, buildings and equipment,

and deferred tax assets.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 45

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

46

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Note 14 continued)

Year ended January 31, 1999

Net sales and revenues to
external customers

Service charge income

Intersegment revenues

Interest, net

Depreciation and amortization

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net earnings (loss)

Assets (a) 

Capital expenditures

Year ended January 31, 1998

Net sales and revenues to
external customers

Service charge income

Intersegment revenues

Interest, net

Depreciation and amortization

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net earnings (loss)

Assets (a)

Capital expenditures

Retail
Stores

Credit
Operations

Catalog/
Internet

Corporate
and Other

Eliminations

Total

—

—

—

—

—

—

$ 4,834,049

—

$ 193,841

—

$ 119,926

23,748

—

166,099

182,800

288,503

26,736

31,139

806

16,200

25,606

2,040,938

607,255

273,906

2,191

—

—

—

4,613

—

(17,681)

57,803

4,121

— $ 5,027,890

—

119,926

$(50,484)

$ 16,488

(536)

9,137

(68,000)

(89,705)

382,067

26,519

—

—

—

—

—

—

47,091

180,655

131,000

206,723

3,088,063

306,737

Retail
Stores

Credit
Operations

Catalog/
Internet

Corporate 
and Other

Eliminations

Total

$ 4,705,875

— 

$ 145,749

— 

$ 122,026

35,529

—

147,847

152,700

235,122

27,400

36,187

667

10,300

15,895

1,956,527

681,391

221,384

242

—

—

—

3,082

—

(12,936)

73,790

17,390

— $ 4,851,624

—

122,026

$(62,929)

$ (1,170)

(767)

7,373

(42,000)

(51,868)

178,956

20,919

—

—

—

—

—

—

34,250

158,969

121,000

186,213

2,890,664

259,935

(a) Segment assets in Corporate and Other include unallocated assets in corporate headquarters, consisting primarily of land, buildings and equipment,

and deferred tax assets.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 46

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

47

brought  on  behalf  of  a  class  of  persons  who  purchased
Nine West footwear from the defendants during the peri-
od  January  1988  to  mid-February  1999. Plaintiffs’ con-
solidated  complaint  alleges  that  the  retailer  defendants
agreed with Nine West and with each other on the mini-
mum  prices  to  be  charged  for  Nine  West  shoes. The
plaintiffs seek treble damages in an unspecified amount,
attorneys’
fees  and  prejudgment  interest. Defendants
moved  to  dismiss  the  consolidated  complaint, and  the
court denied the motion on January 7, 2000.The Court
had stayed discovery pending its decision on the motion
to dismiss, and defendants have now begun the process of
producing documents and responding to plaintiffs’ other
discovery requests. Plaintiffs have not yet moved for class
certification.

Vacation Policy.The Company has reached a settlement in
its  previously  described  lawsuit  relating  to  its  vacation
policy. The  settlement  is  subject  to  the  execution  of  a
definitive  settlement  agreement  and  court  approval. A
final approval hearing has been set for April 28, 2000.

Saipan.  The  Company  has  reached  a  settlement  in  its
previously  described  lawsuits  relating  to  its  sourcing  of
clothing  products  from  independent  garment  manufac-
turers  in  Saipan  (Commonwealth  of  Northern  Mariana
Islands). The settlement is subject to court approval. No
hearing has been set to date.

Other. The  Company  is  also  subject  to  other  ordinary
routine  litigation  incidental  to  its  business  and  with
respect to which no material liability is expected.

Note 15: Contingent Liabilities

Because the cosmetics and Nine West lawsuits described
below are still in their preliminary stages, the Company is
not in a position at this time to quantify the amount or
range  of  any  possible  losses  related  to  those  claims. The
Company  intends  to  vigorously  defend  itself  in  those
cases.While no assurance can be given as to the ultimate
outcomes of these lawsuits, based on preliminary investi-
gations, management  currently  believes  that  resolving
these  matters  will  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on
the Company’s financial position.

