Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Department Stores / Nordstrom

Nordstrom

jwn · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker jwn
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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Department Stores
Employees 10,000+
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FY2007 Annual Report · Nordstrom
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Nordstrom, Inc. Annual Report2 700

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De RA

customers, employees and shareholders,

On behalf of everyone at Nordstrom, I am pleased to share with you our company’s 2007 performance 

and outlook for 2008 and beyond.

Overall, we realized a number of top performances in 2007, thanks to the hard work of more than 

55,000 Nordstrom employees. Let’s review the highlights:

• Total sales increased 3.1% to a record high $8.8 billion and comparable sales 

increased 3.9% — our sixth consecutive year of same-store sales gains.

• Improving store productivity resulted in a return on investment (ROIC) of 19.4%, 

and sales of $402 per square foot on a 52-week basis, our best performance ever.

• Our SG&A rate (expenses as a percentage of net sales) improved for the 

seventh year in a row at 26.7%, improving by 9 basis points over last year.

• Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) were $1.247 billion this year, 

an improvement of 8.5% over last year. 

In total, 2007 was a year of good performance for our company. But 2007 was really a tale of two halves. 

In the first half, the industry was robust, our team executed well, and we experienced comparable store growth 

of 7.5%. Around mid-year, the market slowed dramatically and our comparable store sales growth was only 0.5%.

While we managed our operating expenses well throughout the year, inventories increased in the third and

fourth quarters, at about the same time the economy began to slow and sales softened. We addressed the

inventory issues quickly and corrected many of them by the beginning of 2008. Thus, we believe we are

positioned to perform well in what we expect to be a continued soft retail environment in 2008. Our focus

remains on growing market share with our core customers. When we challenge ourselves to offer the best

service and merchandise, we give the customer a reason to buy. We have one of the fastest inventory turns

among our direct competitors and when we continue to flow in new merchandise, our customers 

respond best. By executing well, we increase comparable sales and improve profitability, 

ultimately the best sign that we are taking care of our customers.

328526_02_06.qxp  3/28/08  12:51 PM  Page 2

We’ve learned that we have tremendous opportunities to gain share of wallet from our core customers. We know these customers

as a group are growing at two times the rate of the overall U.S. market, which presents substantial opportunity to grow with these

customers as well as increase our share of their spend. 

We continue to grow our presence in the top markets and best retail locations around the country. We are most interested in

pursuing the very best opportunities available rather than increasing square footage just for growth’s sake, and we are happy

with the commitments we have made. This spring we opened three new full-line stores and will open five more during the year.

We are particularly excited to share with you the opening of our first full-line store in Hawaii, which opened March 7 at Ala Moana

Center in Honolulu. This 210,000-square-foot store is the culmination of 12 years of trying to secure a space in one of the best

malls in the country. We also opened our eighth store in Florida at Aventura Mall and our second Boston-area store in Burlington,

Massachusetts. Additional full-line openings for 2008 include: Clinton Township, Michigan, April 18; Thousand Oaks, California,

September 5; Indianapolis, Indiana, September 19; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 24; and Naples, Florida, November 7.

Additionally, we are looking forward to relocating our Tacoma Mall store — which originally opened in 1966 — to a brand new

building in the mall on October 3. By the end of 2008, we will have 109 full-line stores. Our longer-term plan is to have 140 to 150

stores by 2015. We believe new stores are a good investment for our shareholders and are the most productive use of our capital. 

Equally critical to our long-term growth is the continued strong performance of our existing stores. Therefore, a top priority for

our company remains devoting a significant portion of our capital to store remodels to keep the Nordstrom experience current

for all our customers. In 2007, we invested $106 million in remodels and expect to invest similar amounts going forward.

We also see tremendous opportunities for Nordstrom Direct, our online and catalog business, which has now grown to over 

$600 million in volume. However, this number underrepresents the true value of this channel. We gain additional value from 

the volume attributed to the full-line division from sales initiated online in our stores, as well as immense value from being 

a multi-channel retailer — satisfying customers the way they want to be served today. In addition to our full-line and Nordstrom

Direct channels, we are also serving many customers in our Nordstrom Rack stores. The division had another successful year 

with an 8.7% comparable sales increase in 2007, on top of a double-digit increase in the prior year.

Every decision made and dollar spent by our company revolves around the customer. One long-term initiative that began in

response to customer requests is creating technology that will enable our salespeople to have a single view of total company

inventory. To that end, we are excited to announce that we have taken a major step forward on this initiative and will have this

tool in place by late spring, making it easier for salespeople to find merchandise for customers. Another tool that has helped us

gain share of wallet is our enhanced Nordstrom Fashion Rewards™ program, designed to reward our best customers. 

This program is generating many additional customers loyal to Nordstrom.

328526_02_06.qxp  3/28/08  12:52 PM  Page 3

We also continued to invest time and resources in developing our leaders. While there is never a finish line, we worked 

hard during 2007 to accelerate our salespeople’s selling skills to better serve customers and drive results. Last year, 

our best sellers were 7% more productive. We believe that is significant, because our top sellers set the bar and in turn 

raise the performance level of all our people. 

Every day we are reminded of the entrepreneurial spirit of the people who run this business as if it is their own. We are 

fortunate to have people like Chris Sharma, who works in Men’s Furnishings at our Tysons Corner Center store. Chris has been

our company’s top performing salesperson for a number of years now and he had another outstanding year, increasing his sales

5.9% and exceeding $2 million for the third consecutive year. 

We are also making an effort to attract the best new talent. For example, we are currently in our third year of an internship

partnership with three prominent design schools — Parsons the New School for Design in New York, Otis College of Art and Design

in Los Angeles and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco — to create opportunities for promising young designers 

in our product development area. 

While there may be current economic issues faced by the industry and our customers, we feel we are well positioned now — and for

the future. We have plenty of room to improve market share and share of our customers’ wallet. We are also in a strong financial

position to respond to opportunities that may present themselves. 

On behalf of all of us at Nordstrom, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to continuing to improve our business

and results to warrant your ongoing trust. 

Sincerely,

Blake W. Nordstrom

President, Nordstrom, Inc. 

328526_02_06.qxp  3/28/08  12:52 PM  Page 4

A

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from our Chairman

Over the course of my 11 years on the Nordstrom board, I have seen the company nearly double in revenue,

dramatically improve Return On Invested Capital to 19.4%, expand its store presence into a number of 

major metropolitan areas and advance to become a leader among our peer group in multi-channel retailing. 

With growth have come changes in operations, technology and merchandise strategies. Yet, as processes 

and tools evolve to become more sophisticated, the essence that makes Nordstrom unique — its focus on 

serving the customer — remains constant.

As a long-time Nordstrom customer, I’ve seen up close the emotional bond between Nordstrom customers and

their salespeople. On business trips, I’ve encountered numerous travelers eager to share their “Nordstrom stories”

and profess their loyalty to Nordstrom and its people. This deep one-on-one connection creates an important,

tangible value for Nordstrom as is evidenced in the company’s record sales per square foot of $402. 

This customer focus will remain the foundation for the success and growth of Nordstrom in the years ahead.

While there are challenges in the retail environment today, the future prospects for this company are incredibly

bright. The board of directors enthusiastically supports the leadership team and firmly believes in its continued

focus and key initiatives — growing the business through its merchandise strategies, striving to provide a superior

multi-channel shopping experience and growing the company’s presence in top markets around the nation. 

This sound strategy, based on the company’s knowledge of its customers, will provide for long-term growth 

and success, and is best for the company, its customers, employees and shareholders. 

The hard work and efforts by the Nordstrom team have not gone unnoticed. Over the past year, the company 

was named, for the eleventh time, by Fortune magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” and

is one of only 14 companies that have made the list each year since its inception. Additionally, Nordstrom was

honored in Fortune’s annual list of “America’s Most Admired Companies,” being named number one in our

industry category and ranked in the “Top 20” most admired companies overall. 

Looking ahead, we believe that the company’s unique balance of great people, product leadership and financial

strength position Nordstrom as a company not only designed to last, but designed to lead. We profess our

commitment to taking care of our customers with the best possible service, value and merchandise. We believe this

dedication to serving customers, as well as our ability to take advantage of opportunities that may come our way,

will allow Nordstrom to continue to gain market share and be among the world’s best retailers for years to come.

On behalf of the entire board of directors, I thank you for your continued support of the company.  

Enrique Hernandez, Jr.

Chairman

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

(Mark One) 
(cid:53) 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 

OR 

(cid:133) 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from____________ to ____________ 

Commission file number 001-15059 

NORDSTROM, INC. 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

Washington 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

91-0515058 
(IRS employer 
Identification No.) 

98101 
(Zip code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 206-628-2111

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common stock, without par value 

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES (cid:53) NO (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES (cid:133) NO (cid:53)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject  
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES (cid:53) NO (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any 
amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:53)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. 
See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one): 
Large accelerated filer (cid:53)     
Non-accelerated filer (cid:133)  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

Accelerated filer (cid:133)    
Smaller reporting company (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES (cid:133) NO (cid:53)

As of August 3, 2007 the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was 
approximately $8.9 billion using the closing sales price on that day of $46.07. On March 14, 2008, 219 shares of common stock were
outstanding (in millions).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on May 20, 2008 are incorporated into Part III 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I 

Business. 

Item 1. 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors. 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments. 
Item 2.  Properties. 
Item 3. 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. 

Legal Proceedings. 

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data. 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 
Item 8. 
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures. 
Item 9B.  Other Information. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

PART III 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Registrant. 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation. 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters. 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. 
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services. 

PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

Signatures
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 
Exhibit Index 

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Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Business. 

PART I 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS 
Nordstrom incorporated in the state of Washington in 1946 as the successor to a retail shoe business that started in 1901. We are one of the nation’s 
leading fashion specialty retailers, with 157 U.S. stores located in 28 states. The west coast and east coast are the areas in which we have the largest 
presence. Nordstrom is comprised of four segments: Retail Stores, Direct, Credit, and Other. 

Retail Stores derives its revenues from sales of designer, luxury and high-quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics and accessories. It includes our 103 
‘Nordstrom’ full-line stores, 50 discount ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, two ‘Jeffrey’ boutiques, and two clearance stores that operate under the name  
‘Last Chance.’ The Nordstrom Rack stores purchase merchandise directly from manufacturers and also serve as outlets for clearance merchandise  
from our full-line stores. 

In 2007, we opened three full-line stores (Natick, Massachusetts; Novi, Michigan; and Denver, Colorado), opened one Rack store (Tukwila, Washington), 
and increased our ownership in two Jeffrey boutiques (Atlanta, Georgia and New York, New York). We also sold our four U.S. Façonnable boutiques (Los 
Angeles, California; Costa Mesa, California; New York, New York; and Miami, Florida), and our 37 international Façonnable boutiques. To date in 2008, we 
have opened two full-line stores (Aventura, Florida and Honolulu, Hawaii) and closed one free-standing shoe store (Honolulu, Hawaii). We are scheduled 
to open six more full-line stores (Burlington, Massachusetts; Clinton Township, Michigan; Thousand Oaks, California; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania; and Naples, Florida), relocate one full-line store (Tacoma, Washington) and open three Rack stores (Naperville, Illinois; Laguna Hills, 
California; and Danvers, Massachusetts). In 2009, we are scheduled to open five full-line stores, relocate one full-line store and open two Rack stores.  

Direct generates revenues from sales of designer, luxury and high-quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics and accessories by serving our customers on the 
internet at www.nordstrom.com and through our catalogs. Direct segment’s sales are primarily shipped via third-party carriers from our fulfillment 
center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Through our wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, we offer a private label card, two co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit cards and a  
debit card for Nordstrom purchases. The credit and debit cards feature a shopping-based loyalty program designed to increase customer visits and 
spending in our Retail Stores and Direct segments. Our Credit segment generates income through finance charges and fees on these cards.  

Our Other segment includes our product development team, called Nordstrom Product Group, which designs and coordinates the production of private 
label merchandise sold in our Retail Stores and Direct. In addition, this segment includes our corporate center operations. Until the sale of Façonnable 
in the third quarter of 2007, the Other segment also included our four U.S. Façonnable boutiques and the 37 Façonnable boutiques located in France, 
Portugal and Belgium. Façonnable is a wholesaler and retailer of high quality men’s, women’s and boys’ apparel and accessories with distribution to over 
45 countries. Façonnable has licensee and franchisee agreements with others who operate wholesale distribution and/or boutique locations in Spain, 
Turkey, Greece, the Middle East, Taiwan, Canada and Latin America. We sold the Façonnable business in the third quarter of 2007. See Note 2 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further discussion. 

For more information about our business and our reportable segments, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations” on page 15 and Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

FISCAL YEAR END 
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31st. References to 2007 relate to the 52-week fiscal year ended February 2, 2008. References 
to 2006 and 2005 relate to the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 2007 and 52-week fiscal year ended January 28, 2006. References to 2008 relate 
to the 52 weeks ending January 31, 2009. 

TRADEMARKS 
We have approximately 144 registered trademarks or trademark applications. Our most notable trademarks include Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack,  
John W. Nordstrom, Caslon, and Classiques Entier. Each of our trademarks is renewable indefinitely provided that it is still used in commerce
at the time of the renewal. 

RETURN POLICY 
We offer our customers a fair and liberal return policy at our full-line stores and Nordstrom Direct (online and catalog). Our Nordstrom Rack stores 
accept returns up to 30 days from the date of purchase. In general, our return policy is somewhat more generous than industry standards.  
We utilize historical return patterns to estimate our expected returns.

SEASONALITY 
Due to our anniversary sale in July and the holidays in December, sales are higher for our Retail Stores and Direct in the second and fourth quarters of 
the fiscal year than in the first and third quarters. 

INVENTORY
We plan our merchandise purchases and receipts to coincide with the selling patterns that we expect. For instance, we purchase and receive a larger 
amount of merchandise in the fall as we prepare for the holiday shopping season (from late November through early January). Also, our merchandise 
purchases and receipts increase prior to our Anniversary Sale, which extends over the last two weeks of July. We pay for our merchandise purchases under 
the terms established with our vendors, which is usually within 30 days of the date that the merchandise was shipped to us.  

4

In order to offer merchandise that our customers want, we purchase merchandise from a wide variety of high-quality suppliers. We also have 
arrangements with agents and contract manufacturers to produce our private label merchandise. Our suppliers include domestic and foreign 
businesses. We expect our suppliers to meet our “Nordstrom Partnership: Standards and Business Practice Guidelines,” which address our
standards for matters such as law, labor, health and safety, and environment.  

COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS 
Our business is highly competitive. Each of our stores competes with other national, regional and local retail establishments that may carry similar 
lines of merchandise, including department stores, specialty stores, boutiques, mail order and Internet businesses. Our specific competitors vary from 
market to market. We believe the principal methods of competing in our industry include customer service, fashion, quality of product, depth of 
selection, store environment and location. 

EMPLOYEES
During 2007, we regularly employed on a full or part-time basis approximately 55,000 employees. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, 
employment increased to approximately 58,500 employees in July 2007 and 56,500 in December 2007. 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT 
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain “forward-looking” statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 
of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties, including anticipated results, planned store openings, capital expenditures, and trends in our operations. 
Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or current expectations depending upon various factors including those 
discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Item 1A under the heading “Risk Factors.” These factors include our 
ability to respond to the business environment and fashion trends, effective inventory management, the impact of economic and competitive market 
forces, successful execution of our store growth strategy including the timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores, 
relocations and remodels, our compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations, employment laws and regulations and other  
laws and regulations applicable to the company, successful execution of our multi-channel strategy, our ability to safeguard our brand and reputation, 
efficient and proper allocation of our capital resources, successful execution of our technology strategy, the impact of terrorist activity or war on
our customers and the retail industry, trends in personal bankruptcies and bad debt write-offs, changes in interest rates, our ability to maintain our 
relationships with our employees, our ability to control costs, weather conditions and hazards of nature that affect consumer traffic and consumers’ 
purchasing patterns, and the timing and amounts of share repurchases by the company. 

These and other factors could affect our financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking 
statements we may make. As a result, while we believe there is a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue 
reliance on those statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new 
information or future circumstances.  

SEC FILINGS 
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  
All material we file with the SEC is publicly available at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain 
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet Web site at 
www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. 

WEB SITE ACCESS 
Our Internet Web site address is www.nordstrom.com. We make available free of charge on or through our Internet Web site our annual reports on  
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, statements of changes in beneficial ownership of securities on Form 4 and 
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we 
electronically file the report with or furnish it to the SEC. Interested parties may also access a webcast of quarterly earnings conference calls and  
other financial events over our Internet Web site. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
We have a long-standing commitment to upholding a high level of ethical standards. In addition, as required by the listing standards of the New  
York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the rules of the SEC, we have adopted Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics for our employees, officers and 
directors (“Codes of Ethics”) and Corporate Governance Guidelines. We have posted on our Web site our Codes of Ethics, our Corporate Governance 
Guidelines, and our Committee Charters for the Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating, Executive, and Finance committees.  
These items are also available in print to any person without charge upon request to: 

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

(206) 303-3200 
invrelations@nordstrom.com 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  5

 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
(Dollars in millions) 

Our business faces many risks. We believe the risks described below outline the items of most concern to us. However, these risks are not the only ones 
we face. Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations. 

ABILITY TO RESPOND TO THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND FASHION TRENDS 
Our sales and operating results depend in part on our ability to predict or respond to changes in fashion trends and consumer preferences in a timely 
manner and to match our merchandise mix to prevailing consumer tastes. Any sustained failure to identify and respond to emerging trends in lifestyle 
and consumer preferences could force us to sell our merchandise at higher average markdown levels and lower average margins, which could have a 
material adverse affect on our business. In addition, consumer spending at our stores may be affected by many factors outside of our control, including 
consumer confidence, weather and other hazards of nature that affect consumer traffic, and general economic conditions.  

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT 
We strive to ensure the merchandise we offer remains fresh and compelling to our customers. If we are not successful at predicting our sales trends 
and adjusting our purchases accordingly, we may have excess inventory, which would result in additional markdowns and reduce our operating 
performance. This could have an adverse effect on margins and operating income. 

IMPACT OF COMPETITIVE MARKET FORCES 
The retail industry environment continues to change for many of our vendors and customers. In the future, our competition may partner more 
effectively with vendors to serve the market’s needs. If we do not effectively respond to changes in our environment, we may see a loss of market 
share to competitors, declining same-store sales, and declining profitability due to higher markdowns. 

STORE GROWTH PLAN 
As of February 2008, our five-year strategic growth plan includes opening 31 new or relocated full-line stores and remodeling 29 existing full-line 
stores. We compete with other retailers and businesses for suitable locations for our stores. Local land use and other regulations may impact our 
ability to find suitable locations. New store openings also involve certain risks, including constructing, furnishing and supplying a store in a timely and 
cost effective manner and accurately assessing the demographic or retail environment for a particular location. Our future sales at new, relocated or 
remodeled stores may not meet our projections, which could adversely impact our return on investment. Performance in our new stores could also  
be negatively impacted by our inability to hire employees who are able to deliver the level of service our customers have come to expect when 
shopping at our stores. In the past, our expected operating dates have sometimes been delayed because of developer plan delays. Our inability to 
execute our store growth strategy in a manner that generates appropriate returns on investment could have an adverse impact on our future growth 
and profitability. 