Cosmetics. The Company is a defendant along with other
department stores in nine separate but virtually identical
lawsuits  filed  in  various  Superior  Courts  of  the  State  of
California in May, June and July 1998 that have now been
consolidated  in  Marin  County  state  court. The  plaintiffs
seek  to  represent  a  class  of  all  California  residents  who
purchased cosmetics and fragrances for personal use from
any  of  the  defendants  during  the  period  May  1994
through  May  1998. Plaintiffs’ consolidated  complaint
alleges  that  the  Company  and  other  department  stores
agreed  to  charge  identical  prices  for  cosmetics  and  fra-
grances, not to discount such prices, and to urge manufac-
turers to refuse to sell to retailers who sell cosmetics and
fragrances at discount prices, resulting in artificially inflat-
ed retail prices paid by the class in violation of California
state law.The plaintiffs seek treble damages in an unspeci-
fied  amount, attorneys’ fees  and  prejudgment  interest.
Defendants, including  the  Company, have  answered  the
consolidated complaint denying the allegations. Discovery
has  commenced  and  defendants  are  nearing  completion
of the initial phase of producing documents and respond-
ing  to  plaintiffs’ other  discovery  requests. Plaintiffs  have
not yet moved for class certification.

Nine West. The Company was named as a defendant in a
number of substantially identical lawsuits filed in federal
district courts in New York and elsewhere beginning in
January and February 1999. In addition to Nine West, a
leading manufacturer and retailer of men’s, women’s and
children’s  non-athletic  footwear  and  accessories, which
has  subsequently  been  acquired  by  Jones Apparel, other
defendants include various department store and special-
ty retailers. The lawsuits have now been consolidated in
federal  district  court  in  New York  and  purport  to  be

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 47

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

48

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Note 16: Selected Quarterly Data (unaudited)

Year ended January 31, 2000

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Total

Net sales

Gross profit

Earnings before income taxes

Net earnings

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Dividends per share

$1,039,105

$1,443,395

$1,110,114

$ 1,531,609

$5,124,223

350,909

51,688

31,538

.22

.22

.08

500,047

116,189

70,839

.51

.51

.08

392,270

521,237

1,764,463

55,033

33,633

109,147

66,547

332,057

202,557

.25

.25

.08

.50

.50

.08

1.47

1.46

.32

Year ended January 31, 1999

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Total

Net sales

Gross profit

Earnings before income taxes

Net earnings

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Dividends per share

$1,040,215

$1,447,284

$1,094,349

$ 1,446,042

$5,027,890

341,915

52,837

32,337

.22

.21

.07

476,041

113,062

69,162

.47

.47

.07

377,249

487,740

1,682,945

63,175

38,675

108,649

66,549

337,723

206,723

.27

.27

.08

.47

.47

.08

1.41

1.41

.30

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 48

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

Management and Independent Auditors’ Reports

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

49

and 

subsidiaries 

Independent Auditors’ Report
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets  of  Nordstrom,
(the
Inc.
“Company”)  as  of  January  31, 2000  and  1999, and  the
related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period  ended  January  31, 2000. These  financial  state-
ments  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s  manage-
ment. Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on
these financial statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally
accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that
we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of  material  misstatement. An  audit  includes  examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and dis-
closures in the financial statements.An audit also includes
assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall  financial  statement  presentation. We  believe  that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements  present  fairly, in  all  material  respects, the
financial  position  of  Nordstrom, Inc. and  subsidiaries  as
of  January  31, 2000  and  1999, and  the  results  of  their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in  the  period  ended  January  31, 2000, in  conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.

As  discussed  in  Note  1, the  accompanying  financial 
statements  have  been  restated  to  reflect  an  accrual  for
sales returns.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Seattle,Washington; March 10, 2000

Management Report
The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements,
including the notes thereto, and the other financial infor-
mation  presented  in  this Annual  Report  have  been  pre-
pared by management.The financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted account-
ing  principles  and  include  amounts  that  are  based  upon
our best estimates and judgments. Management is respon-
sible  for  the  consolidated  financial  statements, as  well  as
the other financial information in this Annual Report.

The Company maintains an effective system of internal
accounting control. We believe that this system provides
reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  executed  in
accordance  with  management  authorization, and  that
in  order  to  permit 
they  are  appropriately  recorded,
preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  and  to  ade-
quately safeguard, verify and maintain accountability for
assets. The  concept  of  reasonable  assurance  is  based  on
the recognition that the cost of a system of internal con-
trol should not exceed the benefits derived.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  notes
have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independ-
ent certified public accountants.The accompanying audi-
tors’ report  expresses  an  independent  professional  opin-
ion  on  the  fairness  of  presentation  of  management’s
financial statements.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is com-
posed  of  the  outside  directors, and  is  responsible 
for  recommending  the  independent  certified  public
accounting  firm  to  be  retained  for  the  coming  year,
subject  to  shareholder  approval. The  Audit  Committee
meets periodically with the independent auditors, as well
as with management and the internal auditors, to review
accounting, auditing, internal  accounting  controls  and
financial  reporting  matters. The  independent  auditors
and  the  internal  auditors  also  meet  privately  with  the
Audit Committee.

Michael A. Stein
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 49

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

50

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Ten-Year Statistical Summary

Dollars in thousands except square footage and per share amounts

Year ended January 31,

Financial Position

Customer accounts receivable, net
Merchandise inventories
Current assets
Current liabilities
Working capital
Working capital ratio
Land, buildings and equipment, net
Long-term debt, including current portion
Debt/capital ratio
Shareholders’ equity
Shares outstanding
Book value per share
Total assets

Operations

Net sales
Costs and expenses:

Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy
Selling, general, and administrative
Interest, net
Service charge income and other, net

Total costs and expenses
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
Net earnings
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Dividends per share
Comparable store sales percentage increase (decrease)
Net earnings as a percent of net sales
Return on average shareholders’ equity
Sales per square foot for Company-operated stores

Stores
Total square footage

2000

1999

1998

$596,020

797,845

1,564,648

866,509

698,139

1.81

$567,661

750,269

1,653,063

778,864

874,199

2.12

$641,862

826,045

1,613,492

979,031

634,461

1.65

1,429,492

1,378,006

1,252,513

804,982

.4249

868,234

.4214

420,865

.3194

1,185,614

1,300,545

1,458,950

132,279,988

142,114,167

152,518,104

8.96

9.15

9.57

3,062,081

3,088,063

2,890,664

5,124,223

5,027,890

4,851,624

3,359,760

1,491,040

50,396

(109,030)

4,792,166

332,057

129,500

202,557

1.47

1.46

.32

(1.1%)

3.95%

16.29%

350

104

3,344,945

1,405,270

47,091

(107,139)

4,690,167

337,723

131,000

206,723

1.41

1.41

.30

(2.7%)

4.11%

14.98%

362

97

3,295,813

1,322,929

34,250

(108,581)

4,544,411

307,213

121,000

186,213

1.20

1.20

.265

4.0%

3.84%

12.77%

384

92

14,487,000

13,593,000

12,614,000

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 50

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

51

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

$693,123

719,919

1,549,819

795,321

754,498

1.95

$874,103

626,303

1,612,776

833,443

779,333

1.94

1,152,454

1,103,298

380,632

.2720

439,943

.3232

$655,715

627,930

1,397,713

693,015

704,698

2.02

984,195

373,910

.2575

$565,151

585,602

1,314,914

631,064

683,850

2.08

845,596

438,574

.2934

$584,379

536,739

1,219,844

516,397

703,447

2.36

824,142

481,945

.3337

1,457,084

1,408,053

1,330,437

1,153,594

1,038,649

$585,490

506,632

1,177,638

558,768

618,870

2.11

856,404

491,076

.4029

927,465

$558,573

448,344

1,090,379

556,394

533,985

1.96

806,191

468,148

.4308

816,100

159,269,954

162,226,288

164,488,196

164,118,256

163,949,594

163,688,454

163,475,820

9.15

8.68

8.09

7.03

6.34

5.67

4.99

2,726,495

2,732,619

2,396,783

2,177,481

2,053,170

2,041,875

1,902,589

4,448,019

4,106,817

3,892,614

3,591,228

3,415,613

3,174,822

2,891,856

3,079,459

1,217,086

39,400

(129,469)

4,206,476

241,543

95,227

146,316

.90

.90

.25

0.6%

3.29%

10.21%

377

83

2,802,786

1,120,120

39,295

(125,130)

3,837,071

269,746

106,190

163,556

1.00

1.00

.25

(0.7%)

3.98%

11.94%

382

78

2,598,624

1,023,161

30,664

(94,644)

2,469,689

2,336,005

2,167,268

1,999,251

940,708

37,646

(88,509)

901,446

44,810

(86,140)

831,005

49,106

(87,443)

747,565

52,228

(84,660)

3,557,805

3,359,534

3,196,121

2,959,936

2,714,384

334,809

132,304

202,505

231,694

90,804

140,890

1.23

1.23

.1925

4.4%

5.20%

16.30%

395

76

.86

.86

.17

2.7%

3.92%

12.85%

383

74

219,492

84,489

135,003

.82

.82

.16

1.4%

3.95%

13.73%

381

72

214,886

80,527

134,359

.82

.82

.155

1.4%

4.23%

15.41%

388

68

177,472

62,204

115,268

.71

.71

.15

0%

3.99%

14.97%

391

63

11,754,000

10,713,000

9,998,000

9,282,000

9,224,000

8,590,000

7,655,000

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 51

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

52

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Officers of Nordstrom, Inc.