BANKING OPERATIONS 
Our credit card operations, conducted through our federal thrift subsidiary, facilitate sales in our stores, allow our stores to avoid third-party 
transaction fees and generate additional revenues by extending credit. Our finance charge revenue is subject to changes in interest rates which 
fluctuate based on market conditions. The market conditions influencing interest rates are based on economic factors that are beyond our control and 
include, but are not limited to, recession, inflation, deflation, consumer credit availability, consumer debt levels, tax rates and policy, unemployment 
trends and other matters that influence consumer confidence and spending. Our ability to extend credit to our customers and to collect payments from 
them depends on many factors including compliance with applicable laws and regulations, any of which may change from time to time. Changes in 
credit card use, payment patterns and default rates may result from a variety of economic, legal, social and other factors that we cannot control or 
predict with certainty. Changes that adversely impact our ability to extend credit and collect payments could negatively affect our results. 

INFORMATION SECURITY AND PRIVACY 
The protection of our customer, employee, and company data is critical to us. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and 
privacy is increasingly demanding, with the frequent imposition of new and constantly changing requirements across our business units. In addition, 
our customers have a high expectation that we will adequately protect their personal information. A significant breach of customer, employee or 
company data could damage our reputation and result in lost sales, fines and lawsuits. 

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESSION PLANNING 
The training and development of our future leaders is critical to our long-term growth. If we do not effectively implement our strategic and business 
planning processes to train and develop future leaders, our long-term growth may suffer. In addition, if unexpected leadership turnover occurs without 
established succession plans, our business may suffer. 

MULTI-CHANNEL STRATEGY EXECUTION 
In 2005, we started to make changes in our Direct business that better align our online shopping environment and catalog with the customer experience in 
our full-line stores. These changes included: aligning our Direct merchandise offering with our full-line stores to create a seamless experience for our 
customers between our stores, catalogs and Web site, linking the full-line stores and Direct merchandise organizations; reducing the number and frequency 
of our Direct catalog mailings; and transitioning our Direct inventory system onto our full-line store platform. Our inability to successfully execute this 
strategy could impact our future operating performance.  

6

BRAND AND REPUTATION 
We have a well-recognized brand that is synonymous with the highest level of customer service and quality merchandise. Any significant damage to our 
brand or reputation may negatively impact same-store sales, lower employee morale and productivity, and diminish customer trust, resulting in a reduction 
in shareholder value.  

CAPITAL EFFICIENCY AND PROPER ALLOCATION
Our goal is to invest capital to maximize our overall long-term returns. This includes spending on inventory, capital projects and expenses, managing 
debt levels, managing accounts receivable through our credit business, and returning value to our shareholders through dividends and share 
repurchases. To a large degree, capital efficiency reflects how well we manage the other key risks to our Company. The actions taken to address other 
specific risks may affect how well we manage the more general risk of capital efficiency. If we do not properly allocate our capital to maximize returns, 
we may fail to produce financial results that our shareholders have come to expect and we may experience a reduction in shareholder value.  

HUMAN RESOURCE REGULATIONS 
Our policies and procedures are designed to comply with human resource laws such as wage and hour, meal and rest period, and commissions. Federal 
and state wage and hour laws are complex, and the related enforcement is increasingly aggressive, particularly in the state of California. Failure to 
comply with these laws could result in damage to our reputation, class action lawsuits and dissatisfied employees.

EMPLOYMENT AND DISCRIMINATION LAWS 
State and federal employment and discrimination laws and the related case law continue to evolve, making ongoing compliance in this area a 
challenge. Failure to comply with these laws may result in damage to our reputation, legal and settlement costs, disruption of our business, and loss of 
customers and employees, which would result in a loss of sales, increased employment costs, low employee morale and attendant harm to our business 
and results of operations. 

TECHNOLOGY  
We make investments in information technology to sustain our competitive position. We expect our combined capitalized and expense spend to be 
approximately $180 each year on information technology operations and system development, which is key to our growth. We must monitor and choose 
the right investments and implement them at the right pace. Targeting the wrong opportunities, failing to make the best investment, or making an 
investment commitment significantly above or below the requirements of the business opportunity may result in the loss of our competitive position. 
In addition, an inadequate investment in maintaining our current systems may result in a loss of system functionality and increased future costs to 
bring our systems up to date. 

We may implement too much technology, or change too fast, which could result in failure to adopt the new technology if the business is not ready or 
capable of accepting it. Excessive technological change affects the effectiveness of adoption, and could adversely affect the realization of benefits 
from the technology. However, not implementing enough technology could compromise our competitive position.  

DISTRIBUTION AND FULFILLMENT CENTERS 
We depend on the orderly operation of the receiving and distribution process, which depends, in turn, on adherence to shipping schedules and effective 
management of our six distribution centers and our Direct fulfillment center. Although we believe that our receiving and distribution process is 
efficient, unforeseen disruptions in operations due to fires, hurricanes or other catastrophic events, labor disagreements or shipping problems, may 
result in delays in the delivery of merchandise to our stores and our customers. Although we maintain business interruption and property insurance, 
management cannot be assured that our insurance coverage will be sufficient, or that insurance proceeds will be timely paid to us, if any of the 
distribution centers are shut down for any reason.

FOREIGN CURRENCY 
We purchase a portion of our inventory from foreign suppliers whose cost to us is affected by the fluctuation of their local currency against the dollar 
or who price their merchandise in currencies other than the dollar. We source goods from numerous countries and thus are affected by changes in 
numerous currencies and generally, by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar relative to such currencies. Accordingly, changes in the value of the dollar relative 
to foreign currencies may increase our cost of goods sold and if we are unable to pass such cost increases on to our customers, our gross margins, and 
ultimately our earnings, would decrease. Foreign currency fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and 
results of operations in the future. 

SEASONALITY 
Our business is seasonal in nature. Due to our anniversary sale in July and the holidays in December, sales are higher for our Retail Stores in the 
second and fourth quarters of the fiscal year than in the first and third quarters. Accordingly, our results may vary considerably from quarter to 
quarter. In addition, we have significant additional cash requirements in the period leading up to the months of November and December in anticipation 
of higher sales volume in those months, including expenses for additional inventory, advertising and employees. 

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 
Our policies and procedures are designed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those imposed by the SEC, NYSE, the banking 
industry and foreign countries. Additional legal and regulatory requirements, such as those arising under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the fact that 
foreign laws occasionally conflict with domestic laws, have increased the complexity of the regulatory environment and the cost of compliance. Failure 
to comply with the various regulations may result in damage to our reputation, civil and criminal liability, fines and penalties, increased cost of 
regulatory compliance and restatements of our financial statements. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  7

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS 
We are incorporated in the state of Washington and subject to Washington state law. Some provisions of Washington state law could interfere with
or restrict takeover bids or other change-in-control events affecting us. For example, one statutory provision prohibits us, except under specified 
circumstances, from engaging in any significant business transaction with any shareholder who owns 10% or more of our common stock (which 
shareholder, under the statute, would be considered an “acquiring person”) for a period of five years following the time that such shareholder  
became an acquiring person. 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 

None.

Item 2. Properties. 

The following table summarizes the number of retail stores owned or leased by us, and the percentage of total store square footage represented
by each listed category at February 2, 2008: 

Owned stores 
Owned on leased land 
Leased stores 
Partly owned and partly leased 
Total 

Number of Stores 
33 
47 
74 
2 
156 

% of total store 
square footage 
25.7% 
43.9% 
28.9% 
1.5% 
100.0% 

We also own six merchandise distribution centers located in Portland, Oregon; Dubuque, Iowa; Ontario, California; Newark, California; Upper Marlboro, 
Maryland; and Gainesville, Florida, which are utilized by the Retail Stores segment. The Direct segment utilizes one fulfillment center in Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, which is owned on leased land. Our administrative offices in Seattle, Washington are a combination of leased and owned space. We also lease an 
office building in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area that serves as an office of Nordstrom fsb and Nordstrom Credit, Inc. 

8

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[This page intentionally left blank.] 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  9

The following table lists our retail store facilities as of February 2, 2008: 

Location 
Full-Line Stores 

Store Name 

Square 
  Footage 

Year 
  Store 
  Opened 

Location 

Store Name 

Square 
  Footage 

Year 
Store 
  Opened 

ALASKA 
Anchorage 

ARIZONA 
Chandler 
Scottsdale 

CALIFORNIA 
Arcadia 
Brea 
Canoga Park 
Cerritos 
Corte Madera 
Costa Mesa 
Escondido 
Glendale 
Irvine 
Los Angeles 
Los Angeles 
Mission Viejo 
Montclair 
Palo Alto 
Pleasanton 
Redondo Beach 
Riverside 
Roseville 
Sacramento 
San Diego 
San Diego 
San Diego 
San Francisco 
San Francisco 
San Jose 
San Mateo 
Santa Ana 
Santa Barbara 
Walnut Creek 

COLORADO 
Broomfield 
Denver 
Littleton 

CONNECTICUT 
Farmington 

Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall 

  97,000 

  1975 

Chandler Fashion Center 
Scottsdale Fashion Square 

  149,000 
  235,000 

  2001 
  1998 

Santa Anita 
Brea Mall 
Topanga 
Los Cerritos Center 
The Village at Corte Madera 
South Coast Plaza 
North County 
Glendale Galleria 
Irvine Spectrum Center 
The Grove 
Westside Pavilion 
The Shops at Mission Viejo 
Montclair Plaza 
Stanford Shopping Center 
Stoneridge Mall 
South Bay Galleria 
Galleria at Tyler 
Galleria at Roseville 
Arden Fair 
Fashion Valley 
Horton Plaza 
University Towne Center 
San Francisco Centre 
Stonestown Galleria 
Valley Fair 
Hillsdale Shopping Center 
MainPlace 
Paseo Nuevo  
Broadway Plaza 

  151,000 
  195,000 
  213,000 
  122,000 
  116,000 
  235,000 
  156,000 
  147,000 
  130,000 
  120,000 
  150,000 
  172,000 
  134,000 
  187,000 
  173,000 
  161,000 
  164,000 
  149,000 
  190,000 
  220,000 
  151,000 
  130,000 
  350,000 
  174,000 
  232,000 
  149,000 
  169,000 
  186,000 
  193,000 

  1994 
19791 
19841 
  1981 
  1985 
19781 
  1986 
  1983 
  2005 
  2002 
  1985 
  1999 
  1986 
  1984 
  1990 
  1985 
  1991 
  2000 
  1989 
  1981 
  1985 
  1984 
  1988 
  1988 
19871 
  1982 
  1987 
  1990 
  1984 

FlatIron Crossing 
Cherry Creek Shopping Center 
Park Meadows 

  172,000 
  142,000 
  245,000 

  2000 
  2007 
  1996 

Westfarms 

  189,000 

  1997 

FLORIDA 
Boca Raton 
Coral Gables 
Miami 
Orlando 
Palm Beach Gardens 
Tampa 
Wellington 

Town Center at Boca Raton 
Village of Merrick Park 
Dadeland Mall 
The Florida Mall 
The Gardens Mall 
International Plaza 
The Mall at Wellington Green 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta 
Atlanta 
Buford 
1 This store has been subsequently relocated.  

Perimeter Mall 
Phipps Plaza 
Mall of Georgia 

  193,000 
  212,000 
  150,000 
  174,000 
  150,000 
  172,000 
  127,000 

  2000 
  2002 
  2004 
  2002 
  2006 
  2001 
  2003 

  243,000 
  140,000 
  172,000 

  1998 
  2005 
  2000 

10 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago 
Oak Brook 
Schaumburg 
Skokie 

INDIANA 
Indianapolis 

KANSAS 
Overland Park 

MARYLAND 
Annapolis 
Bethesda 
Columbia 
Towson 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Natick 

MICHIGAN 
Novi 
Troy 

MINNESOTA 
Bloomington 

MISSOURI 
Des Peres 

NEVADA 
Las Vegas 

NEW JERSEY 
Edison 
Freehold 
Paramus 
Short Hills 

NEW YORK 
Garden City 
White Plains 

NORTH CAROLINA 
Charlotte 
Durham 

OHIO 
Beachwood 
Columbus 

OREGON 
Portland 
Portland 
Portland 
Salem 
Tigard 

Michigan Avenue 
Oakbrook Center 
Woodfield Shopping Center 
Old Orchard Center 

  274,000 
  249,000 
  215,000 
  209,000 

  2000 
  1991 
  1995 
  1994 

Circle Centre 

  216,000 

  1995 

Oak Park Mall 

  219,000 

  1998 

Annapolis Mall 
Montgomery Mall 
The Mall in Columbia 
Towson Town Center 

  162,000 
  225,000 
  173,000 
  205,000 

  1994 
  1991 
  1999 
  1992 

Natick Collection 

  154,000 

  2007 

Twelve Oaks Mall 
Somerset Collection 

  172,000 
  258,000 

  2007 
  1996 

Mall of America 

  240,000 

  1992 

West County 

  193,000 

  2002 

Fashion Show 

  207,000 

  2002 

Menlo Park 
Freehold Raceway Mall 
Garden State Plaza 
The Mall at Short Hills 

  204,000 
  174,000 
  282,000 
  188,000 

  1991 
  1992 
  1990 
  1995 

Roosevelt Field 
The Westchester 

  241,000 
  219,000 

  1997 
  1995 

SouthPark 
The Streets at Southpoint 

  151,000 
  149,000 

  2004 
  2002 

Beachwood Place 
Easton Town Center 

  231,000 
  174,000 

  1997 
  2001 

Clackamas Town Center 
Downtown Portland 
Lloyd Center 
Salem Center 
Washington Square 

  121,000 
  174,000 
  150,000 
71,000 
  189,000 

  1981 
19661 
19631 
  1980 
19741 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location
Full-Line Stores (continued)

Store Name 

Square 
  Footage 

Year 
  Store 
  Opened 

Location
Nordstrom Rack Group

Store Name 

Square 
  Footage 

Year 
Store 
  Opened 

PENNSYLVANIA 
King of Prussia 

RHODE ISLAND 
Providence 

TEXAS
Austin 
Dallas 
Dallas 
Frisco 
Houston 
Hurst 
San Antonio 

UTAH 
Murray 
Orem 

VIRGINIA 
Arlington 

Dulles 
McLean 
Norfolk 
Richmond 

WASHINGTON 
Bellevue 
Lynnwood 
Seattle 
Seattle
Spokane 
Tacoma 
Tukwila 
Vancouver 

Other

Atlanta, GA 
Honolulu, HI 
New York, NY 

King of Prussia 

  238,000 

  1996 

Providence Place 

  206,000 

  1999 

Barton Creek Square 
Galleria Dallas 
NorthPark Center 
Stonebriar Centre 
Houston Galleria 
North East Mall 
The Shops at La Cantera 

  150,000 
  249,000 
  212,000 
  149,000 
  226,000 
  149,000 
  149,000 

  2003 
  1996 
  2005 
  2000 
  2003 
  2001 
  2005 

Fashion Place 
University Mall 

  110,000 
  122,000 

  1981 
  2002 

The Fashion Centre at  
Pentagon City 
Dulles Town Center 
Tysons Corner Center 
MacArthur Center 
Short Pump Town Center 

Bellevue Square 
Alderwood 
Downtown Seattle 
Northgate Mall 
River Park Square 
Tacoma Mall 
Southcenter 
Vancouver 

  241,000 

  1989 

  148,000 
  211,000 
  166,000 
  128,000 

  2002 
  1988 
  1999 
  2003 

  285,000 
  151,000 
  383,000 
  122,000 
  137,000 
  134,000 
  170,000 
  71,000 

19671
19791
19631
  1965 
19741
  1966 
  1968 
  1977 

Jeffrey 
Ward Centers Shoes 
Jeffrey 

7,000 
  16,000 
  11,000 

  2007 
  1997 
  2007 

Chandler, AZ 
Phoenix, AZ 
Scottsdale, AZ 
Brea, CA 
Chino, CA 
Colma, CA 
Costa Mesa, CA 
Fresno, CA 
Glendale, CA 
Long Beach, CA 
Los Angeles, CA 

Ontario, CA 
Oxnard, CA 
Roseville, CA 
Sacramento, CA 
San Diego, CA 
San Francisco, CA 

San Jose, CA 
San Leandro, CA 
San Marcos, CA 
Woodland Hills, CA 
Broomfield, CO 
Littleton, CO 
Miami, FL 
Sunrise, FL 
Buford, GA 
Honolulu, HI 
Chicago, IL 

Northbrook, IL 
Oak Brook, IL 
Schaumburg, IL 
Gaithersburg, MD 
Towson, MD 
Grand Rapids, MI 
Troy, MI 
Bloomington, MN 
Las Vegas, NV 
Westbury, NY 
Beaverton, OR 
Clackamas, OR 
Portland, OR 
King of Prussia, PA 

Plano, TX 
Salt Lake City, UT 
Sterling, VA 
Woodbridge, VA 
Auburn, WA 

Bellevue, WA 
Lynnwood, WA 
Seattle, WA 
Spokane, WA 
Tukwila, WA 

Chandler Festival Rack 
Last Chance 
Scottsdale Promenade Rack 
Brea Union Plaza Rack 
Chino Spectrum Towne Center Rack  
Colma Rack 
Metro Pointe at South Coast Rack 
Villaggio Retail Center Rack 
Glendale Fashion Center Rack 
Long Beach CityPlace Rack 
The Promenade at Howard Hughes  
Center Rack 
Ontario Mills Mall Rack 
Esplanade Shopping Center Rack 
Creekside Town Center Rack 
Howe `Bout Arden Center Rack 
Mission Valley Rack 
555 Ninth Street Retail Center  
Rack 
Westgate Mall Rack 
San Leandro Rack 
Grand Plaza Rack 
Topanga Rack 
Flatiron Marketplace Rack 
Meadows Marketplace Rack 
Last Chance 
The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills Rack 
Mall of Georgia Crossing Rack 
Ward Centers Rack 
The Shops at State and  
Washington Rack 
Northbrook Rack 
The Shops at Oak Brook Place Rack 
Woodfield Rack 
Gaithersburg Rack 
Towson Rack 
Centerpointe Mall Rack 
Troy Marketplace Rack 
Mall of America Rack 
Silverado Ranch Plaza Rack 
The Mall at the Source Rack 
Tanasbourne Town Center Rack 
Clackamas Promenade Rack 
Downtown Portland Rack 
The Overlook at King of  
Prussia Rack 
Preston Shepard Place Rack 
Sugarhouse Rack 
Dulles Town Crossing Rack 
Potomac Mills Rack 
SuperMall of the Great  
Northwest Rack 
Factoria Mall Rack 
Golde Creek Plaza Rack 
Downtown Seattle Rack 
NorthTown Mall Rack 
Southcenter Square Rack 

37,000 
48,000 
38,000 
45,000 
38,000 
31,000 
50,000 
32,000 
36,000 
33,000 
41,000 

40,000 
38,000 
36,000 
54,000 
57,000 
43,000 

48,000 
44,000 
35,000 
64,000 
36,000 
34,000 
26,000 
27,000 
44,000 
34,000 
41,000 

40,000 
42,000 
45,000 
49,000 
31,000 
40,000 
40,000 
41,000 
33,000 
48,000 
53,000 
28,000 
32,000 
45,000 

39,000 
31,000 
41,000 
46,000 
48,000 

46,000 
38,000 
42,000 
28,000 
35,000 

  2000 
19921
  2000 
  1999 
19871
  1987 
19831
  2002 
  2000 
  2002 
  2001 

  2002 
  2001 
  2001 
  1999 
19851
  2001 

  1998 
  1990 
  2006 
  1984 
  2001 
  1998 
  2005 
  2003 
  2000 
  2000 
  2003 

  1996 
  2000 
  1994 
  1999 
  1992 
  2001 
  2000 
  1998 
  2001 
  1997 
  1998 
19831
19861
  2002 

  2000 
  1991 
  2001 
  1990 
  1995 

  1997 
19851
  1987 
  2000 
  2007 

1 This store has been subsequently relocated.

In 2008, we have opened two full-line stores and closed our free-standing shoe store. During the remainder of 2008 we are scheduled to open six more 
full-line stores and three Rack stores. In 2009, we are scheduled to open five full-line stores and two Rack stores. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  11

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 
(Dollars in millions) 

COSMETICS 
We were originally named as a defendant along with other department store and specialty retailers in nine separate but virtually identical class action 
lawsuits filed in various Superior Courts of the State of California in May, June and July 1998 that were consolidated in Marin County Superior Court. In 
May 2000, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming a number of manufacturers of cosmetics and fragrances and two other retailers as additional 
defendants. Plaintiffs’ amended complaint alleged that the retail price of the “prestige” or “Department Store” cosmetics and fragrances sold in 
department and specialty stores was collusively controlled by the retailer and manufacturer defendants in violation of the Cartwright Act and the 
California Unfair Competition Act. 