Jammie Baugh, 46

Llynn (Len) A. Kuntz, 39

Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Vice President and Executive Vice President, Full-Line Store Strategy

Laurie M. Black, 40

F. Richard Lennon, 59

Vice President, Accessories, Gifts, Women’s Specialized, Northwest

Vice President, Chief Information Officer

Region, Full-Line Stores

Robert E. Campbell, 44

Vice President, Strategy and Planning, and Treasurer

Gail A. Cottle, 48

Executive Vice President and President, 

Nordstrom Product Group

Dale C. Crichton, 51

Executive Vice President, Cosmetics, Full-Line Stores

Joseph V. Demarte, 48

Vice President, Human Resources

Annette S. Dresser, 39

Vice President, Women’s Contemporary, Full-Line Stores

Linda Toschi Finn, 52

Vice President, Marketing Director, Full-Line Stores

Tamela J. Hickel, 39

Vice President, Southeast Regional Manager

Darrel J. Hume, 52

Vice President, Regional Manager of Stores, Central States

Darren R. Jackson, 35

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,

Full-Line Stores

Bonnie M. Junell, 43

Vice President, Brass Plum/Kids, Northwest, Full-Line Stores

Kevin T. Knight, 44

Vice President and President, Nordstrom Credit Group

Michael G. Koppel, 43

Vice President, Corporate Controller

David P. Lindsey, 50

Vice President, Store Planning

David L. Mackie, 51

Vice President, Real Estate

Robert J. Middlemas, 43

Executive Vice President, General Manager, Central States

Jack H. Minuk, 45

Vice President, Women’s Shoes, Full-Line Stores

Blake W. Nordstrom, 39

Executive Vice President and President, Nordstrom Rack Group

Erik B. Nordstrom, 36

Executive Vice President, Northwest General Manager

Peter E. Nordstrom, 37

Executive Vice President, 

Director of Full-Line Store Merchandising Strategy

William E. Nordstrom, 36

Executive Vice President, East Coast General Manager

James R. O’Neal, 41

Executive Vice President, Southwest General Manager

Suzanne R. Patneaude, 53

Vice President, Designer Apparel, Full-Line Stores

N. Claire Stack, 38

Corporate Secretary and Director of Legal Affairs

Michael A. Stein, 50

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 52

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

53

Joel T. Stinson, 50

Vice President, Operations

Dana K. Summers, 40

Divisional Vice Presidents

Nordstrom Full-Line Stores
Mark S. Brashear, 38

Vice President, Business Information and Planning, 

Vice President, General Execution Manager, Southwest Region

Full-Line Stores

Delena M. Sunday, 39

Vice President, Diversity Affairs

Susan A. Wilson Tabor, 54

Executive Vice President, General Manager, 

Nordstrom Rack Group

Geevy S. K. Thomas, 35

Martine Burkel, 40

Vice President, Accessories, Gifts, Women’s Specialized, 

East Coast Region

Nora M. Cummings, 45

Vice President, San Diego/Arizona Regional Manager

Sherry E. Eversaul, 52

Vice President, Women’s Apparel, Contemporary Forward Bridge/Better,

Vice President and Executive Vice President, Merchandising Strategy, 

Halogen

Kathleen V. Ferguson, 40

Vice President, Customer Relationship Marketing

Margaret (Peggy) Mansur, 41

Vice President, East Coast/Central States, Cosmetics

Vicki McWilliams, 42

Vice President, Northern California Regional Manager

Margaret Myers, 52

Vice President, Accessories and Women’s Specialized, Southwest Region

Lisa S. O’Neal, 42

Vice President, Women’s Apparel, Classic/Mainstream, Better/Moderate

David M. Witman, 41

Vice President, East Coast/Central States, Men’s Wear

Nordstrom Credit Group
Karen Bowman Roesler, 44

Vice President, Credit Marketing and Risk

Carol R. Simonson, 48

Vice President, Finance, Strategy and Planning

Full-Line Stores

John J. Whitacre, 47

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Martha S. Wikstrom, 43

Executive Vice President and President, Full-Line Store Group

NORDSTROM.com, LLC
Victoria B. Dellinger, 40

Executive Vice President, Merchandising

Kimberly Jaderholm, 39

Vice President, Human Resources

J. Daniel Nordstrom, 37

Chief Executive Officer and President, NORDSTROM.com, LLC

Kathryn E. Olson, 41

Executive Vice President, Marketing

Paul Onnen, 37

Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

Michael Sato, 33

Vice President, Fulfillment Operations

Robert A. Schwartz, 39

Executive Vice President, E-Commerce

Kurt D. Whitesel, 38

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and 

Chief Financial Officer

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 53

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