Plaintiffs sought treble damages and restitution in an unspecified amount, attorneys’ fees and prejudgment interest, on behalf of a class of all 
California residents who purchased cosmetics and fragrances for personal use from any of the defendants during the four years prior to the filing of 
the original complaints.

While we believe that the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, we entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs and the other defendants on 
July 13, 2003 in order to avoid the cost and distraction of protracted litigation. In furtherance of the settlement agreement, the case was re-filed in the 
United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of a class of all persons who currently reside in the United States and who 
purchased “Department Store” cosmetics and fragrances from the defendants during the period May 29, 1994 through July 16, 2003. The Court gave 
preliminary approval to the settlement, and a summary notice of class certification and the terms of the settlement was disseminated to class 
members. On March 30, 2005, the Court entered a final judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the plaintiffs’ claims and the claims of all 
class members with prejudice, in their entirety. On April 29, 2005, two class members who had objected to the settlement filed notices of appeal from 
the Court’s final judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit issued its decision on August 23, 2007, affirming 
the District Courts’ ruling and the settlement became final according to its terms on November 22, 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the defendants 
will provide class members with certain free products with an estimated retail value of $175 and pay the plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, awarded by the 
Court, of $24. We have paid approximately $1 for our allocated portion of both the costs of the free products to class members and the attorneys’ fees. 

OTHER
We are involved in routine claims, proceedings and litigation arising from the normal course of our business. We do not believe any such claim, 
proceeding or litigation, either alone or in aggregate, will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

None.

PART II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of  
Equity Securities.

MARKET, SHAREHOLDER AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION 
Our common stock, without par value, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “JWN.” The approximate number of holders
of common stock as of March 12, 2008 was 166,390, based upon the number of registered and beneficial shareholders, as well as the number of 
employee shareholders in the Nordstrom 401(k) Plan and Profit Sharing Plan. 

The high and low sales prices of our common stock and dividends declared for each quarter of 2007 and 2006 are presented in the table below: 

Common Stock Price 

2007 

2006 

          Dividends per Share 

High 
   $59.70 
   $56.00 
   $53.47 
   $39.95 
   $59.70 

Low 
$49.35 
$42.70 
$36.12 
$28.00 
$28.00 

High 
$42.90 
$39.50 
$49.52 
$57.10 
$57.10 

Low 
$37.51 
$31.77 
$32.97 
$45.37 
$31.77 

2007 
 $0.135 
 $0.135 
 $0.135 
 $0.135 
 $0.54 

         2006 
 $0.105 
 $0.105 
 $0.105 
 $0.105 
 $0.42 

1st Quarter 
2nd Quarter 
3rd Quarter 
4th Quarter 
Full Year 

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPURCHASES
(Dollars and share amounts in millions except per share amounts) 

We believe that the cash flows generated from the business are best utilized when reinvested in our business or distributed to our shareholders. With 
the objective of minimizing cash held on the balance sheet, we balance our shareholder payout objectives with meeting our capital structure goals and 
funding our operating and capital plans. Our shareholder payout objective is to continue to pay a quarterly dividend and to execute the authorized 
share repurchase program. In the execution of our share repurchase programs we use either open market repurchase plans or accelerated repurchase 
plans and seek a rate of return that over the long term exceeds the after-tax yield on invested cash and exceeds our cost of capital.

A summary of share repurchases during the fourth quarter is as follows: 

Period
Nov. 2007 (11/4/07 to 12/1/07) 
Dec. 2007 (12/2/07 to 1/5/08) 
Jan. 2008 (1/6/08 to 2/2/08) 
Total 

  Total Number of
  Shares (or Units) 
Purchased 
- 
5.4 
5.9 
11.3 

Average 
  Price Paid 
Per Share 
(or Unit) 
- 
$35.97 
$32.91 
$34.38 

Total Number of Shares 
(or Units) Purchased as 
  Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs 

- 
5.4 
5.9 
11.3 

  Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar 
  Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be 
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs1
$1,751 
$1,556 
$1,364 

1 During 2007, we repurchased 39 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1,728 (an average price per share of $44.17). In May 2006, the Board of Directors 
authorized $1,000 of share repurchases which was exhausted in August 2007. Additionally, in August 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a $1,500 share repurchase program and in 
November 2007 authorized an additional $1,000, bringing the total program to $2,500. The program authorization will expire after 24 months. The actual amount and timing of future share 
repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.  

STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE 
The following graph compares, for each of the last five fiscal years, ending February 2, 2008, the cumulative total return of Nordstrom, Inc. common 
stock, Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Standard & Poor’s Retail Index. The Retail Index is comprised of 40 retail companies, including the Company, 
representing a sector of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. The cumulative total return of Nordstrom, Inc. common stock assumes $100 invested on 
January 31, 2003 in Nordstrom, Inc. common stock and assumes reinvestment of dividends. 

End of fiscal year: 
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index 
Standard & Poor’s Retail Index 
Nordstrom, Inc. common stock 

2002 
100 
100 
100 

2003 
132 
148 
222 

2004 
137 
169 
272 

2005 
150 
182 
488 

2006 
169 
208 
660 

2007 
163 
168 
469 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 
(Dollars in millions except sales per square foot and per share amounts) 

The following selected financial data are derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with Item 1A 
“Risk Factors,” Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the Consolidated Financial 
Statements and the related notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

Fiscal year 
Operations 
Net sales 
Same-store sales percentage increase1
Gross profit 
Gross profit rate2
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Selling, general and administrative rate2
Finance charges and other, net 
Earnings before interest and income taxes 
Earnings before interest and income taxes as a 
percentage of net sales 
Interest expense, net 
Earnings before income taxes 
Earnings before income taxes as a percentage of  
net sales 
Net earnings 
Net earnings as a percentage of net sales 
Earnings per diluted share 
Dividends per share 
Return on average shareholders’ equity 
Sales per square foot 

Financial Position (at year end) 

Customer accounts receivable, net 
Investment in asset backed securities 
Merchandise inventories 
Current assets 
Current liabilities 
Land, buildings and equipment, net 
Long-term debt, including current portion 
Shareholders’ equity 
Book value per share 
Total assets 

Store Information (at year end)

Full-line stores 
Rack and other stores 
International Façonnable boutiques 
Total square footage  

20073

 $8,828 
3.9% 
3,302 
37.4% 
  (2,360) 
26.7% 
271 
     1,247 

14.1% 
                 (74) 
             1,173 

            13.3% 
                715 
            8.1% 
   $2.88 
   $0.54 
         43.6% 
    $402 

 $1,705 
-
956 
3,361 
1,635 
1,983 
2,497 
1,115 
5.05 
5,600 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

$8,561 
7.5% 
3,207 
37.5% 
(2,297) 
26.8% 
239 
1,149 

13.4% 
(43) 
1,106 

12.9% 
678 
7.9% 
  $2.55 
  $0.42 
31.8% 
   $393 

   $609 
428 
997 
2,742 
1,433 
1,757 
631 
2,169 
8.43 
4,822 

 $7,723 
6.0% 
2,835 
36.7% 
(2,101) 
27.2% 
196 
930 

12.0% 
(45) 
885 

11.5% 
551 
7.1% 
   $1.98 
   $0.32 
28.4% 
     $369 

     $567 
561 
956 
2,874 
1,623 
1,774 
934 
2,093 
7.76 
4,921 

 $7,131 
8.5% 
2,572 
36.1% 
(2,020) 
28.3% 
173 
725 

10.2% 
(78) 
647 

9.1% 
393 
5.5% 
   $1.38 
   $0.24 
23.0% 
    $347 

    $580 
422 
917 
2,572 
1,341 
1,780 
1,030 
1,789 
6.59 
4,605 

$6,449 
4.1% 
2,233 
34.6% 
    (1,899) 
29.4% 
155 
489 

7.6% 
(91) 
  398 

6.2% 
243 
3.8% 
  $0.88 
     $0.205 
16.2% 
   $325 

    $595 
272 
902 
2,525 
1,123 
1,808 
1,234 
1,634 
5.90 
4,569 

101 
55 
-
  20,502,000  

98 
57 
36 
 20,170,000 

98 
57 
32 
  20,070,000 

94 
56 
31 
 19,397,000 

92 
56 
31 
 19,138,000 

1Same-stores include stores that have been open at least one full year at the beginning of the year. Fiscal year 2006 includes an extra week (the 53rd week) as a result of our 4-5-4 retail 

reporting calendar. The 53rd week is not included in same-store sales calculations.  

2Gross profit and selling, general and administrative rates are calculated as a percentage of net sales. 
3During the third quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our Façonnable business and realized a gain on sale of $34 ($21, net of tax). Results of operations for fiscal year 2007 include the 
international Façonnable boutiques through August 31, 2007 and the domestic Façonnable boutiques through October 31, 2007. Prior to the sale, the domestic Façonnable boutiques were 
included in “Rack and other stores.”  

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 
(Dollar, share and square footage amounts in millions except percentages, per share and per square foot amounts) 

Nordstrom is a fashion specialty retailer offering designer, luxury and high-quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics and accessories for women, men and 
children. We offer a wide selection of brand name and private label merchandise. We offer our products through multiple channels including full-line 
‘Nordstrom’ stores, discount ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, ‘Jeffrey’ boutiques, catalogs and on the Internet at www.nordstrom.com. Our stores are located 
throughout the United States. In addition, we offer our customers a variety of payment products and services including our loyalty program. 

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES  
We believe we are well positioned to grow the value of our business by executing the following key initiatives: tailoring our merchandise offering within 
existing product categories to better meet the needs of our core customers, improving the consistency and shopping experience for our customers 
across all channels, and continuing to increase our presence where our customers shop. We focus on customers who love fashion, value quality — both 
in merchandise and design — and appreciate great service.  

Merchandise Strategies 
We’ve found that there’s a great deal of opportunity to grow our sales in existing stores simply by earning a greater share of our customers’ business 
across multiple product categories. We use customer insight to better serve our customers’ needs and wants. Our goal is to provide customers with a 
best-in-market selection of designer, luxury and quality fashion brands. Our top performing merchandise division was our designer category, including 
apparel, shoes and accessories merchandise. We continue to enhance our designer offering across categories and improve our distribution from the 
world’s best luxury brands. Our breadth of merchandise will allow us to serve both the growing core customer segment as well as those who aspire to 
luxury and quality. 

Multi-Channel Shopping Experience 
As a multi-channel retailer, we are positioned to respond to evolving customer needs and expectations. We continue to strive to offer knowledgeable, 
friendly and welcoming service, both in our stores and online with an integrated offering and experience. We have committed the necessary resources 
and critical projects are close to completion in this effort.  

Our online store is essential to creating and maintaining relationships with many of our most active and loyal customers. Many customers begin 
shopping with us online and migrate to our stores. By giving customers a consistent shopping experience in-store and online, we’re making progress to 
become more relevant to today’s shoppers. We continue to use technology to find new ways to serve our customers better, such as one view of 
inventory and point of sale upgrades. We also continue to make improvements to our Web site to make shopping easier. 

Increase Our Presence 
We continue to grow our presence in the top markets and best retail locations around the country. We see potential to gain market share and grow our 
business by increasing our presence where our customers live. Fortunately, we are in an advantageous position to reach new customers through 
building stores and remodeling our current ones. We’ve recently launched a $3,000 five-year capital plan, with 82% of the dollars allocated to new 
stores, remodels and relocations. 

We will continue to have a disciplined approach to real estate acquisitions, adding new stores when and where they pass our criteria. Our current plan 
is to have 140 to 150 full-line stores by 2015. 

OVERVIEW 
In 2007, we continued to grow our business despite operating in a more challenging consumer and retail environment compared to past years. A slower 
economic environment weighed on the overall market, resulting in softer trends throughout the retail industry in the second half of the year. Our 
ability to provide a focused and edited merchandise offering, incorporating the best of what the marketplace has to offer in terms of fashion, quality 
and brands, has contributed to our results in this and past years. Our customers want the best merchandise available. Key highlights for 2007 include:

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

We achieved positive same-store sales growth for the sixth year in a row. Same-store sales increased 3.9% on top of our 7.5% increase in 
2006 and our 6.0% increase in 2005.  

Increased markdowns at our full-line stores led to a 6 basis point decline in our gross profit rate. 

Our selling, general and administrative rate improved 9 basis points primarily from lower incentives tied to company performance, partially 
offset by higher bad debt expense. 

Full year net earnings increased 5.5% as a result of same-store sales increases, the openings of three full-line stores during 2007, and lower 
incentive costs tied to company performance.  

Earnings per diluted share increased 12.9% over last year to $2.88. We repurchased 39 shares totaling $1,728 during the year, which had a 
$0.07 positive impact on earnings per diluted share. 

Like many other retailers, Nordstrom follows the retail 4-5-4 reporting calendar, which included an extra week in fiscal 2006 (the 53rd week).
The 53rd week is not included in same-store sales calculations.

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  15

Securitization of Accounts Receivable 
On May 1, 2007, we converted the Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program, 
which is accounted for as a secured borrowing (on-balance sheet). When we combined the securitization programs, our investment in asset backed 
securities was converted from available-for-sale securities to receivables. Based on past payment patterns, our receivable portfolio was repaid within 
approximately eight months. During that time, we transitioned the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivable portfolio to historical cost, net of 
bad debt allowances, on our balance sheet. 

Substantially all of the Nordstrom private label receivables and 90% of the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables are securitized.  
Under the securitization, the receivables are transferred to a third-party trust on a daily basis. The balance of the receivables transferred to the trust 
fluctuates as new receivables are generated and old receivables are retired (through payments received, charge-offs, or credits for merchandise 
returns). On May 1, 2007, the trust issued securities that are backed by the receivables. These combined receivables back the Series 2007-1 Notes,  
the Series 2007-2 Notes, and an unused variable funding note that is discussed in Note 8: Long-term debt. 

Prior to May 1, 2007, the co-branded Nordstrom VISA was “off-balance sheet” and finance charges and other income were recorded net of interest and 
write-offs. The co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card portfolio was brought on-balance sheet and from May 1, 2007, all of the finance charges and other 
income related to the portfolio, net of transitional write-offs, were recorded in finance charges and other, net. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Net Sales

Fiscal year 
Net sales 
Net sales increase 
Same-store sales increase 
Percentage of net sales by merchandise category: 
  Women’s apparel 
  Shoes 
  Men’s apparel 
  Cosmetics 
  Women’s accessories 
  Children’s apparel 
  Other 

2007 
  $8,828
3.1%
3.9%

2006 
   $8,561 
10.8% 
7.5% 

35% 
20% 
18% 
11% 
11% 
3% 
2% 

35% 
20% 
18% 
11% 
10% 
3% 
3% 

2005 
$7,723 
8.3% 
6.0% 

35% 
21% 
18% 
11% 
9% 
3% 
3% 

2007 VS 2006 NET SALES 
Our full-line stores had a 2.5% same-store sales increase in 2007, on top of 5.9% in the same period in 2006. The Midwest, South and Northwest  
were our strongest performing regions during 2007. By category, our largest same-store sales increases came from our designer apparel, women’s 
accessories and men’s merchandise categories. The designer category, which benefited from additional investment as an important component of our 
merchandise strategy, had a double-digit same-store sales increase. Designer apparel offers fashion-forward and aspirational products, which drove 
the increase. Women’s accessories benefited from increased sales of handbags and fashion jewelry. The increase in men’s apparel was in part due to 
growth in our younger contemporary offering.  

Our Rack same-store sales increased 8.7% in 2007, in addition to last year’s 10.9% increase. Rack purchases the majority of its merchandise from third 
parties and serves as a clearance channel for our full-line stores. The sales growth came from all regions and merchandise categories. Same-store 
sales were consistent across all regions, which showed high single-digit increases. Merchandise categories driving the largest same-store sales 
increases for Rack were the accessories and cosmetics category and the men’s category. The men’s increase reflects sales from premium denim,  
suits and dress shirts. High performance bodywear, watches and sunglasses led the accessories and cosmetics categories.  

Nordstrom Direct’s 2007 total net sales increased 16.7% to $633. The growth in our Direct business was driven by our efforts to better align our online 
shopping environment with the customer experience in our full-line stores. This includes aligning our merchandise offering with the full-line stores to 
create a seamless experience for customers.  

Total company net sales increased 3.1% as a result of our same-store sales increases as well as from the three full-line stores and one Rack store 
opened during fiscal 2007. The 2006 fiscal calendar had 53 weeks compared to our normal operating calendar of 52 weeks. In the 53rd week of 2006,  
we had sales of $118. Excluding the extra week of sales in fiscal 2006, total sales increased 4.6% in fiscal year 2007.  

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006 VS 2005 NET SALES 
All of our full-line store regions and most of our full-line store merchandise categories had same-store sales increases. Our full-line stores had  
a 5.9% same-store sales increase, ahead of 5.4% in 2005. Our compelling merchandise offering, combined with customer service, drove sales increases 
throughout our business, particularly in accessories, cosmetics and men’s apparel. The largest increase was in our accessories category, driven by 
handbags and sunglasses. Cosmetics benefited from increases in the artistry and prestigious branded lines. Additionally, the men’s increase came  
from men’s contemporary, including fashion denim and t-shirts. 

Our Rack same-store sales increased 10.9% in 2006, on top of an increase of 14.8% in 2005. The sales growth came from all regions and  
merchandise categories. 

Our online store sales drove Nordstrom Direct’s 2006 total net sales increase of 23.5%. Our online sales benefited from the overall Internet 
marketplace expansion, driven by the continued adoption of higher-speed Internet connections which allow for convenient and efficient shopping,
as well as utilization of the Internet as a tool for research and information before making a purchase decision. Catalog sales experienced an overall 
decline because we reduced our catalog mailings beginning in the middle of 2005.  

Total net sales increased 10.8% as a result of our same-store sales increases as well as from the five full-line stores and one Rack store opened since 
February 2006. We also relocated one full-line store and expanded one Rack store, which contributed to our increase in total net sales.
In the 53rd week, we had sales of $118. Sales for the 53rd week represented 1.5% of the total percentage increase versus 2005.

2008 FORECAST OF SAME-STORE SALES 
In 2008, we have opened two full-line stores and plan to open six more full-line stores and three Rack stores. This will increase retail square footage by 
approximately 6%. We expect 2008 same-store sales to be approximately flat to a 2% decrease, with the first half of the year lower than the annual 
rate and the second half of the year higher than the annual rate. 

Gross Profit

Fiscal year 
Gross profit 
Gross profit rate 
Average inventory per square foot 
Inventory turnover rate* 
* Inventory turnover rate calculated as annual cost of sales divided by 5-quarter average inventory. 

2007 
 $3,302 
37.4% 
 $52.70 
5.16 

2006 
$3,207 
37.5% 
$52.37 
5.06 

2005 
$2,835 
36.7% 
$51.25 
4.84 

2007 VS 2006 GROSS PROFIT 
Our gross profit rate is made up of both merchandise margin rate and buying and occupancy cost rate. Compared to last year, our gross profit rate 
declined 6 basis points, driven primarily by markdowns at our full-line stores. During the year we experienced increasing inventory levels coupled with 
slower sales trends. To realign our inventory levels, we took higher markdowns during the last half of the year. The increase in markdowns was offset 
by a decrease in our buying and occupancy costs. The decrease in these expenses related to performance-based incentives and lower expense 
resulting from the sale of our Façonnable business. 

The increase in our average inventory per square foot supports the growth of our designer business in apparel, accessories and shoes. Although we 
encountered softer sales trends during the latter half of 2007, inventory discipline and growth in sales throughout the year resulted in improvement  
in our inventory turnover rate, which increased 1.9%. 

2006 VS 2005 GROSS PROFIT 
Our gross profit rate improved 75 basis points, driven primarily by expansion of our merchandise margin rate. All major merchandise categories 
contributed to this rate expansion. Our women’s apparel category experienced significant rate expansion in the second half of the year due to strategy 
changes that brought a sharper focus to our merchandise offering, resulting in more regular price selling and fewer markdowns. 

For the first time, in 2006 our buying and occupancy costs included expenses related to stock options awarded primarily to our merchant and product 
development groups. These costs were $12 and impacted our gross profit rate by 14 basis points. Despite this additional expense, our buying and 
occupancy cost rate also improved, driven by sales growth relative to our mostly fixed buying and occupancy costs. 

Sales growth and continued inventory discipline resulted in improvement in our inventory turnover rate, which increased 4.5%. 

2008 FORECAST OF GROSS PROFIT 
In 2008, we expect a net 30 to 60 basis point decrease in our gross profit rate as we will have additional occupancy costs from the eight full-line stores and 
three Rack stores we will open in 2008.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  

Fiscal year 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Selling, general and administrative rate 

2007 
$2,360 
26.7% 

2006 
$2,297 
26.8% 

2005 
$2,101 
27.2% 

2007 VS 2006 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 
The increase in selling, general and administrative dollars in 2007 compared to 2006 is largely due to an increase in bad debt expense. In addition to 
the incremental bad debt expense related to the transition of our accounting treatment for our co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables to 
on-balance sheet, we observed an increase in delinquency and loss rates. However, our credit card delinquency rates, while rising, remain below the 
rates for the industry and major card issuers. The increase in bad debt expense was partially offset by decreases in our incentive costs tied to company 
performance. Our selling, general and administrative rate improved 9 basis points year over year due to the reduction in incentive costs tied to 
company performance being mostly offset by higher bad debt expense. 

2006 VS 2005 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 
The changes in selling, general and administrative expense dollars in 2006 compared to 2005 are largely a result of increases in variable expenses such 
as labor and stock option expense. The increase in selling labor directly correlates to our sales growth. Our other costs are mostly fixed and as sales 
increased they provided selling, general and administrative rate improvement. Non-selling labor dollars increased over the prior year, but at a lower 
rate than our sales growth. Additionally, stock option expense was included in our consolidated statement of earnings for the first time in 2006 as a 
result of adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”). 

In 2005, our selling, general and administrative rate was reduced by 24 basis points for favorable developments in our workers’ compensation reserve. 
Legislation was enacted in 2003 and 2004 that positively impacted the cost of California workers’ compensation claims. In addition to an improved 
regulatory climate in California, our workers’ compensation reserve was also positively impacted by a significant reduction in the number of claims 
that involved employees requiring time away from work. 

2008 FORECAST OF SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 
In 2008, our selling, general and administrative rate is expected to increase by 60 to 80 basis points driven by a lower same-store sales plan and 
continued investment in our long-term growth. Our operating model normally results in an improved selling, general and administrative rate when we 
achieve a minimum of low single-digit same-store sales. The combination of our lower same-store sales plan as well as our planned new stores and the 
related pre-opening costs will likely cause our 2008 selling, general and administrative rate to increase when compared to prior years. We will continue 
to invest in high return projects, including new stores, which we believe will create long-term value. 

Finance Charges and Other, Net  

Fiscal year 
Finance charges and other, net 
Finance charges and other, net as a percentage  

of net sales 

2007 
$271 

3.1% 

2006 
$239 

2.8% 

2005 
$196 

2.5% 

2007 VS 2006 FINANCE CHARGES AND OTHER, NET 
Finance charges and other, net increased $32, primarily due to converting the Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card 
receivables into one securitization program on May 1, 2007. Prior to May 1, 2007, the co-branded Nordstrom VISA was “off-balance sheet” and revenues were 
recorded net of interest and write-offs. The co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card portfolio was brought on-balance sheet and from May 1, 2007, all of the 
finance charges and other income related to the portfolio, net of transitional write-offs, were recorded in finance charges and other, net. 

2006 VS 2005 FINANCE CHARGES AND OTHER, NET 
Finance charges and other, net increased $43, primarily due to growth in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card program. The principal balances of 
receivables in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card portfolio, which in 2006 were held by a separate trust in which we held retained interests, 
increased 22.9% during 2006. The receivables growth increase produced an increase in the trust’s earnings and as a result, the income recorded in our 
consolidated statement of earnings.  

In addition, income from finance charges on our private label card increased due to program growth. 

In July 2006, we received $6 of proceeds from the VISA Check/Master Money Antitrust Litigation. These proceeds were recorded as a gain in the second 
quarter of 2006 in finance charges and other, net.  

2008 FORECAST OF FINANCE CHARGES AND OTHER, NET 
We expect finance charges and other, net, to increase $50 to $60 in 2008 due to growth in credit card income related to the increased volume on our 
co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card which will be partially offset by lower interest rates on customer accounts. Additionally, there is the year over 
year impact of $21 of transitional write-offs on the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit cards which lowered finance charges and other, net. These 
transitional write-offs were due to the securitization transaction that occurred in early 2007 and these charges will not recur in 2008. 

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on Sale of Façonnable  
During the third quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of the Façonnable business in exchange for cash of $216, net of transaction costs, and realized 
a gain on sale of $34. The impact to reported earnings per diluted share for the year was $0.09, net of tax of $13. 

Interest Expense, Net

Fiscal year 
Interest expense, net  

2007 
$74 

2006 
$43 

2005
$45

2007 VS 2006 INTEREST EXPENSE, NET 
We experienced higher interest expense, net, of $74 due to higher average debt levels resulting from the issuance of $850 in secured notes during the 
first quarter and our $1,000 debt offering during the fourth quarter.  

2006 VS 2005 INTEREST EXPENSE, NET 
Interest expense, net decreased $2 in 2006 compared to 2005. The decrease was primarily due to increased interest income from higher average cash 
investment balances.

2008 FORECAST OF INTEREST EXPENSE, NET 
Our 2008 net interest expense will be impacted by several factors. Because of the additional debt incurred in 2007, we expect interest expense to 
increase due to volume. Interest rates are currently lower than 2007 levels and we expect to benefit from these lower rates with respect to the portion 
of our debt that is variable and our interest rate swap. Additionally, interest income is expected to be negatively impacted by market rate declines as 
well as lower levels of invested funds. We currently expect interest expense, net, to be approximately $55 to $60 higher due to these factors. For 
further information, we refer you to our Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included as Item 7A of this Form 10-K.

Income Tax Expense  

Fiscal year 
Income tax expense 
Effective tax rate 

2007 
$458 
39.0% 

2006 
$428 
38.7% 

2005
$334
37.7%

2007 VS 2006 INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
Our effective tax rate in 2007 increased from the 2006 rate because of the current year impact of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”) and changes in our estimates of the carrying value of our deferred
tax assets. 

2006 VS 2005 INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
Our effective tax rate in 2006 increased from the 2005 rate because current year changes in our estimates of the taxes due or recoverable for prior 
year activities and because the 2005 expense was lower due to a higher than expected utilization of a loss carryforward. 

2008 FORECAST OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
In 2008, considering the federal tax rate of 35.0%, the net effect of state income taxes, the net effect of permanently nondeductible items and the 
additional current year expense due to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
(“FIN 48”), we expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 38.7%. 

Net Earnings and Earnings per Diluted Share  

Fiscal year 
Net earnings 
Net earnings as a percentage of net sales 
Earnings per diluted share 

2007 
$715 
8.1% 
$2.88 

2006 
$678 
7.9% 
$2.55 

2005
$551
7.1%
$1.98

2007 VS 2006 NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE 
In 2007, net earnings increased 5.5% and earnings per diluted share increased 12.9% as a result of same-store sales increases, the three full-line
stores opened since February 2007 and lower incentive costs tied to company performance. These increases were offset by increased markdowns at 
our full-line stores and higher bad debt expense. Additionally, earnings per diluted share for 2007 were impacted by the following transactions:  

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

$0.09 positive impact from the gain on the sale of the Façonnable business, 

$0.07 positive impact from repurchases of common stock, and 

$0.06 negative impact from the securitization transaction. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006 VS 2005 NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE 
In 2006, our 7.5% same-store sales increase combined with gross profit rate and selling, general and administrative rate improvement drove net 
earnings of $678 and earnings per diluted share of $2.55. The 53rd week contributed $0.02 to earnings per diluted share. Additionally, in 2006, we 
repurchased 16 shares of our common stock.  

2008 FORECAST OF EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE 
We expect our earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $2.75 to $2.90 in 2008.  

Credit Card Contribution 
The Nordstrom Credit card products are designed to grow retail sales and customer relationships by providing superior payment products, services and 
loyalty benefits. Nordstrom cards are issued by Nordstrom fsb, a federally chartered thrift and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Qualified 
customers have a choice of the Nordstrom private label card, two co-branded Nordstrom VISA® cards, or a Nordstrom MOD® card. The MOD card 
facilitates purchases at Nordstrom, drawing funds from the customer’s existing checking account at any financial institution. Each card enables 
participation in the Nordstrom Fashion RewardsTM program, through which the customer accumulates points which, upon reaching a cumulative 
purchase threshold, result in Nordstrom Notes®, which can be redeemed for goods or services in our stores. Primary benefits of the Fashion Rewards 
program include: 

Annual Nordstrom 
purchases on 
Nordstrom Card 

Membership with 
Nordstrom Card 

Level 

1

2 

   $2,000 – 9,999 

3 

$10,000 – 19,999 

4 

$20,000+ 

Primary Fashion Rewards Benefits 

(cid:131) 2 rewards points per dollar spent at Nordstrom 
(cid:131) 1 rewards point per dollar spent outside Nordstrom where Visa cards are accepted 
(cid:131) $20 Nordstrom Notes certificate per 2,000 points earned 
Level 1 benefits plus... 
(cid:131) Complimentary in-store/online standard shipping 
(cid:131) Other specified benefits 
Level 1 and 2 benefits plus... 
(cid:131) Complimentary alterations - up to $300 annually 
(cid:131) Bonus $200 Nordstrom Notes certificate 
(cid:131) Other complimentary services 
Level 1, 2 and 3 benefits plus... 
(cid:131) Unlimited complimentary alterations 
(cid:131) An additional $200 Nordstrom Notes certificate 
(cid:131) Other complimentary services and access to special events 

We believe participation in the Fashion Rewards program has resulted in beneficial shifts in customer spending patterns and incremental sales. The 
estimated cost of Nordstrom Notes that will be issued and redeemed under the rewards program are recorded in cost of sales in the Consolidated 
Statement of Earnings in the Credit segment. 

Credit card revenues include finance charges, late and other fees, and interchange fees which are recorded in “Finance charges and other, net” in the 
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Interchange fees are earned from the use of Nordstrom VISA cards at merchants outside of 
Nordstrom. We do not charge fees to our retail stores when customers use our cards in our Retail and Direct segments. The majority of credit account 
balances have finance charge rates that vary with changes in the prime rate. We believe that the design of the Nordstrom credit card products as well 
as the Fashion Rewards programs have contributed to the growth in our Credit segment.  

Interest is allocated to the Credit segment based on the debt that is secured by our Nordstrom private label and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit 
card receivables. Operational and marketing expenses are incurred to support and service our credit card products. 

The following table illustrates a detailed view of our operational results of the Credit segment, consistent with the segment disclosure provided in the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

Fiscal year 

Finance charges and other income1
Interest expense 
Net credit card income 

Bad debt expense1
Operational and marketing expense 

Total expense 
Credit card contribution to earnings before income tax expense, as 
presented in segment disclosure 

2007 
 $271
  (37) 
234

 (107) 
  (138) 
(245) 

2006 
$214 
(11) 
203 

(17) 
(113) 
(130) 

  $(11) 

$73 

2005 
$186 
  (17) 
169 

(21) 
(95) 
(116) 

$53 

1In 2007, the one-time transitional charge-offs on the co-branded VISA receivables of $21 are included in finance charges and other, net on our consolidated statement of earnings. In the 
above disclosure this amount is included in bad debt expense rather than finance charges and other income. These charge-offs represent actual write-offs on the Nordstrom VISA credit card 
portfolio during the eight-month transitional period, as discussed in Securitization of Accounts Receivable. 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In order to view the total economic contribution of our credit card program, the following additional items need to be considered: 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

During 2007, we combined our Nordstrom private label credit card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one 
securitization program. At this time the Nordstrom co-branded VISA credit card receivables were brought on-balance sheet. For 
comparability between years, off-balance sheet amounts are shown for additional finance charge and other income, interest expense, and 
bad debt expense. This combined presentation mitigates the impact of the change in accounting. 

Intercompany merchant fees and other represents the additional intercompany income of our credit business from the usage of our cards  
in the Retail and Direct segments. On a consolidated basis, we avoid these costs which would be incurred if our customers used  
third-party cards. 

Additional intercompany interest expense represents a portion of consolidated interest expense based on estimated funding costs for 
average accounts receivable which would be needed if our Credit segment was a stand-alone organization. This allocation method assumes 
that 80 percent of average accounts receivable are debt-financed with an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. 

The following table illustrates total credit card contribution, including the items discussed above: 

Fiscal year 

Finance charges and other income (from above) 
Off-balance sheet finance charges and other income 
Intercompany merchant fees and other 

Total finance charges and other income 

Interest expense (from above) 
Off-balance sheet interest expense 
Intercompany interest expense 

Total interest expense 
Total net credit card income 

Bad debt expense (from above) 
Off-balance sheet bad debt expense 

Total bad debt expense 

Operational and marketing expense 

Total expense 
Total credit card contribution 

2007 
 $271 
     22 
 48 
341 
             (37) 
               (6) 
             (27) 
             (70) 
271 

           (107)  
                (7) 
           (114) 
           (138) 
           (252) 
$19 

2006 
 $214 
 37 
  43 
   294 
 (11) 
(21) 
(26) 
(58) 
        236 

2005 
 $186 
26 
38 
250 
  (17) 
(8) 
(18) 
(43) 
207 

(17) 
(22) 
(39) 
(113) 
 (152) 
  $84 

               (21) 
(25) 
(46) 
(95) 
(141) 
  $66 

Interest expense increased in 2007 due to higher borrowings from portfolio growth. 2006 interest expense reflects higher interest rate trends and 
higher borrowings due to portfolio growth.  

Credit division expenses include a bad debt provision. Delinquency and write-offs increased in 2007, reflecting credit industry trends. The allowance  
as a percent of on-balance sheet accounts receivable increased in 2007, reflecting higher estimated losses inherent in the current receivable portfolio. 
In 2007, we also incurred one-time transitional charge-offs associated with bringing the co-branded VISA receivables on-balance sheet. Write-offs 
declined in 2006 following an increase in bankruptcy filings in the fourth quarter of 2005 which was the result of a change in federal bankruptcy laws. 
The allowance as a percent of on-balance sheet accounts receivable decreased in 2006, reflecting lower current and expected write-offs. Bad debt 
expense can be summarized as follows: 

Fiscal year 

Private label bad debt expense 
Visa on-balance sheet bad debt expense 
Visa off-balance sheet bad debt expense 

Total bad debt in selling, general and administrative expense 

  Transitional charge-offs1 

Total bad debt expense 

2007 
$40 
46 
7 
$93 
21 
  $114 

2006 
$17 
— 
22 
$39 
— 
$39 

2005 
$21 
— 
25 
$46 
— 
$46 

1In 2007, the one-time transitional charge-offs on the co-branded VISA receivables of $21 are included in finance charges and other, net on our consolidated statement of earnings. In the 
above disclosure this amount is included in bad debt expense rather than finance charges and other income. These charge-offs represent actual write-offs on the Nordstrom VISA credit card 
portfolio during the eight-month transitional period, as discussed in Securitization of Accounts Receivable. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operational and marketing expense as a percent of credit volume increased from 2.3% in 2006 and 2005 to 2.4% in 2007 due to additional expense of 
$13 associated with the introduction of Fashion Rewards in 2007. Without these expenses, operational and marketing expenses as a percent of Credit 
volume would have decreased. 

The following table summarizes our accounts receivable and related metrics for the last three fiscal years: 

Accounts receivable on-balance sheet 
Accounts receivable off-balance sheet 

Total accounts receivable 

Assumed ratio of debt financed 
Estimated funding level 
Net accounts receivable investment 

Credit card contribution, net of tax, as a percentage of net 
accounts receivable investment 

Average accounts receivable 
Net write-offs as a percentage of average receivables 
Allowance as a percentage of on-balance sheet  

accounts receivable 

Balances over 30 days as a percentage of accounts receivable 

February 2, 2008 
  $1,778 
- 
  $1,778 

February 3, 2007 
$626 
908 
  $1,534 

January 28, 2006 
$585 
739 
  $1,324 

   80% 
  $1,422 
 $356 

  80% 
  $1,227 
  $307 

  3.2% 

  16.8% 

  $1,660 
3.5% 

4.1% 
2.5% 

  $1,416 
2.5% 

2.7% 
2.1% 

80% 
$1,059 
$265 

15.6% 

$1,264 
3.5% 

2.9% 
1.7% 

The decline in credit card contribution, net of tax, as a percentage of net accounts receivable investment in 2007 was driven by increased bad debt 
expense, as discussed above. Additionally, as discussed above, in 2007 we had additional expense associated with the introduction of Fashion Rewards. 

Key growth metrics for the Credit division include: 

Fiscal year 

Credit volume                              
Accounts receivable (combined portfolios) 
Finance charges and other income 

          Growth Rates 
  2007 
14.6% 
15.9% 
16.0% 

  2006 
18.0% 
15.9% 
17.6% 

Growth in the volume and amount of credit transactions typically results in related growth in credit card receivables and, in turn, growth in finance 
charges and other income. Credit volume and finance charges and other income growth were favorably affected by the 53rd week in 2006.  

Fourth Quarter Results  
Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2007 were $212 compared with $232 in 2006. Total sales for the quarter decreased 4.4% to $2,514 and same-store 
sales were approximately flat. The 2006 fiscal calendar had 53 weeks compared to our normal operating calendar of 52 weeks; therefore, the fourth 
quarter of 2006 included an extra week (“the 53rd week”). Excluding the extra week of sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, total sales were flat in 
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Our designer apparel, accessories, and women’s shoe merchandise categories experienced the largest same-store 
sales increases. Designer apparel features luxury and high-fashion products. Handbags led the accessories category while women’s shoes benefited 
from the sale of comfort boots.  

Our gross profit rate declined to 37.6% from 38.3% last year. Merchandise margin decreased versus the prior year, driven mainly by higher markdowns. 