Corporate Service Center
Mary D. Amundson, 46

Vice President, Compensation and Benefits

Jon M. Anastasio, 48

Vice President, Executive and Organizational Development

D. Wayne Howard, 44

Vice President, Supply Chain Strategy

W. Drew Murphy, 54

Vice President, Risk Management and Loss Prevention

R. Michael Richardson, 43

Vice President, Systems Development and Enterprise Technologies

Linda Gail Schantz, 46

Vice President, Logistics

Janis M. Walsh, 47

Vice President, Information Technology Services

Brooke F. White, 37

Vice President, Public Relations

54

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Divisional Vice Presidents continued)

Nordstrom Product Group
Margaret Desmond Fortescue, 38

Vice President, Director of Information Technology

Kathleen M. Gersch, 31

Vice President, Director of Finance and Strategic Planning

Kent S. Grimes, 47

Vice President, Director of Product Groups

Dean A. Holly, 47

Vice President, Director of Sourcing and Production

James Mahan, 37

Vice President, Director of Human Resources

Patrick C. Smith, 41

Vice President, Director of Operations

Michael A. Tam, 42

Vice President, Director of Brands

Nordstrom Rack Group
Timothy J. Bean, 43

Vice President, Merchandise Manager, Shoes

Kelly Cole Berka, 44

Vice President, Southwest Regional Manager

Janet Meiser Blasquez, 42

Vice President, Merchandise Manager, Women’s Apparel

Marsha Savery, 49

Vice President, Marketing Director

Marcia A. Scott, 39

Vice President, Merchandise Manager for Accessories, Cosmetics,

Lingerie, Kids and Gifts

K. C. Shaffer, 45

Vice President, Northwest Regional Manager

Dean H. White, 44

Vice President, Merchandise Manager, Men’s Apparel

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 54

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

Directors and Committees

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

55

Directors 
D. Wayne Gittinger, 67

Director; Partner, Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP

Seattle, Washington

Enrique Hernandez, Jr., 44

Director; President and CEO, 

Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. 

Pasadena, California

Ann D. McLaughlin, 58 

Director; Chairman, The Aspen Institute

Aspen, Colorado

John A. McMillan, 68

Director

Bruce A. Nordstrom, 66

Director

John N. Nordstrom, 62

Director

Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., 55

Director; Director of the Harold Price Center 

for Entrepreneurial Studies and 

Associate Professor of Business Economics, 

The Anderson School at UCLA 

Los Angeles, California

William D. Ruckelshaus, 67

Director; A Principal in Madrona Investment

Group, LLC 

Seattle, Washington

Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan, 71

Director; President, Salar Enterprises 

Portland, Oregon

John J. Whitacre, 47

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Bruce G. Willison, 51 

Director; Dean, The Anderson School at UCLA 

Los Angeles, California

Committees

Executive
John A. McMillan 
Bruce A. Nordstrom 
John N. Nordstrom
John J. Whitacre

Audit
Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
Ann D. McLaughlin, Chair 
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr. 
William D. Ruckelshaus 
Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan 
Bruce G. Willison 

Compensation and Stock Option
Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
Ann D. McLaughlin 
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr. 
William D. Ruckelshaus, Chair 
Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan 

Finance
D. Wayne Gittinger
Enrique Hernandez, Jr. 
John A. McMillan
John N. Nordstrom 
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Chair 
Bruce G. Willison 

Corporate Governance and Nominating 
D. Wayne Gittinger, Chair 
Ann D. McLaughlin 
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr.
William D. Ruckelshaus 
Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan 

Profit Sharing and Benefits 
Mary D. Amundson
Joseph V. Demarte, Chair 
D. Wayne Gittinger 
Peter E. Nordstrom 
Michael A. Stein 
John J. Whitacre

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 55

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

56

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Retail Store Facilities

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each of the stores operated by the Company.
The Company also operates seven distribution centers and owns or leases other space for administrative functions.