Our selling, general and administrative rate improved 68 basis points from 26.0% to 25.4%. The primary driver was lower incentives tied to company 
performance, partially offset by higher bad debt expense. Although our overall credit card quality is above average, we experienced higher  
delinquency and loss rates in the fourth quarter of 2007. However, these were in line with our expectations and, the overall quality of our credit 
portfolio remains high. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) (Non-GAAP financial measure)

We define Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) as follows: 

ROIC = 

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) 
Average Invested Capital 

Numerator = NOPAT 
Net earnings 
+  Income tax expense 
+  Interest expense, net 
=  EBIT 

+  Rent expense 
-  Estimated depreciation on capitalized 

operating leases 
=  Net operating profit 
-  Estimated income tax expense 
=  NOPAT 

Denominator = Average Invested Capital 
Average total assets 
-  Average non-interest-bearing current liabilities 
-  Average deferred property incentives 
+  Average estimated asset base of capitalized  

operating leases 

=  Average invested capital 

We believe that ROIC is a useful financial measure for investors in evaluating our operating performance for the periods presented. When read in 
conjunction with our net earnings and total assets and compared to return on assets, it provides investors with a useful tool to evaluate our ongoing 
operations and our management of assets from period to period. In the past three years, we have incorporated ROIC into our key financial metrics, and 
since 2005 have used it as an executive incentive measure. Overall performance as measured by ROIC correlates directly to shareholders’ return over 
the long term. For the 12 fiscal months ended February 2, 2008, our ROIC decreased to 19.4% compared to 20.9% for the 12 months ended February 3, 
2007. Our ROIC decreased primarily due to a lower percentage increase in earnings before interest and income taxes compared to the percentage 
increase in average invested capital. The increase in average invested capital in 2007 compared to 2006 is primarily due to the securitization 
transaction on May 1, 2007, which brought the entire portfolio of co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables on-balance sheet as of that date. 
ROIC, however, is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and should not 
be considered a substitute for return on assets, net earnings or total assets as determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to 
similarly titled measures reported by other companies. See our ROIC reconciliation to GAAP below. The closest GAAP measure is return on assets,  
which decreased to 13.1% from 14.0% for the last 12 months ended February 2, 2008 compared to the 12 months ended February 3, 2007.  

       12 fiscal months ended 

Net earnings 
Add: income tax expense 
Add: interest expense, net 
Earnings before interest and income taxes 

Add: rent expense 
Less: estimated depreciation on capitalized 
  operating leases1
Net operating profit 

Estimated income tax expense 
Net operating profit after taxes 

Average total assets2
Less: average non-interest-bearing current liabilities3
Less: average deferred property incentives2
Add: average estimated asset base of capitalized 
  operating leases4
Average invested capital 

Return on assets 
ROIC 

  February 2, 2008 
$715 
458 
74 
1,247 

48

(26)
1,269

(497)
$772 

$5,455 
(1,506)
(359)

395
$3,985 

   13.1% 
   19.4% 

  February 3, 2007 
$678 
428
43
1,149

48

                       (26) 

1,171

(453) 
$718 

$4,854 
(1,424) 
(358) 

362
$3,434 

14.0%
20.9%

1Depreciation based upon estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases as described in Note 4 below. 
2Based upon the trailing 12-month average. 
3Based upon the trailing 12-month average for accounts payable, accrued salaries, wages and related benefits, other current liabilities and income taxes payable. 
4Based upon the trailing 12-month average of the monthly asset base which is calculated as the trailing 12 months rent expense multiplied by 8. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  
Overall, cash decreased by $45 to $358 as of February 2, 2008. The decrease was driven by returns to our shareholders through dividends and repurchases 
of our common stock, principal payments on long-term borrowings, and capital expenditures. These decreases were partially offset by proceeds from the 
issuance of debt, cash provided by operating activities, and proceeds received from the sale of Façonnable.  

Operating Activities
2007 VS 2006 OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Net cash flow from operating activities decreased from $1,142 to $161, a decrease of $981 primarily driven by our conversion of our co-branded Nordstrom 
VISA credit card receivables into an on-balance sheet securitization program in the first quarter of 2007. As a result of the transaction, we recorded the co-
branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables on our consolidated balance sheet and eliminated our investment in asset backed securities resulting in a 
decline of operating cash flow of $881. 

2006 VS 2005 OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Net cash flow from operating activities increased from $776 to $1,142, an increase of $366 primarily because we reduced our investment in asset backed 
securities by $350 to fund the repayment of $300 of private label securitization debt. Also, we were successful in expanding our private label card and co-
branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs, which increased our investment in these programs but provided increased earnings. 

2008 FORECAST FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
In 2008, we expect cash flow from operating activities to improve in part due to the non-reoccurrence of the 2007 securitization transaction. In 2007, 
we moved the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables onto our balance sheet as part of the securitization transaction which reduced our 
2007 cash flow from operating activities. 

Investing Activities  
Net cash flow used in investing activities increased $52 from $218 in 2006 to $270 in 2007. In 2007, we sold our Façonnable business in exchange for cash 
of $216, net of transaction costs. These proceeds were offset by investing cash outflows for capital expenditures totaling $501.

In 2005 and 2006, we had two principal types of investing activities: capital expenditures and short-term investments. In 2006, we sold our short-term 
investments and primarily used the proceeds for common stock repurchases.  

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 
Our annual capital expenditures ranged from $264 to $501 between 2005 and 2007. The largest components of these expenditures were for new or 
relocated stores and store remodels.  

In 2007 we opened three full-line stores at Natick Collection in Natick, Massachusetts; Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Michigan; and Cherry Creek Shopping 
Center in Denver, Colorado. We also opened one Rack store at Southcenter Square in Tukwila, Washington. Together these openings increased our gross 
square footage approximately 2.6%. Our total square footage as of February 2, 2008 was 21. In 2007, 51% of our capital expenditures were for new or 
relocated stores, 24% were for major remodels and 3% were for minor remodels. In addition, 8% of our capital expenditures were for information 
technology and 14% were for other projects. 

Our capital expenditures over the last three years totaled $1,037. With these capital expenditures, we added stores, enhanced existing facilities and 
improved our information systems. More than 1.1 square feet of retail store space have been added during this period, representing an increase of 5.9% 
since January 29, 2005. 

We expect that our capital expenditures will be approximately $3,000 over the next five years, with $536 planned for 2008. We plan to use 55% of this 
investment to build new and relocated stores, 27% on remodels, 8% on information technology and 10% for minor remodels and other projects.  

Compared to the previous five years, capital expenditures will more than double, with increased spending allocated to new stores. Our current five-year 
plans outline a 29% increase in square footage, with 32 announced new stores announced through 2012; over half of these stores will be in our 
Northeast, South and Midwest regions. We believe we have the capacity to address additional capital investments should opportunities arise.

In the second half of 2008, we expect to open four new full-line stores and three Rack stores, and in the first half of 2009, we expect to open three new 
full-line stores and two Rack stores. We typically incur the majority of our pre-opening costs in the six months prior to opening. In 2008, incremental 
new store pre-opening costs, which will be recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, are expected to impact our earnings per diluted 
share by $0.03. 

As of February 2, 2008, we were contractually committed to spend $157 for constructing new stores, remodeling existing stores, and other  
capital projects. 

24

Financing Activities
Our net cash provided by financing increased $1,048 from $984 of cash used in financing activities to $64 provided by financing activities mainly due to 
proceeds from long-term borrowings, net. We use our net cash provided by operating activities and our proceeds from financing activities to repay
long-term borrowings, pay dividends, and to repurchase our common stock. In 2007, we conducted an extensive review of our capital structure and 
determined that we should add a moderate amount of leverage. Our target capital structure is 2x Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR, a level of leverage that is 
consistent with our goal of maintaining current credit ratings. 

DEBT ISSUANCE 
In the first quarter of 2007, the Private Label Trust used our previously existing variable funding facility to issue a total of $150 in Notes. On May 1, 2007, 
we paid the outstanding balance and terminated this facility. At that time, we entered into a new securitization transaction, issuing $850 in secured 
notes (the Series 2007-1 Class A & B Notes, due April 2010 and the Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes, due April 2012) and establishing a variable funding 
facility backed by substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card 
receivables with a capacity of $300. During the third quarter, the combined Nordstrom VISA and Private Label Trust issued $220 of Notes to fund share 
repurchases, which we paid off by the end of the year. 

During the third quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for a new variable funding facility backed by the remaining 10% interest in the
co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a commitment of $100. No issuances have been made against this facility during 2007. 
Borrowings under the facility will incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit plus specified fees. 

In December 2007, we issued $650 aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due 2018 and $350 aggregate principal amount of
7% senior unsecured notes due 2038 for proceeds of $988, net of discount. The interest rates were higher than historical average, due largely to 
recent fluctuating market conditions and the softer retail environment. We used the note proceeds to pay down our short-term borrowings and 
repurchase shares.  

We have the capacity to issue commercial paper under our new dealer agreement that is supported by our unsecured line of credit. During the third 
quarter of 2007, we issued commercial paper, and as of November 3, 2007, the outstanding balance was $392. As a result of the December 2007 debt 
issuance, we reclassified $302 of the outstanding balance of commercial paper from commercial paper to long-term debt as of November 3, 2007, 
because it was refinanced by the debt. The commercial paper was issued in order to fund share repurchase activity and the growth from the on-balance 
sheet co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables.  

DEBT RETIREMENT 
The following table outlines our debt retirement activity: 

Fiscal year 
Principal repaid or retired: 

2001-1 Variable Funding Note 
2007-A Variable Funding Note 

  Commercial Paper 
     Private Label Securitization, 4.82%, due 2006 
  Notes payable, 6.7%, due 2005 
  Other 
Total 

Total cash payment 

2007 

$150 
220 
302 
—
—
8
$680 

$680 

2006 

— 
— 
— 
$300 
— 
7 
$307 

$307 

2005 

— 
— 
— 
— 
  $96 
5 
  $101 

  $101

On May 1, 2007, we paid the $150 outstanding balance on the 2001-1 Variable Funding Note and terminated the facility in connection with entering an 
agreement for a new variable funding facility (2007-A Variable Funding Note). Under the 2007-A Variable Funding Note we issued and repaid $220  
during the year. Additionally, with the proceeds of the debt issued in the fourth quarter, we repaid $302 of the commercial paper facility, of which $392  
was outstanding at the end of the third quarter. The remaining $90 of the commercial paper was paid during the fourth quarter of 2007 using operating 
cash flows. 

We retired the $300 4.82% Private Label Securitization debt when it matured in October 2006. We repaid the remaining $96 of our 6.7% medium-term notes 
when they matured in 2005. 

SHARE REPURCHASE 
In February 2005, our Board of Directors authorized $500 of share repurchases. Overall for 2005, we purchased 8 shares for $287 at an average price  
of $33.80 per share. We utilized the remaining authorization of $213 in the first quarter of 2006, purchasing 6 shares at an average price of $39.27  
per share.  

Our Board of Directors authorized an additional $1,000 of share repurchases in May 2006. During the remainder of 2006, we repurchased 11 shares for 
$409 as part of this authorization, at an average price of $36.74.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During the first half of 2007 we repurchased 11 shares for $590 as part of the existing authorization from May 2006, including $300 repurchased as part 
of an accelerated share repurchase program. In May 2007, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Credit Suisse International 
to repurchase shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $300. We purchased approximately five million four hundred thousand 
shares of our common stock on May 23, 2007 at $55.17 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, we received approximately four hundred thousand 
shares in June 2007 at no additional cost, based on the volume weighted average price of our common stock from June 1, 2007 to June 26, 2007. This 
resulted in an average price per share of $51.69 for the accelerated share repurchase as a whole. 

In August 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a $1,500 share repurchase program. In November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an increase 
of $1,000 to the share repurchase program. During the second half of 2007, we purchased 28 shares for $1,137 at an average price of $41.05, using the 
remaining $1 on the May 2006 authorization and beginning to use the August and November 2007 authorizations. As of February 2, 2008 the unused 
authorization was $1,364. Repurchases under the program may be made through the end of 2009. The actual amount and timing of future share 
repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable SEC rules.

26

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR (Non-GAAP financial measure) 
We define Adjusted Debt to Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Deprecation, Amortization and Rent (“EBITDAR”) as follows: 

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR = 

Adjusted Debt 
Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation, 
Amortization and Rent (EBITDAR) 

Numerator = Adjusted Debt 
Debt 
+  Rent expense x 8 
+  Off-balance sheet notes 
=  Adjusted Debt 

Denominator = EBITDAR 
Net Earnings 
+  Income tax expense  
+  Interest expense, net 
+    Depreciation and amortization of buildings and 

 equipment 
+  Rent expense 
=  EBITDAR

We believe that Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR is a useful measure for investors in evaluating our levels of debt for the periods presented, in addition  
to being a key measure used by rating agencies. When read in conjunction with our net earnings and debt and compared to debt to net earnings,
it provides investors with a useful tool to evaluate our ability to maintain appropriate levels of debt from period to period. Beginning in 2007, we have 
incorporated Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR into our key financial metrics. We believe that our ability to maintain appropriate levels of debt is best 
measured by Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR. Our goal is to manage debt levels at approximately 2.0 times Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR. For 2007, our Adjusted 
Debt to EBITDAR was 1.8 compared to 1.1 at the end of 2006. The increase was the result of the $988, net of discount, of notes issued in the fourth 
quarter of 2007. This measure, however, is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for debt to 
net earnings, net earnings, or debt as determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other 
companies. See our Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR reconciliation to GAAP below. The closest GAAP measure is debt to net earnings, which was 3.5 for 2007 
and 0.9 for 2006.  

Debt 
Add: rent expense x 8 
Add: off-balance sheet notes 
Adjusted Debt 

Net earnings 
Add: income tax expense 
Add: interest expense, net 
Earnings before interest and income taxes 

Add: depreciation and amortization of buildings and equipment 
Add: rent expense 
EBITDAR 

Debt to Net Earnings 
Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR 

20071 
$2,497 
382 
- 
$2,879 

715
458
74
1,247

269
48
$1,564 

3.5 
1.8 

20061
$631
381
550
$1,562

678
428
43
1,149

285
48
$1,482

0.9
1.1

1The components of adjusted debt are as of the end of 2007 and 2006, while the components of EBITDAR are for the 12 months ended February 2, 2008 and  
February 3, 2007.

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Off-Balance Sheet Financing and Securitization of Accounts Receivable
Prior to May 2007, through our wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, we offered a private label card and two co-branded Nordstrom VISA 
credit cards. The private label card receivables were held in a trust, which could issue third-party debt that was secured by the private label 
receivables; the private label program was treated as ‘on-balance sheet.’ Both the receivables, net of bad debt allowance, and any debt were recorded 
on our consolidated balance sheet. The finance charge income was recorded in finance charges and other, net, and the bad debt expense was recorded 
in selling, general and administrative expenses. 

The co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables were held in a separate trust (the VISA Trust), which could issue third-party debt that was 
secured by the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. The co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card program was treated as ‘off-balance 
sheet.’ We recorded the fair value of our interest in the VISA Trust on our consolidated balance sheet, gains on the sale of receivables to the VISA Trust 
and our share of the VISA Trust’s finance income in finance charges and other, net. As of February 3, 2007, the VISA Trust had co-branded Nordstrom 
VISA credit card receivables with a total face amount of $908 and had outstanding two series of notes held by third parties: $200 of 2002 Class A&B 
notes that matured in April 2007, and $350 of 2004-2 variable funding notes that were paid in April 2007. In fiscal 2006, the co-branded Nordstrom VISA 
credit card receivables had an average gross yield of 16.8% and average annual credit losses of 2.8%. The weighted average interest rate on the third-
party notes was 5.3%. 

On May 1, 2007, we converted the Nordstrom private label cards and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program, 
which is accounted for as a secured borrowing (on-balance sheet). When we combined the securitization programs, our investment in asset backed 
securities, which was accounted for as available-for-sale securities, was eliminated and we reacquired all of the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card 
receivables previously sold to the VISA trust. These reacquired co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables were recorded at fair value at the 
date of acquisition. We have transitioned the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivable portfolio to historical cost, net of bad debt allowances, 
on our consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2008. 

On May 1, 2007, the trust issued securities that are backed by substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and 90% of the
co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. Under the securitization, the receivables are transferred to a third-party trust on a daily basis.  
The balance of the receivables transferred to the trust fluctuates as new receivables are generated and old receivables are retired (through payments 
received, charge-offs or credits for merchandise returns). These combined receivables back the Series 2007-1 Notes, the Series 2007-2 Notes and an 
unused variable funding note. 

Our earnings per diluted share were reduced by $0.06 for one-time transitional write-offs associated with bringing the co-branded VISA receivables on 
balance sheet.

Interest Rate Swaps
To manage our interest rate risk, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement in 2003, which had a $250 notional amount expiring in January 2009. 
Under the agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 5.63% and pay a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3% set at six-month intervals (5.32% at 
February 2, 2008). The interest rate swap agreement had a fair value of $1 and $(9) at the end of 2007 and 2006. 

Contractual Obligations  
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and the expected effect on our liquidity and cash flows as of February 2, 2008. We expect to 
fund these commitments primarily with operating cash flows generated in the normal course of business and credit available to us under existing and 
potential future facilities. 

Long-term debt 
Capital lease obligations 
Other long-term liabilities 
Operating leases 
Purchase obligations 
Total

Total 
 $4,260 
23
201
578
1,382
$6,444

  Less than
1 year 
$ 396 
3 
1 
69 
1,227 
$1,696 

1–3 years 
$612 
5 
37 
138 
154 
$946 

  3–5 years 
$710 
4 
22 
111 
1 
$848 

  More than 
5 years 
$2,542 
11 
141 
260 
- 
$2,954 

Included in the required debt repayments disclosed above are estimated total interest payments of approximately $1,779 as of February 2, 2008, 
payable over the remaining life of the debts. 

Other long-term liabilities consist of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance reserves, postretirement benefits and Financial Accounting 
Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”) reserves. The repayment amounts presented 
above were determined based on historical payment trends. We expect to pay $1 of uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 in the next 12 months and 
include this balance in other long-term liabilities as due in less than 1 year. We are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows for  
the remaining balance and have excluded this in the table above. Other long-term liabilities not requiring cash payments, such as deferred property 
incentives and deferred revenue, were excluded from the table above.  

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase obligations primarily consist of purchase orders for unreceived goods or services, our Minimum Purchase Agreement with the Façonnable U.S. 
wholesale business, and capital expenditure commitments. 

This table also excludes the short-term liabilities, other than the current portion of long-term debt, disclosed on our 2007 consolidated balance sheet, 
as the amounts recorded for these items will be paid in the next year. 

Credit Capacity and Commitments  
The following table summarizes our amount of commitment expiration per period: 

Other commercial commitments 
  $300 variable funding note 
  $100 variable funding note 
    $500 commercial paper 
  Standby letters of credit 
Import letters of credit 

Total 

Total 
  Amounts 
 Committed 

 Less than 
1 year 

  1–3 years 

3–5 years 

 More than 
5 years 

- 
- 
- 
- 
$8 
$8 

— 
- 
- 
- 
$8 
$8 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

During the first quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for a new variable funding facility (2007-A Variable Funding Note) backed by 
substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a 
commitment of $300. Borrowings under the facility incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit  
plus specified fees. During the third quarter of 2007, we used this facility to issue $220 in Notes and paid the outstanding balance during the third  
and fourth quarters of 2007. We pay a commitment fee for the note based on the size of the commitment and the amount of borrowings outstanding. 
Commitment fee rates decrease if more than $50 is outstanding on the facility. The facility can be cancelled or not renewed if our debt ratings fall 
below Standard and Poor’s BB+ rating or Moody’s Ba1 rating. Our current rating by Standard and Poor’s is A-, four grades above BB+, and by Moody’s  
is Baa1, three grades above Ba1. At year-end, we had no outstanding balance on this variable funding note. 

During the third quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for an additional variable funding facility backed by the remaining 10% interest in
the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a commitment of $100. As of February 2, 2008, no issuances have been made against
this facility. Borrowings under the facility will incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit plus 
specified fees. 

During the third quarter of 2007, we entered into a new commercial paper dealer agreement, supported by our unsecured line of credit. Under this 
commercial paper program, we may issue commercial paper in an aggregate amount outstanding at any particular time not to exceed $500. This 
agreement allows us to use the proceeds to fund share repurchases as well as operating cash requirements. Under the terms of the commercial paper 
agreement, we pay a rate of interest based on, among other factors, the maturity of the issuance and market conditions. The issuance of commercial 
paper has the effect, while it is outstanding, of reducing our borrowing capacity under the line of credit by an amount equal to the principal amount of 
the commercial paper. We had no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at February 2, 2008. 

We have an automatic shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under the terms of the registration statement, 
and subject to the filing of certain post-effective amendments, we are authorized to issue an unlimited principal amount of debt securities.  

Debt Ratings 
The following table shows our credit ratings at the date of this report: 

Credit Ratings 
Senior unsecured debt 
Commercial paper 
Outlook 

Moody’s 
Baa1 
P-2
Stable 

Standard
and Poor’s
A-
A-2
Stable

These ratings could change depending on our performance and other factors. Our outstanding debt is not subject to termination or interest rate 
adjustments based on changes in our credit ratings. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends 
In 2007, we paid dividends of $0.54 per share, the eleventh consecutive year that our annual dividends increased. We paid dividends of $0.42 and $0.32 in 
2006 and 2005. In determining the amount of dividends to pay, we analyze our dividend payout ratio and dividend yield, and balance the dividend payment 
with our operating performance and capital resources. We target a dividend payout ratio of approximately 20% to 25% of net income, an increase from our 
prior target of 18% to 20%. For the dividend yield, which is calculated as our dividends per share divided by our stock price, we target a 1.3% long-term 
yield. While we plan to increase dividends over time, we will balance future increases with our operating performance and available capital resources.  

In February 2008, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share, increased from $0.135 per share in the prior year.  

Liquidity
We maintain a level of liquidity sufficient to allow us to cover our seasonal cash needs and to minimize our need for short-term borrowings. We believe 
that our operating cash flows, existing cash and available credit facilities are sufficient to finance our cash requirements for the next 12 months. 

Over the long term, we manage our cash and capital structure to maximize shareholder return, strengthen our financial position and maintain flexibility 
for future strategic initiatives. We continuously assess our debt and leverage levels, capital expenditure requirements, principal debt payments, 
dividend payouts, potential share repurchases and future investments or acquisitions. We believe our operating cash flows, existing
cash and available credit facilities, as well as any potential future borrowing facilities, will be sufficient to fund these scheduled future payments
and potential long-term initiatives. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The preparation of our financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that 
we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The following discussion highlights the policies 
we feel are critical and should be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Inventory
Our merchandise inventories are primarily stated at the lower of cost or market using the retail inventory method. Under the retail method,  
the valuation of inventories and the resulting gross margins are determined by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of  
ending inventory. To determine if the retail value of our inventory should be marked down, we consider current and anticipated demand, customer 
preferences, age of the merchandise and fashion trends. As our inventory retail value is adjusted regularly to reflect market conditions, our inventory 
is valued at the lower of cost or market. Inherent in the retail inventory method are certain significant management judgments that may significantly 
affect the ending inventory valuation as well as gross margin. Among others, the significant estimates used in inventory valuation are obsolescence 
and shrinkage. 

We reserve for obsolescence based on historical trends and specific identification. Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of net sales for the
period from the most recent semi-annual inventory count based on historical shrinkage results. Therefore, our obsolescence reserve and shrinkage 
percentage contain uncertainties as the calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding a number of factors, 
including market conditions, the selling environment, historical results and current inventory trends. 

Management does not believe that the assumptions used in these estimates will change significantly based on prior experience. In prior years, we have 
made no material changes to our estimates included in the calculations of the obsolescence and shrinkage reserves. A 10% change in the obsolescence 
reserve would have impacted net income by approximately $2 for the year ended February 2, 2008. We do not believe a 10% change in our shrink 
percentage would have a material effect on our net earnings.

Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenues net of estimated returns and we exclude sales taxes. Our retail stores record revenue at the point of sale. Our catalog and 
online sales include shipping revenue and are recorded upon estimated delivery to the customer. As part of the normal sales cycle, we receive 
customer merchandise returns. To recognize the financial impact of sales returns, we estimate the amount of goods that will be returned and reduce 
sales and cost of sales accordingly. Inherent in establishing and maintaining a sales return reserve are management judgments around customer 
return patterns and return rates. We utilize historical return patterns to estimate our expected returns and, in prior years, we have made no material 
changes to our estimates included in the sales return reserve.  

Although we believe we have sufficient current and historical knowledge to record reasonable estimates of sales returns, there is a possibility that 
actual returns could differ from recorded amounts. A 10% change in the sales return reserve would have had a $3 impact on our net earnings for the 
year ended February 2, 2008. 

30

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 
Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of the losses inherent in our Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom 
VISA credit card receivables as of the balance sheet date. We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on several factors, including 
historical trends of aging of accounts, write-off experience and expectations of future performance. We recognize finance charges on delinquent 
accounts until the account is written off. Delinquent accounts are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible, usually after the passage
of 151 days without receiving a full scheduled monthly payment. Accounts are written off sooner in the event of customer bankruptcy or other 
circumstances that make further collection unlikely. Management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to cover anticipated losses 
in our credit card accounts receivable under current conditions; however, significant deterioration in any of the factors mentioned above or in general 
economic conditions could materially change these expectations. In prior years, we have not made material changes to our estimates involved in the 
allowance for doubtful accounts. A 10% change in our allowance for doubtful accounts would have affected net earnings by $4 for the fiscal year ended 
February 2, 2008.  

Income Taxes 
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” we calculate income taxes using the asset
and liability approach. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and 
respective tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates currently in effect for the years in 
which we expect those temporary differences to reverse.  

Inherent in the measurement of deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of enacted tax law and published guidance. Our 
assumptions have been materially accurate in the past. We continuously monitor any changes in enacted tax rates in the jurisdictions in which we have 
a filing obligation and adjust our deferred tax balances accordingly. We regularly evaluate whether our deferred tax assets will more likely than not be 
realized in the foreseeable future and record a valuation allowance when appropriate.  

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” we regularly evaluate the likelihood of recognizing  
the benefit for income tax positions we have taken in various federal, state and foreign filings by considering all relevant facts, circumstances and 
information available. For those benefits we believe more likely than not will be sustained, we recognize the largest amount we believe is cumulatively 
greater than 50% likely to be realized. Our assumptions for these benefits have been materially accurate in the past. A liability for the unrecognized 
portion of the income tax benefit will carry forward until the effective settlement of the issue on audit, the lapse in the statute of limitations to 
consider the issue, or a favorable change in law. 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, 
establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff 
Position No. FAS 157-1 (“FSP FAS 157-1”) and FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, (“FSP FAS 157-2”), affecting implementation of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-1 excludes 
FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases (“SFAS 13”), and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements under SFAS 13, from 
the scope of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are 
recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. For all other items, SFAS 157 was effective for 
Nordstrom as of February 3, 2008. We have adopted SFAS 157 as amended by FSP FAS 157-1 and FSP FAS 157-2 as of February 3, 2008. This adoption will not 
have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 was effective for 
Nordstrom as of February 3, 2008. We did not apply the fair value option to any of our outstanding instruments; therefore, SFAS 159 will have no effect on 
our consolidated financial statements. 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) 
will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS 141(R), an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS 141(R) will change the accounting treatment 
for certain specific acquisition-related items, including expensing acquisition-related costs as incurred, valuing noncontrolling interests (minority interests) 
at fair value at the acquisition date, and expensing restructuring costs associated with an acquired business. SFAS 141(R) also includes a substantial number 
of new disclosure requirements. SFAS 141(R) is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 
2009. Early adoption is not permitted. Generally, the effect of SFAS 141(R) will depend on future acquisitions. 

Also in December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements 
– an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a
subsidiary, provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of the deconsolidation of a subsidiary, and increases transparency through expanded 
disclosures. Specifically, SFAS 160 requires the recognition of minority interest as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the 
parent company’s equity. It also requires consolidated net earnings in the consolidated statement of earnings to include the amount of net earnings 
attributable to minority interest. This statement will be effective for Nordstrom as of the beginning of fiscal year 2009. Early adoption is not permitted.  
We are presently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS 160 and believe there will be no material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  31

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 
(Dollars in millions) 

INTEREST RATE RISK 
Our primary exposure to market risk is through changes in interest rates. In seeking to minimize risk, we manage exposure through our regular  
operating and financing activities. We do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and are not party to any leveraged 
financial instruments. 

We have both credit card receivables that generate interest income and debt obligations which we pay fixed and variable interest expense. We manage our 
net interest rate exposure through our mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings. A portion of our credit card receivables maintains a fixed interest rate. 
Additionally, a portion of this portfolio is used as convenience by our customers and revolves monthly. The annualized effect of a one-percentage-point 
change in interest rates would not materially affect net earnings.  

Additionally, short-term borrowing and investing activities generally bear interest at variable rates, but because they have maturities of three months or 
less, we believe that the risk of material loss is low, and that the carrying amount approximates fair value.   

The table below presents information about our debt obligations and interest rate swaps that are sensitive to changes in interest rates at February 2, 2008. 
For debt obligations, the table presents principal amounts, at book value, by maturity date, and related weighted average interest rates. For interest rate 
swaps, the table presents notional amounts and weighted average interest rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates. Notional amounts are the 
predetermined dollar principal on which the exchanged interest payments are based. 

Dollars in millions 
Long-term debt 
  Fixed 

  Avg. int. rate 

  Variable 

  Avg. int. rate 

Interest rate swap 
  Fixed to variable 
  Avg. pay rate 
  Avg. receive rate 

2008 

2009 

$260 
5.7% 
— 
— 

$250 
5.32% 
5.63% 

$23 
6.5% 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

2010 

$356 
5.0% 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

2011 

2012 

Thereafter 

Total at
  February 2,
2008 

 Fair value at 
  February 2, 
2008 

$6 
8.8% 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

  $6 
8.5% 
 $500 
3.2% 

  $1,345 
6.7% 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

  $2,038 

$475 

$1 

$1,996 
6.3% 
$500 
3.2% 

$250
5.32%
5.63% 

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK 
The majority of our revenue, expense and capital expenditures are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, we periodically enter into foreign currency 
purchase orders denominated in Euros for apparel, accessories and shoes. We use forward contracts to hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency 
prices. We do not believe the fair value of our outstanding forward contracts at February 2, 2008 to be material.  

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
We are responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of our financial statements and the other information that appears in this 
annual report on Form 10-K. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States and include estimates based on our best judgment. 

We maintain a comprehensive system of internal controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance, at an appropriate cost-benefit 
relationship, that our financial information is accurate and reliable, our assets are safeguarded and our transactions are executed in accordance 
with established procedures. 

Deloitte and Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, is retained to audit Nordstrom’s consolidated financial statements and 
management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Its accompanying reports are based on 
audits conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 

The Audit Committee, which is comprised of five independent directors, meets regularly with our management, our internal auditors and the 
independent registered public accounting firm to ensure that each is properly fulfilling its responsibilities. The Committee oversees our systems
of internal control, accounting practices, financial reporting and audits to ensure their quality, integrity and objectivity are sufficient to protect 
shareholders’ investments. 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as is defined in the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934. These internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the reported financial information is presented 
fairly, that disclosures are adequate and that the judgments inherent in the preparation of financial statements are reasonable. There are inherent 
limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and overriding of controls. Consequently, 
an effective internal control system can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance, with respect to reporting financial information.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria 
established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  
Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 2, 2008. 

/s/ Michael G. Koppel 
Michael G. Koppel 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 

/s/ Blake W. Nordstrom 
Blake W. Nordstrom 
President

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  33

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Nordstrom, Inc.:  

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of February 2, 2008, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial 
Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was 
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk  
that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and 
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for
our opinion. 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and 
principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other 
personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 
purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s internal control over financial 
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly 
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as 
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could 
have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management 
override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any 
evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2008,  
based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the  
Treadway Commission. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated 
financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended February 2, 2008, of the Company, and our report dated 
March 20, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP  
Seattle, Washington 
March 20, 2008 

34

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Nordstrom, Inc.:  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of February 2, 2008 and 
February 3, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the 
period ended February 2, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a)2. These consolidated 
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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 disclosures 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nordstrom, Inc. and 
subsidiaries as of February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007, and the results of their operations and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the 
period ended February 2, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, 
such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly,  
in all material respects, the information set forth therein. 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 29, 2006, the Company changed its method of accounting for stock-
based compensation upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 20, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Seattle, Washington 
March 20, 2008 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  35

Nordstrom, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings 
In millions except per share amounts and percentages 

Fiscal year 
Net sales 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Finance charges and other, net 
Gain on sale of Façonnable 
Earnings before interest and income taxes 
Interest expense, net 
Earnings before income taxes 
Income tax expense 
Net earnings 

Earnings per basic share 
Earnings per diluted share 

Basic shares 
Diluted shares 

2007 
$8,828 
(5,526)
3,302
(2,360)
       271 
34
1,247
(74)
1,173
(458)
$715 

  $2.92 
  $2.88 

245 
249 

2006 
$8,561 
(5,354) 
3,207 
(2,297) 
239 
— 
1,149 
(43) 
1,106 
(428) 
$678 

  $2.60 
  $2.55 

261 
266 

Cash dividends paid per share  

  $0.54 

  $0.42 

2005 
$7,723 
(4,888)
2,835 
(2,101)
196 
— 
930 
(45)
885 
(334)
$551 

$2.03 
$1.98 

272 
278 

$0.32 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (% of Net sales) 

Fiscal year 
Net sales 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Finance charges and other, net 
Gain on sale of Façonnable 
Earnings before interest and income taxes 
Interest expense, net 
Earnings before income taxes  
Income tax expense (as a % of earnings before  

income taxes) 

Net earnings 

2007 
  100.0% 
                 (62.6) 

37.4
(26.7)
3.1
0.4
14.1
(0.8)
13.3

(39.0)
  8.1% 

2006 
  100.0% 
(62.5) 
37.5 
(26.8) 
2.8 
— 
13.4 
(0.5) 
12.9 

(38.7)
  7.9% 

                     2005 
    100.0% 
(63.3) 
36.7 
(27.2) 
                          2.5 
— 
12.0 
                        (0.6) 
11.5 

(37.7)
    7.1% 

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

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
In millions 

February 2, 2008 

February 3, 2007 

Assets
Current assets: 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Accounts receivable, net 

Investment in asset backed securities 

  Merchandise inventories 
  Current deferred tax assets, net 
  Prepaid expenses and other 
Total current assets 
Land, buildings and equipment, net 
Goodwill
Acquired tradename 
Other assets 
Total assets 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 
Current liabilities: 
  Accounts payable 
  Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits 
  Other current liabilities 
Income taxes payable 

  Current portion of long-term debt 
Total current liabilities 
Long-term debt, net 
Deferred property incentives, net 
Other liabilities 
Commitments and contingent liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity: 
  Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 

  221 and 257 shares issued and outstanding 

  Retained earnings 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
Total shareholders’ equity 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$358 
1,788
—
956
181
78
3,361
1,983
53
—
203
$5,600 

$556 
268
492
58
261
1,635
2,236
369
245

936
201
(22)
1,115
$5,600 

$403 
684
428
997
169
61
2,742
1,757
52
84
187
$4,822 

$577 
340
433
76
7
1,433
624
356
240

827
1,351
(9)
2,169
$4,822 

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

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 
In millions except per share amounts 

Balance at January 29, 2005
Net earnings 
Other comprehensive earnings (loss): 

Foreign currency translation adjustment 
Unrecognized loss on postretirement benefit 
     obligations, net of tax benefit of $5 
  Fair value adjustment to investment in  

  asset backed securities, net of tax of $(2) 

Comprehensive net earnings 
Cash dividends paid ($0.32 per share) 
Issuance of common stock for: 
  Stock option plans 
  Employee stock purchase plan 

Other 

Repurchase of common stock 
Balance at January 28, 2006 

Net earnings 
Other comprehensive earnings (loss): 

Foreign currency translation adjustment 

  Unrecognized gain on postretirement benefit obligations 
  net of tax of $(2), prior to adoption of SFAS 158 
Fair value adjustment to investment in  
  asset backed securities, net of tax of $2  

Comprehensive net earnings 
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158, net of tax of $8  
Cash dividends paid ($0.42 per share) 
Issuance of common stock for: 
  Stock option plans
  Employee stock purchase plan 

Other

Stock-based compensation 
Repurchase of common stock 
Balance at February 3, 2007 

Cumulative effect adjustment to adopt FIN 48 
Adjusted Beginning Balance at February 3, 2007 
Net earnings 
Other comprehensive earnings (loss): 

Foreign currency translation adjustment 

  Postretirement plan adjustments, 

  net of tax of ($5) 
Fair value adjustment to investment in asset backed 

securities, net of tax of $3 

Comprehensive net earnings 
Cash dividends paid ($0.54 per share)
Issuance of common stock for: 
  Stock option plans 
  Employee stock purchase plan 

Other 

Stock-based compensation 
Repurchase of common stock 
Balance at February 2, 2008 

Common Stock 

Shares 
271 
— 

Amount 
$553 
— 

Retained 
Earnings 
  $1,227 
551 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

6 
1 
— 
(8) 
270 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

4 
— 
— 
— 
(17) 
257 

— 
257 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

2 
1 
— 
— 
(39) 
221 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

113 
17 
3 
— 
686 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

94 
17 
1 
29 
— 
827 

— 
827 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

61 
17 
5 
26 
— 
$936 

— 

— 

— 
— 
(87) 

— 
— 
— 
(287) 
1,404 

678 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
(110) 

— 
— 
— 
— 
(621) 
1,351 

(3) 
1,348 
715 

— 

— 

— 

(134) 

— 
— 
— 
— 
(1,728) 
  $201 

Accumulated 
 Other 
Comprehensive 
Earnings (Loss) 

$9 
— 

(2) 

(7) 

3 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
3 

— 

1 

3 

(3) 
— 
(13) 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(9) 

— 
(9) 
— 

(15) 

7 

(5) 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
$(22) 

Total
  $1,789
551

(2)

(7)

3
545
(87)

113
17
3
(287)
2,093

678

1

3

(3)
679
(13)
(110)

94
17
1
29
(621)
2,169

(3)
2,166
715

(15)

7

(5)
702
(134)

61
17
5
26
(1,728)
$1,115

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

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
In millions 

Fiscal year 
Operating Activities 
Net earnings 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  Depreciation and amortization of buildings and equipment 
     Gain on sale of Façonnable 
  Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net 

Stock-based compensation expense

  Deferred income taxes, net 
  Tax benefit from stock-based payments 
  Excess tax benefit from stock-based payments 
  Provision for bad debt expense 
  Change in operating assets and liabilities: 

  Accounts receivable 

Investment in asset backed securities 

  Merchandise inventories 
  Prepaid expenses 
  Other assets 
  Accounts payable 
  Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits 
  Other current liabilities 
Income taxes payable 

  Deferred property incentives 
  Other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing Activities 
Capital expenditures 
Proceeds from sale of Façonnable 
Proceeds from sale of assets 
Purchases of short-term investments
Sales of short-term investments
Other, net 
Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing Activities 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net 
Principal payments on long-term borrowings
Increase (decrease) in cash book overdrafts 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payments 
Cash dividends paid 
Repurchase of common stock 
Other, net 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

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

2007 

$715 

269
(34)
(36)
26
(42)
28
(26)
107

(1,234)
420
—
(9)
(27)
(19)
(64)
36
(6)
58
(1)
161

(501)
216
12
—
—
3
(270)

2,510
(680)
5
34
17
26
(134)
(1,702)
(12)
64

(45)
403
$358 

2006 

$678 

285 
— 
(36) 
37 
(58) 
44 
(38) 
17 

(61) 
128 
(39) 
(5) 
(8) 
84 
49 
23 
(6) 
31 
17 
1,142 

(264) 
— 
— 
(110) 
164 
(8) 
(218) 

— 
(307) 
(51) 
51 
16 
38 
(110) 
(621) 
— 
(984) 

(60) 
463 
$403 

2005 

$551 

276 
— 
(33) 
13 
(11) 
41 
— 
21 

(15) 
(136) 
(21) 
(1) 
(3) 
32 
(11) 
39 
(34) 
49 
19 
776 

(272) 
— 
— 
(543) 
531 
(8) 
(292) 

— 
(101) 
5 
73 
15 
— 
(87) 
(287) 
 —  
(382) 

102 
361 
$463 

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

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

NOTE 1:  NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The Company 
Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom is a fashion specialty retailer that offers customers a well-edited selection of designer, 
luxury and high-quality fashion brands focused on clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. This breadth of merchandise allows 
the company to serve both the growing affluent customer segment as well as those who appreciate quality products and experiences. We offer a 
wide selection of brand name and private label merchandise. We offer our products through multiple retail channels, including 101 ‘Nordstrom’ full-
line stores, 50 discount ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, our catalogs and through our online store at www.nordstrom.com. Our stores are located 
throughout the United States.  