Location

Store Name

Southwest Group

Year 
opened or 

Present 
total store 
acquired area/sq. ft.

Fashion Square

1998

235,000

Arizona

Scottsdale

California

Arcadia

Brea

Santa Anita Fashion Park

Brea Mall

Canoga Park

Topanga Plaza

Cerritos

Los Cerritos Center

Corte Madera

The Village at Corte Madera

Costa Mesa

South Coast Plaza

Escondido

Glendale

North County Fair

Glendale Galleria

Los Angeles

Westside Pavilion

Mission Viejo

The Shops at Mission Viejo

Montclair

Palo Alto

Montclair Plaza

Stanford Shopping Center

Pleasanton

Stoneridge Mall

Redondo Beach

The Galleria at South Bay

Riverside

The Galleria at Tyler

Sacramento

Arden Fair Mall

San Diego

San Diego

San Diego

Fashion Valley Center

Horton Plaza

University Towne Centre

San Francisco

Stonestown Galleria

San Francisco

San Francisco Centre

San Mateo

Santa Ana

Hillsdale Shopping Center

MainPlace Mall

Santa Barbara

Paseo Nuevo Mall

Santa Clara

Valley Fair

Walnut Creek

Broadway Plaza

1994

1979

1984

1981

1985

1978

1986

1983

1985

1999

1986

1984

1990

1985

1991

1989

1981

1985

1984

1988

1988

1982

1987

1990

1987

1984

151,000

195,000 

154,000 

122,000

116,000

235,000 

156,000

147,000 

150,000

172,000 

134,000 

187,000 

173,000

161,000 

164,000

190,000

220,000 

151,000 

130,000

174,000

350,000

149,000

169,000 

186,000

165,000

193,000

Location

Store Name

East Coast Group (continued)

New Jersey

Edison

Freehold

Millburn

Paramus

New York

Garden City

Menlo Park Mall

Freehold Raceway Mall

The Mall at Short Hills

Garden State Plaza

Roosevelt Field Mall

White Plains

The Westchester Mall

Pennsylvania

Year 
opened or

Present 
total store 
acquired area/sq. ft.

1991

1992

1995

1990

266,000 

174,000 

188,000

282,000 

1997

1995

241,000 

219,000

King of Prussia

King of Prussia Plaza

1996

238,000 

Rhode Island

Providence

Providence Place

1999

206,000

Virginia

Arlington

McLean

Norfolk

The Fashion Centre

1989

241,000

at Pentagon City

Tysons Corner Center

MacArthur Center

1988

1999

253,000 

166,000

Central States Group

Illinois

Oakbrook

Oakbrook Center

Schaumburg

Woodfield Shopping Center

Skokie

Indiana

Old Orchard Center

1991

1995

1994

249,000 

215,000

209,000 

Indianapolis

Circle Centre Mall

1995

216,000 

Kansas

Overland Park

Oak Park Mall

1998

219,000

Michigan

Troy

Minnesota

Somerset Collection North

1996

258,000 

East Coast Group

Connecticut

Farmington

Georgia

Atlanta

Maryland 

Annapolis

Bethesda

Columbia

Towson

Westfarms Mall

1997

189,000

Beachwood

Beachwood Place

1997

231,000 

Perimeter Mall

1998

243,000

Texas

Dallas

Dallas Galleria

1996

249,000 

Bloomington

Mall of America

1992

240,000 

Ohio

Annapolis Mall

Montgomery Mall

The Mall in Columbia

Towson Town Center

1994

1991

1999

1992

162,000

225,000

173,000

205,000

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 56

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

57

Year 
opened or

Present 
total store 
acquired area/sq. ft.

Location

Store Name

Northwest Group

Year 
opened or

Present 
total store 
acquired area/sq. ft.