Our credit operations offer a Nordstrom private label card, two co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit cards and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases, 
which generate earnings through finance charges and late fees. We offer our customers a variety of payment products and services, including our 
loyalty program. 

Our operations also include a product development group, which coordinates the design and production of private label merchandise sold in our 
retail stores. 

Fiscal Year 
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31st. References to 2007 relate to the 52-week fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.  
References to 2006 and 2005 relate to the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 2007 and the 52-week fiscal year ended January 28, 2006, 
respectively. Fiscal year 2006 includes an extra week (the 53rd week) as a result of our 4-5-4 retail reporting calendar. References to 2008  
relate to the 52 weeks ending January 31, 2009. 

Principles of Consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements include the balances of Nordstrom, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and 
balances are eliminated in consolidation. 

Use of Estimates 
We make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ 
from those estimates. 

Revenue Recognition 
We record revenues net of estimated returns and we exclude sales taxes. Our retail stores record revenue at the point of sale. Our catalog and online 
sales include shipping revenue and are recorded upon estimated receipt by the customer. We recognize revenue associated with our gift cards upon 
redemption of the gift card. As part of the normal sales cycle, we receive customer merchandise returns. To recognize the financial impact of sales 
returns, we estimate the amount of goods that will be returned and reduce sales and cost of sales accordingly. We utilize historical return patterns 
to estimate our expected returns. Our sales return reserves were $56 and $55 at the end of 2007 and 2006. 

Buying and Occupancy Costs 
Buying costs consist primarily of compensation and other costs incurred by our merchandise and product development groups. Occupancy costs 
include rent, depreciation, property taxes and facility operating costs of our retail, corporate center and distribution operations.

Shipping and Handling Costs 
Our shipping and handling costs include payments to third-party shippers and costs to hold, move and prepare merchandise for shipment.
Shipping and handling costs of $87, $78 and $80 in 2007, 2006 and 2005 were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 

Advertising 
Production costs for newspaper, radio and other media are expensed the first time the advertisement is run. Total advertising expenses,
net of vendor allowances, were $101, $109 and $122 in 2007, 2006 and 2005. 

Finance Charges and Other, Net 
On May 1, 2007, we converted our Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program. 
Prior to the transaction, finance charges and other, net consisted primarily of finance charges and late fees generated by our Nordstrom private label 
cards and earnings from our investment in asset backed securities and securitization gains and losses, which were both generated from the co-branded 
Nordstrom VISA credit card program. After the transaction, finance charges and other, net consists primarily of finance charges and late fees generated 
by our combined Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs. 

40

Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

Gift card breakage is another component of finance charges and other, net. Based on an analysis of our program since its inception in 1999, we 
determined that balances remaining on cards issued beyond five years ago are unlikely to be redeemed and therefore may be recognized as income. 
Breakage income was $6, $5 and $8 in 2007, 2006 and 2005. This breakage income is approximately 3.7% of the amount initially issued as gift cards. 

Stock-Based Compensation 
At the start of 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”), which revised Statement 
of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”) and superseded APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for 
Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) and related interpretations. SFAS 123(R) requires us to measure the cost of employee and director services 
received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.  

We adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective method. Under this transition method, 2006 stock-based compensation expense considers  
all outstanding options that have not reached their earliest vesting date. In addition, we recognized stock-based compensation expense for our 
Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), as our 10% purchase discount exceeds the amount allowed under SFAS 123(R) for non-compensatory treatment. 
As provided for under the modified prospective method, we have not restated our results for prior periods.  

We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The total compensation expense is reduced 
by estimated forfeitures expected to occur over the vesting period of the award. When we adopted SFAS 123(R), we elected to use the Binomial Lattice 
option valuation model. In 2005, we used the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of the stock options under SFAS 123. Refer 
to Note 13: Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Compensation Plans for additional information on our stock option plans and related stock-based 
compensation expense. 

Cash Equivalents 
Cash equivalents are short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. As of the end of 2007 and 2006,
we had $0 and $8 restricted cash included in other long-term assets. The restricted cash is held in a trust for use by our Supplemental Executive 
Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plans. 

Our cash management system provides for the reimbursement of all major bank disbursement accounts on a daily basis. Accounts payable at the 
end of 2007 and 2006 included $46 and $41 of checks not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of our bank deposit balances.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information 

Fiscal year 
Cash paid during the year for: 

Interest (net of capitalized interest) 
Income taxes 

2007 

$75 
478

2006 

$55 
449 

2005 

$57 
344 

Short-term Investments 
In 2005 and 2006, we invested in short-term investments. In 2006, we sold our short-term investments and used the proceeds primarily for common 
stock repurchases.  

Securitization of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Receivable 
Prior to May 2007, through our wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, we offered a private label card and two co-branded Nordstrom 
VISA credit cards. The private label card receivables were held in a trust, which could issue third-party debt that was secured by the private label 
receivables; the private label program was treated as ‘on-balance sheet,’ with the receivables, net of bad debt allowance, and debt, if any, recorded 
on our consolidated balance sheet, the finance charge income recorded in finance charges and other, net, and the bad debt expense recorded in 
selling, general and administrative expenses. 

The co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables were held in a separate trust (the VISA Trust), which could issue third-party debt that was 
secured by the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. The co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card program was treated as ‘off-balance 
sheet.’ We recorded the fair value of our interest in the VISA Trust on our consolidated balance sheet, gains on the sale of receivables to the VISA 
Trust and our share of the VISA Trust’s finance income in finance charges and other, net. As of February 3, 2007, the VISA Trust had co-branded 
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a total face amount of $908 and had outstanding two series of notes held by third parties: $200 of 2002 
Class A&B notes that matured in April 2007, and $350 of 2004-2 variable funding notes that were paid in April 2007. In fiscal 2006, the co-branded 
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables had an average gross yield of 16.8% and average annual credit losses of 2.8%. The weighted average interest 
rate on the third-party notes was 5.3%. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

On May 1, 2007, we converted the Nordstrom private label cards and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization
program, which is accounted for as a secured borrowing (on-balance sheet). When we combined the securitization programs, our investment in asset 
backed securities, which was accounted for as available-for-sale securities, was eliminated and we reacquired all of the co-branded Nordstrom VISA 
credit card receivables previously held off-balance sheet. These reacquired co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables were recorded at fair 
value at the date of acquisition. We have transitioned the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivable portfolio to historical cost, net of bad 
debt allowances, on our consolidated balance sheet. 

Also on May 1, 2007, the trust issued securities that are backed by substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and 90% of the 
co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. Under the securitization, the receivables are transferred to a third-party trust on a daily basis. 
The balance of the receivables transferred to the trust fluctuates as new receivables are generated and old receivables are retired (through 
payments received, charge-offs or credits for merchandise returns). These combined receivables back the Series 2007-1 Notes, the Series 2007-2 
Notes, and an unused variable funding note that are discussed in Note 8: Long-term debt. 

Our credit card securitization agreements set a maximum percentage of receivables that can be associated with various receivable categories, such 
as employee or foreign receivables. As of February 2, 2008, these maximums were not exceeded. 

Merchandise Inventories 
Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, using the retail method (weighted average cost). 

Land, Buildings and Equipment 
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives by major asset category are as follows: 

Asset 
Buildings and improvements 
Store fixtures and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Software 

Life (in years) 
     5–40 
                  3–15 
Shorter of initial lease term or asset life 
3–7 

Intangible Asset Impairment Testing 
We review our goodwill annually for impairment in the first quarter or when circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be 
recoverable. We removed the goodwill of $28 and acquired tradename of $84 associated with our Façonnable business from our consolidated
balance sheet when we sold that business in the third quarter of 2007. In association with our May 2007 increase in ownership of Jeffrey, we 
recorded $29 of goodwill. As of the end of 2007, we believe no indicators of impairment exist.  

Leases
We recognize lease expense, net of landlord reimbursements, on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term from the time that we control the 
leased property.

We lease the land or the land and buildings at many of our full-line stores, and we lease the buildings at many of our Rack stores. Additionally, we 
lease office facilities, warehouses and equipment. Most of these leases are classified as operating leases and they expire at various dates through 
2080. We have no significant individual or master lease agreements. 

Our fixed, noncancelable lease terms generally are 20 to 30 years for full-line stores and 10 to 15 years for Rack stores. Many of our leases include 
options that allow us to extend the lease term beyond the initial commitment period, subject to terms agreed to at lease inception.

For leases that contain predetermined, fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the rent expense on a straight-line basis and record the 
difference between the rent expense and the rent payable as a liability. 

Most of our leases also provide for payment of operating expenses, such as common area charges, real estate taxes and other executory costs. 
Some leases require additional payments based on sales and are recorded in rent expense when the contingent rent is probable. 

Leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease are amortized over the shorter of the asset life or the initial lease term as described 
above. Leasehold improvements made during the lease term are also amortized over the shorter of the asset life or the remaining lease term. 

We receive incentives to construct stores in certain developments. These incentives are recorded as a deferred credit and recognized as a reduction  
to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as described above. At the end of 2007 and 2006, this deferred credit balance was $408  
and $392. Also, we may receive incentives based on a store’s net sales; we recognize these incentives in the year that they are earned as a reduction  
of rent expense. 

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

Foreign Currency Translation 
As of the end of 2007, we no longer own any material foreign subsidiaries, and so no longer recognize any foreign currency translation in 
accumulated other comprehensive earnings. Prior to the sale of the Façonnable business in the third quarter of 2007, the assets and liabilities of our 
foreign subsidiaries were translated to U.S. dollars using the exchange rates effective on the balance sheet date, while income and expense accounts 
were translated at the average rates in effect during the year. The resulting translation adjustments were recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive earnings.  

Income Taxes 
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Using this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on 
differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the enacted 
tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We establish valuation allowances for tax benefits 
when we believe it is not likely that the related expense will be deductible for tax purposes. 

Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income 
Taxes  (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. In accordance with FIN 48, we regularly evaluate the likelihood of recognizing 
the benefit for income tax positions we have taken in various federal, state, and foreign filings by considering all relevant facts, circumstances, and 
information available. For those benefits we believe more likely than not will be sustained, we recognize the largest amount we believe is 
cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. 

Other Current Liabilities 
Included in other current liabilities were gift card liabilities of $188 and $172 at the end of 2007 and 2006. 

Loyalty Program 
Customers who reach a cumulative purchase threshold when using our Nordstrom private label cards or our co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit cards 
receive Nordstrom Notes®. These Nordstrom Notes can be redeemed for goods or services in our stores. We estimate the net cost of the Nordstrom 
Notes that will be issued and redeemed and record this cost as rewards points are accumulated. In addition to this long-standing benefit, in April 
2007 we launched an enhanced loyalty program, Fashion RewardsTM. Under this program, Nordstrom customers receive higher levels of cumulative 
benefits based on their annual spend. We record the cost of the loyalty program benefits in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative 
expenses. These expenses are recorded based on estimates of benefits expected to be accumulated and redeemed in relation to sales.

Vendor Allowances 
We receive allowances from merchandise vendors for cosmetic selling expenses, purchase price adjustments, cooperative advertising programs, and 
vendor sponsored contests. Allowances for cosmetic selling expenses are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as a reduction to 
the related cost when incurred. Purchase price adjustments are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales at the point they have been earned and the 
related merchandise has been sold. Allowances for cooperative advertising and promotion programs and vendor sponsored contests are recorded in 
cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses as a reduction to the related cost when incurred. Any allowances in excess of actual 
costs incurred that are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses are recorded as a reduction to cost of sales. The following table 
shows vendor allowances earned during the year: 

Fiscal year 
Cosmetic selling expenses 
Purchase price adjustments 
Cooperative advertising and promotion 
Vendor sponsored contests 
Total vendor allowances 

2007 
$120 
86 
61
2
$269 

Allowances were recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Cost of sales 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Total vendor allowances 

2007 
$146 
123
$269 

2006 
$121 
70 
67 
3 
$261 

2006 
$138 
123 
$261 

2005 
$107 
58 
58 
4 
$227 

2005 
$118 
109 
$227 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents approximate fair value. See Note 8: Long-term debt for the fair values of our long-term debt and interest 
rate swap agreement. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

Derivatives Policy 
We periodically enter into foreign currency purchase orders denominated in Euros for apparel, accessories and shoes. We use forward contracts to 
hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency prices. These forward contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. The notional amounts 
of our foreign currency forward contracts at the contract rates were $10 at the end of both 2007 and 2006. We also use derivative financial 
instruments to manage our interest rate risks. See Note 8: Long-term debt for a further description of our interest rate swap. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements  (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair 
value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued 
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-1 (“FSP FAS 157-1”) and FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, (“FSP FAS 157-2”), affecting implementation of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 
157-1 excludes FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases  (“SFAS 13”), and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements 
under SFAS 13, from the scope of SFAS 157. FSP FAS 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except 
for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. For all other items, SFAS 
157 was effective for Nordstrom as of February 3, 2008. We have adopted SFAS 157 as amended by FSP FAS 157-1 and FSP FAS 157-2 as of February 3, 2008. 
This adoption will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 was effective for 
Nordstrom as of February 3, 2008. We did not apply the fair value option to any of our outstanding instruments; therefore, SFAS 159 will have no effect on 
our consolidated financial statements. 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations  (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 
141(R) will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS 141(R), an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS 141(R) will change the accounting 
treatment for certain specific acquisition-related items, including expensing acquisition-related costs as incurred, valuing noncontrolling interests 
(minority interests) at fair value at the acquisition date, and expensing restructuring costs associated with an acquired business. SFAS 141(R) also 
includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS 141(R) is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the 
acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is not permitted. Generally, the effect of SFAS 141(R) will depend on future acquisitions. 

Also in December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial 
Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51  (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interest 
(minority interest) in a subsidiary, provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of the deconsolidation of a subsidiary, and increases 
transparency through expanded disclosures. Specifically, SFAS 160 requires the recognition of minority interest as equity in the consolidated financial 
statements and separate from the parent company’s equity. It also requires consolidated net earnings in the consolidated statement of earnings to 
include the amount of net earnings attributable to minority interest. This statement will be effective for Nordstrom as of the beginning of fiscal year 
2009. Early adoption is not permitted. We are presently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS 160 and believe there will be no material impact  
on our consolidated financial statements. 

NOTE 2: SALE OF FAÇONNABLE 
During the third quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our Façonnable business in exchange for cash of $216, net of transaction costs. As part of 
this transaction, goodwill of $28, acquired tradename of $84, and foreign currency translation of $16 were removed from our consolidated balance 
sheet and we recorded a gain of $34. Upon the closing of this transaction, we entered into a Transition Services Agreement, whereby we will 
continue to provide certain back office functions related to the Façonnable U.S. wholesale business for a limited amount of time as part of a 
transition period. We additionally entered into a Minimum Purchase Agreement with the Façonnable U.S. wholesale business whereby we committed 
to purchase $246 of Façonnable inventory over the next three years which approximates our normal buying level.

NOTE 3: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 
The components of accounts receivable are as follows: 

Trade receivables: 
  Unrestricted 
  Restricted 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Trade receivables, net 
Other 
Accounts receivable, net 

February 2, 2008 

February 3, 2007 

$18 
1,760
(73)
1,705
83
  $1,788 

$44 
582
(17) 
609
75
$684 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

The following table summarizes the restricted trade receivables: 

 Private label card receivables 
 Co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables 
 Restricted trade receivables 

February 2, 2008 
$630 
1,130 
$1,760 

February 3, 2007   
$582 
— 
$582 

As of February 2, 2008, the restricted trade receivables relate to substantially all of our Nordstrom private label and co-branded Nordstrom VISA 
credit card receivables. These restricted trade receivables back the Series 2007-1 Notes, the Series 2007-2 Notes, and the variable funding notes 
discussed in Note 8: Long-term debt. At February 3, 2007, the restricted trade receivables were our Nordstrom private label card receivables, which 
backed our previously existing variable funding note. 

The unrestricted trade receivables consist primarily of the remaining portion of our Nordstrom private label and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit 
card receivables and accrued finance charges not yet allocated to customer accounts. As of February 3, 2007, the unrestricted trade receivables also 
included receivables related to the Façonnable business. 

Other accounts receivable consist primarily of credit card receivables due from third-party financial institutions and vendor rebates.

NOTE 4:  INVESTMENT IN ASSET BACKED SECURITIES – CO-BRANDED NORDSTROM VISA CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES 
Prior to the securitization transaction discussed in Note 1, our co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card program was treated as an investment in asset 
backed securities. As previously discussed, as of February 2, 2008, our consolidated balance sheet does not include an investment in asset backed 
securities. The following table represents the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivable balances and the estimated fair value of our 
investment in asset backed securities prior to the transaction:  

Total face value of co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card 
  principal receivables 
Securities issued by the VISA Trust: 
  Off-balance sheet (sold to third parties): 

  2002 Class A & B Notes 
 2004-2 Variable funding notes 

Amounts recorded on consolidated balance sheet: 

Investment in asset backed securities at fair value 

February 3, 2007 

$908 

$200 
350 
$550 

$428 

The following table presents the key assumptions we used to value the investment in asset backed securities prior to the transaction: 

Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the 

investment in asset backed securities: 
  Weighted average remaining life (in months) 
  Average annual credit losses 
  Average gross yield 
  Weighted average coupon on issued securities 
  Average monthly payment rates 
  Discount rate on investment in asset backed securities 

February 3, 2007 

7.5 
5.7% 
16.8% 
5.3% 
8.0% 
7.3% to 11.5% 

The discount rate on asset backed securities represented the volatility and risk of the asset. Our discount rates considered both the current interest 
rate environment and credit spreads. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

The following table summarizes certain income, expenses and cash flows received from and paid to the VISA Trust prior to the transaction: 

Period 
Principal collections reinvested in new receivables 
Gains on sales of receivables 
Income earned on beneficial interests 
Cash flows (used in) provided by beneficial interests: 

Investment in asset backed securities 

  Servicing fees 

  3 months ended 
May 1, 2007 
$819 
3
21

12 months ended 

February 3, 2007 
$3,094 
20 
75 

January 28, 2006 
$2,597 
20 
54 

(457)
2

494 
16 

130 
13 

Net credit losses were $9, $22 and $25 for 2007, 2006 and 2005, and receivables past due for more than 30 days were $16 at the end of 2006. 