Location

Store Name

Rack Group

Phoenix, AZ

Last Chance

Alaska

Anchorage

Colorado

Denver

Oregon

Portland

Portland

Portland

Salem

Tigard

Utah

Murray

Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall

1975

97,000

Park Meadows Mall

1996

245,000

Clackamas Town Center

Downtown Portland 

Lloyd Center

Salem Center

Washington Square

Fashion Place Mall

1981

1966

1963

1980

1974

121,000 

174,000 

150,000

71,000

189,000

Brea, CA

Chino, CA

Colma, CA

Brea Union Plaza Rack

Chino Town Square Rack

280 Metro Center Rack

Costa Mesa, CA

Metro Point Rack

Sacramento, CA

Howe Bout Arden Rack

San Diego, CA

Mission Valley Rack

San Jose, CA

Westgate Mall Rack

San Leandro, CA

Marina Square Rack

Woodland Hills, CA Woodland Hills Rack

Littleton, CO

Meadows Market Place Rack

Salt Lake City

Crossroads Plaza

Washington

Bellevue

Lynnwood

Seattle

Seattle

Spokane

Tacoma

Tukwila

Bellevue Square

Alderwood Mall

Downtown Seattle (1)

Northgate Mall

River Park Square

Tacoma Mall

Southcenter Mall

Vancouver

Vancouver Mall

Downtown Yakima 

Yakima

Other

Façonnable

Beverly Hills, CA

Costa Mesa, CA

New York, NY

Women’s Ala Moana

Honolulu, HI

Men’s Ala Moana

Honolulu, HI

1981

1980

110,000

140,000 

Northbrook, IL

Village Square Rack

Schaumburg, IL

Woodfield Rack

Gaithersburg, MD

Shady Grove Boulevard Rack

Silver Spring, MD

City Place Rack

Towson, MD

Towson Rack

Bloomington, MN Mall of America Rack

Hempstead, NY

The Mall at the Source Rack

Beaverton, OR

Tanasbourne Rack

Portland, OR

Clackamas Rack

Portland, OR

Downtown Portland Rack

Philadelphia, PA

Franklin Mills Rack

Salt Lake City, UT

Sugarhouse Center Rack

Woodbridge, VA

Potomac Mills Rack

Auburn, WA

SuperMall Rack

Bellevue, WA

Factoria Square Rack

Lynnwood, WA

Golde Creek Plaza Rack

Seattle, WA

Downtown Seattle Rack

1967

1979

1998

1965

1999

1966

1968

1977

1972

285,000 

127,000 

383,000 

122,000

137,000

134,000

170,000 

71,000 

44,000 

1997

1997

1993

17,000 

8,000

10,000 

1997

14,000

1997

8,000 

1992

1999

1987

1987

1983

1999

1985

1998

1990

1984

1998

1996

1994

1999

1992

1992

1998

1997

1998

1983

1986

1993

1991

1990

1995

1997

1999

1987

48,000

45,000

30,000

31,000

50,000

54,000

57,000

48,000

44,000 

48,000

34,000

40,000

45,000

49,000

37,000

31,000

41,000

48,000 

53,000

28,000

19,000

43,000

31,000

46,000

48,000

46,000  

38,000

42,000 

(1) Excludes approximately 278,000 square feet of corporate and administrative offices.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 57

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

58

NORDSTROM,  INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Shareholder Information

Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP

Counsel
Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP

Transfer Agent and Registrar
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services
Telephone (800) 318-7045

General Offices
1617 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101-1742
Telephone (206) 628-2111

Annual Meeting
May 16, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time
Westin Hotel
1900 Fifth Avenue
Seattle, Washington

Form 10-K
The Company’s Annual Report to the Securities 
and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the year 
ended January 31, 2000 will be provided to shareholders
upon written request to:

Nordstrom, Inc. Investor Relations
P.O. Box 2737
Seattle, Washington 98111

or by calling (206) 233-6301.

Shareholder Information
Please visit our www.nordstrom.com Web site to obtain the
latest available information. In addition, the Company is
always willing to discuss matters of concern to shareholders,
including its vendor standards compliance mechanisms 
and progress in achieving compliance.

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

PAGE 58

424

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

Nordstrom at a Glance

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading fashion specialty retailers, with 104 stores located in 23 states,
including 71 full-line stores, 27 Nordstrom Racks, three Façonnable boutiques, two free-standing shoe stores,
and one clearance store. The Company also serves customers through its online presence at http://www.nord-
strom.com, as well as through its direct sales catalogs. Nordstrom, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the
symbol JWN.

144

Cyan

Mag

Yelo

Blk

20000208 Leonhardt Group
2000 Annual Report 
7.75 x 9.5 • PDF • 175 lpi • KODAK

OBC x OFC