NOTE 5:  LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT 
Land, buildings and equipment consist of the following: 

Land and land improvements 
Buildings and building improvements 
Leasehold improvements 
Store fixtures and equipment 
Software 
Construction in progress 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 
Land, buildings and equipment, net 

February 2, 2008 
$65 
842
1,313
1,995
303
391
4,909
(2,926)
$1,983 

February 3, 2007
$65
812
1,269
1,984
285
132
4,547
(2,790)
$1,757

The total cost of buildings and equipment held under capital lease obligations was $28 and $20, at the end of 2007 and 2006, with related 
accumulated amortization of $20 and $17. The amortization of capitalized leased buildings and equipment of $1 in both 2007 and 2006 was recorded 
in depreciation expense. 

NOTE 6:  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 
We provide a 401(k) and profit sharing plan for our employees. Our Board of Directors establishes our profit sharing contribution each year.  
The 401(k) component is funded by voluntary employee contributions and our matching contributions up to a fixed percentage of employee
contributions. Our expense related to the profit sharing component and matching contributions to the 401(k) component totaled $50, $73
and $67 in 2007, 2006 and 2005. 

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

NOTE 7:  INCOME TAXES 
Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income 
Taxes  (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the 
financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on 
derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. 

The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 resulted in an increase to our liability for uncertain tax positions of $3, which reduced the beginning 
balance of retained earnings. Upon adoption we had approximately $21 of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $7 relates to deferred items 
which, if recognized, would not impact the effective tax rate. 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 

Balance at February 4, 2007 
Gross increase to tax positions in prior periods 
Gross decrease to tax positions in prior periods 
Gross increase to tax positions in current period 
Lapse of statute 
Settlements
Balance at February 2, 2008 

$21
5
(1)
3
(1)
-
$27 

Unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign tax positions may decrease by $1 by January 31, 2009, if years close and audits are 
completed during 2008. 

Of the $27 ending gross unrecognized tax benefit balance, $9 relates to deferred items which, if recognized, would not impact the effective tax rate. 

Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are classified as a component of income tax expense. The estimate for accrued interest and 
penalties upon adoption was $1. During 2007, our income tax expense included $3 of tax-related interest and penalties. At the end of 2007, our 
liability for interest and penalties was $4. 

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. We also file returns in France and several other foreign jurisdictions. 
With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2002. Our U.S. 
federal filings for the years 2002 through 2006 are under routine examination and that process is anticipated to be completed before the end of 
2008. The completion and ultimate settlement of these IRS audit years is expected to be a refund and will not have a material impact on our gross 
unrecognized tax benefits. Additionally, the U.S. federal tax return for 2007 is under concurrent year processing, which is expected to be completed 
in 2009. We also currently have an active examination in France for the years 2001 through 2004. 

Income tax expense consists of the following: 

Fiscal year 
Current income taxes: 
  Federal 
  State and local 
Total current income tax expense 
Deferred income taxes: 
  Current 

Non-current

Total deferred income tax benefit 
Total income tax expense 

2007 

$435
65
500

(24)
(18)
(42)
$458 

2006 

$423
63
486 

(10) 
(48) 
(58) 
$428 

2005 

$312 
38
350 

(7) 
(9) 
(16) 
$334 

A reconciliation of the statutory Federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate on earnings before income taxes is as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Statutory rate 
State and local income taxes, net of federal  

income taxes 

Other, net 
Effective tax rate 

2007 
35.0% 

3.4
0.6
39.0% 

2006 
35.0% 

3.2 
0.5 
38.7% 

2005 
35.0% 

3.2 
          (0.5) 
37.7% 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting purposes and amounts 
used for tax purposes. The major components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

Compensation and benefits accruals 
Accrued expenses 
Merchandise inventories 
Securitization 
Land, buildings and equipment basis and  
  depreciation differences 
Gift cards and gift certificates 
Loyalty reward certificates 
Allowance on accounts receivables 
Federal benefit of state taxes 
Other 
Total deferred tax assets 
Land, buildings and equipment basis and  
  depreciation differences 
Other 
Total deferred tax liabilities 
Net deferred tax assets 

February 2, 2008 
$105 
56
28
—

February 3, 2007 
$86 
52
25
24

—
15
10
28
9
13
264

  (4) 
—
  (4) 
$260 

15
13
9
6
—
—
230

—
(8)
(8)
$222 

NOTE 8:  LONG-TERM DEBT 
We hold both secured and unsecured debt. The primary collateral for our secured debt is our Nordstrom private label card and co-branded 
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. A summary of long-term debt is as follows: 

February 2, 2008 

February 3, 2007 

Secured 
Series 2007-1 Class A Notes, 4.92%, due April 2010 
Series 2007-1 Class B Notes, 5.02%, due April 2010 
Series 2007-2 Class A Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.06%  
     per year, due April 2012 
Series 2007-2 Class B Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.18% 
     per year, due April 2012 
Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020 
Other 

Unsecured 
Senior notes, 5.625%, due January 2009 
Senior notes, 6.25%, due January 2018, net of unamortized discount 
Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028 
Senior notes, 7.00%, due January 2038, net of unamortized discount 
Other
Fair market value of interest rate swap 

Total long-term debt 
Less current portion 
Total due beyond one year 

$326 
24

454

46
67
19
936

250
646
300
342
22
1
1,561

2,497
(261)
$2,236 

— 
—

—

—
$70 
14
84

250
—
300
—
6
(9)
547

631
(7)
$624 

Both the Series 2007-1 Class A & B Notes and the Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes are secured by substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card 
receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables.  

Our mortgage payable is secured by an office building which had a net book value of $86 at the end of 2007. 

Other secured and unsecured debt consists primarily of capital lease obligations and liabilities related to the acquisition of Jeffrey. 

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we issued $650 aggregate principal amount, net of discount of $4, of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due 2018 and 
$350 aggregate principal amount, net of discount of $8, of 7.00% senior unsecured notes due 2038 before expenses. 

During the first quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for a new variable funding facility (2007-A Variable Funding Note) backed by 
substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with
a commitment of $300. Borrowings under the facility incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third-party bank conduit 
plus specified fees. During the third quarter of 2007, we used this facility to issue $220 in Notes and paid the outstanding balance in the third and 
fourth quarters of 2007. We pay a commitment fee for the note based on the size of the commitment and the amount of borrowings outstanding. 
Commitment fee rates decrease if more than $50 is outstanding on the facility. The facility can be cancelled or not renewed if our debt ratings fall 
below Standard and Poor’s BB+ rating or Moody’s Ba1 rating. Our current rating by Standard and Poor’s is A-, four grades above BB+, and by Moody’s 
is Baa1, three grades above Ba1.  

During the third quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for an additional new variable funding facility backed by the remaining 10% interest 
in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a commitment of $100. As of February 2, 2008, no issuances have been made against 
this facility. Borrowings under this facility incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third-party bank conduit plus 
specified fees. 

To manage our interest rate risk, we have an interest rate swap outstanding recorded in prepaid expenses and other. Our swap has a $250 notional 
amount, expires in January 2009, and is designated as a fully effective fair value hedge. Under the agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 5.63% and 
pay a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3% set at six-month intervals (5.32% at February 2, 2008). 

We maintain a $500 unsecured line of credit, which is available as liquidity support for our commercial paper program described below. Under the 
terms of the agreement, we pay a variable rate of interest and a commitment fee based on our debt rating. Based upon our current debt rating, we 
pay a variable rate of interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 0.225% (3.24% at February 2, 2008) on the outstanding balance and an annual commitment 
fee of 0.075% on the total capacity. The variable rate of interest increases to LIBOR plus a margin of 0.325% if more than $250 is outstanding on the 
facility. The line of credit expires in November 2010, and contains restrictive covenants, which include maintaining a leverage ratio. We made no 
borrowings under this line of credit during 2007 or 2006. 

During the third quarter of 2007, we entered into a new commercial paper dealer agreement, supported by our unsecured line of credit. Under this 
commercial paper program, we may issue commercial paper in an aggregate amount outstanding at any particular time not to exceed $500. This 
agreement allows us to use the proceeds to fund share repurchases as well as operating cash requirements. Under the terms of the commercial 
paper agreement, we pay a rate of interest based on, among other factors, the maturity of the issuance and market conditions. The issuance of 
commercial paper has the effect, while it is outstanding, of reducing our borrowing capacity under the line of credit by an amount equal to the 
principal amount of the commercial paper. As of February 2, 2008, we have no outstanding issuances of commercial paper. 

The fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, using quoted market prices of the same or similar issues, was $2,514 and $667 
at the end of 2007 and 2006. 

Required principal payments on long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations and the fair market value of the interest rate swap, are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
Thereafter 

The components of interest expense, net are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Interest expense on long-term debt 
Less: 

Interest income 
  Capitalized interest 
Interest expense, net 

2007 
$102 

(16)
(12)
$74 

2006 
$63 

(15) 
(5) 
$43 

$258 
22
355
5
505
1,336

2005 
$63 

(13) 
(5) 
$45 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

NOTE 9:  LEASES 
Future minimum lease payments as of February 2, 2008 are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
Thereafter 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less amount representing interest 
Present value of net minimum lease payments 

Capital Leases 
$3 
3 
2 
2 
2 
11 
23 
(8) 
$15 

Operating Leases 
$69 
71 
67 
62 
49 
260 
$578 

Rent expense for 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:  

Fiscal year 
Minimum rent: 
  Store locations 
  Offices, warehouses and equipment 
Percentage rent - store locations 
Property incentives - store locations 
Total rent expense 

2007 

2006 

2005 

$67 
14
14
(47)
$48 

$67 
15 
12 
(46)
$48 

$62 
15 
11 
(47) 
$41 

The rent expense above does not include common area maintenance costs of $19 in 2007 and $16 in both 2006 and 2005. 

NOTE 10:  SELF INSURANCE 
We retain a portion of the risk for certain losses related to health and welfare, workers’ compensation and general liability claims. Liabilities 
associated with these losses include estimates of both losses reported and losses incurred but not yet reported. We estimate our ultimate cost 
based on analysis of historical data and independent actuarial estimates. 

• Health and Welfare – We are self insured for our health and welfare coverage and we do not use stop-loss coverage. Participants contribute to the 
cost of their coverage and are subject to certain plan limits and deductibles. Our health and welfare reserve was $14 and $15 at the end of 2007 
and 2006. 

• Workers’ Compensation – We have a retention per claim of $1 or less and no policy limits. Our workers’ compensation reserve was $53 and $56 at 

the end of 2007 and 2006 and our expense was $15, $21 and $13 in 2007, 2006 and 2005. 

• General Liability – Our General Liability encompasses two types of losses – Employment Practices Liability and Commercial General Liability. We 
have a retention per claim of $1 or less and a policy limit up to $25 and $150, respectively. Our general liability insurance reserve was $10 at the 
end of both 2007 and 2006. 

NOTE 11:  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
We have an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), which provides retirement benefits to certain officers and select employees. 
This plan is non-qualified and does not have a minimum funding requirement. 

Effective February 3, 2007, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and 
Other Postretirement Plans  (“SFAS 158”). The impact of the adoption of SFAS 158 is reflected within our consolidated financial statements as of 
February 3, 2007. SFAS 158 requires the recognition of a plan’s overfunded or underfunded status as an asset or liability in the consolidated balance 
sheet and the recognition of changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income.

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

The following table reflects the effects of the adoption of SFAS 158 on our consolidated balance sheet as of February 3, 2007. 

Other assets 
Total assets 
Other liabilities 
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net 
Total shareholders’ equity 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

Before Application 
 of Statement 158 
$185 
4,820 
228 
1 
2,179 
$4,820 

Adjustments 
$2 
2 
12 
(10) 
(10) 
$2 

  After Application 
 of Statement 158 
$187
4,822
240
(9)
2,169
$4,822

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (pre-tax) included
prior service cost of $(3) and $(4) and accumulated loss of $(28) and $(39) at the end of 2007 and 2006.  

The change in benefit obligation and plan assets for 2007 and 2006 are as follows: 

February 2, 2008 

February 3, 2007

Change in benefit obligation: 
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year 

  Participant service cost 

Interest cost 
  Benefits paid 
  Actuarial (gain)/loss 

  Benefit obligation at end of year 
Change in plan assets: 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  Employer contribution
  Distributions

  Fair value of plan assets at end of year 
  Underfunded status 

$98 
3
6
(4)
(8)
$95 

—
$4 
(4)
— 
$(95) 

$91
2
6
(3)
2
$98

—
$3
(3)
—
$(98)

The accumulated benefit obligation was $86 at February 2, 2008 and at February 3, 2007. 

Amounts recognized as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: 

Current liabilities 
Noncurrent liabilities 
Net amount recognized 

The components of SERP expense are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Participant service cost 
Interest cost 
Amortization of net loss 
Amortization of prior service cost 
Total expense 

February 2, 2008 
$5 
90
$95 

February 3, 2007
$5 
93
$98 

2007 
$2 
6
3
1
$12 

2006 
$2 
6 
3 
1 
$12 

2005 
$2 
5 
2 
1 
$10 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Assumption percentages used to determine  

benefit obligation: 

  Discount rate 
  Rate of compensation increase 
Assumption percentages used to determine net 
  periodic benefit cost: 
  Discount rate 
  Rate of compensation increase 
Measurement date 

2007 

2006 

2005 

6.35%
3.00%

6.00% 
4.00% 

6.00% 
4.00% 

6.00%
4.00%
10/31/07

6.00% 
4.00% 
10/31/06 

6.00% 
4.00% 
10/31/05 

In accordance with SFAS 158, beginning in fiscal 2008, we will measure our benefit obligation as of our fiscal year-end. We do not believe the impact will 
be material. 

We used a discount rate for 2007 that was determined by constructing a hypothetical bond portfolio based on bonds available on October 31, 2007  
rated “AA” or better by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. This assumption was built to match the expected benefit payments under the SERP. The 
discount rate changed from 6.00% to 6.35% to reflect the current interest rate environment. 

In 2007, we updated the post-retirement mortality table to better reflect plan experience. In addition, we updated our assumptions relating to
bonus payments. 

As of October 31, 2007, the expected future benefit payments based upon the assumptions described above and including benefits attributable  
to future employee service for the following periods are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013-2017 

$5 
5
5
5
5
35

In 2008, we expect $3 of costs currently in accumulated other comprehensive earnings to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. 
This cost includes $1 for prior service cost and $2 for accumulated loss. We expect to make contributions to the plan of $5. 

NOTE 12:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 
We are involved in routine claims, proceedings and litigation arising in the normal course of our business. We do not believe any such claim, 
proceeding or litigation, either alone or in aggregate, will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 

During the third quarter, we entered into a Minimum Purchase Agreement with the Façonnable U.S. wholesale business whereby we committed
to purchase $246 of Façonnable inventory over the next three years. As of February 2, 2008, we have purchased $31 under the agreement.
Our estimated total purchase obligations, capital expenditure contractual commitments and inventory purchase orders were $1,382
as of February 2, 2008, including the remaining balance of $215 under the Minimum Purchase Agreement.  

In connection with the purchase of foreign merchandise, we have outstanding import letters of credit totaling $8 as of February 2, 2008. 

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

NOTE 13: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS 

Share Repurchase Program 
In February 2005, our Board of Directors authorized $500 of share repurchases. Overall for 2005, we purchased 8 shares for $287 at an average price 
of $33.80 per share. We utilized the remaining authorization of $213 in the first quarter of 2006, purchasing 6 shares at an average price of $39.27 
per share.  

Our Board of Directors authorized an additional $1,000 of share repurchases in May 2006. During the remainder of 2006, we repurchased 11 shares for 
$409 as part of this authorization, at an average price of $36.74.

During the first half of 2007 we repurchased 11 shares for $590 as part of the existing authorization from May 2006, including $300 repurchased as 
part of an accelerated share repurchase program. In May 2007, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Credit Suisse 
International to repurchase shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $300. We purchased 5 shares of our common stock on 
May 23, 2007 at $55.17 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, we received less than one share in June 2007 at no additional cost, based on the 
volume weighted average price of our common stock from June 1, 2007 to June 26, 2007. This resulted in an average price per share of $51.69 for the 
accelerated share repurchase as a whole. 

In August 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a $1,500 share repurchase program. In November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an 
increase of $1,000 to the share repurchase program. During the second half of 2007, we purchased 28 shares for $1,137 at an average price of $41.05, 
using the remaining $1 on the May 2006 authorization and beginning to use the August and November 2007 authorizations. As of February 2, 2008 
the unused authorization was $1,364. Repurchases under the program may be made through the end of 2009. The actual amount and timing of future 
share repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable SEC rules.  

Dividends 
In 2007, we paid dividends of $0.54 per share. We paid dividends of $0.42 and $0.32 in 2006 and 2005.  

Stock Compensation Plans 
We currently grant stock options, performance share units and common shares under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. 

The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense: 

 Fiscal year
 Stock options 
 Employee stock purchase plan 
 Performance share units 
 Other 
 Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit 
 Income tax benefit 
 Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit 

2007   
$23   
2
(1)
2
26
(9)
$17   

2006 
$27 
2 
7 
1 
37 
(13) 
$24 

2005 
- 
- 
$12 
1 
13 
(5)
$8 

The stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit was recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings as follows: 

  Fiscal year
  Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses 
  Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit  

2007 
$10 
16 
$26 

2006 
$12 
25 
$37 

2005 
          - 
$13 
$13 

Prior to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”), we applied APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees  (“APB 25”) to measure compensation costs for our stock-based compensation programs. Under APB 25, we recorded no 
compensation expense for stock options granted to employees and directors because the options’ strike price was equal to the closing market price  
of our common stock on the grant date. Also, in 2005 we recorded no compensation expense in connection with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
(“ESPP”). In 2005, we presented the effect on net earnings and earnings per share of the fair value provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting 
Standard No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation  (“SFAS 123”) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123  
in 2005: 

Fiscal year 
Net earnings, as reported 
Add: stock-based compensation expense included 

in reported net earnings, net of tax 

Deduct: stock-based compensation expense  
  determined under fair value, net of tax 
Pro forma net earnings 
Earnings per share: 
  Basic-as reported 
  Diluted-as reported 

  Basic-pro forma 
  Diluted-pro forma 

2005 
$551 

8

(25) 
$534 

$2.03 
$1.98 

$1.96 
$1.92 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), we classified all tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options and ESPP as operating cash inflows.  
SFAS 123(R) requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those awards to be classified as financing cash 
inflows rather than operating cash inflows, on a prospective basis. This amount is shown as “Excess tax benefit from stock-based payments” in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows and was $26 and $38 in 2007 and 2006. 

STOCK OPTIONS 
In 2005, we used the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of the stock options under SFAS 123. When we adopted SFAS 123(R), 
we elected to use the Binomial Lattice option valuation model. We believe that this model provides a better estimate of fair value than the Black-Scholes 
option valuation model, as it can accommodate variability in assumptions for expected volatility, dividends and risk-free interest rates.  

We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value for stock options at grant date:   

Fiscal year 
Risk-free interest rate 
Volatility 
Dividend yield 
Expected life in years 

2007 
4.6% - 4.7% 
35.0%
1.0%
5.7

2006 
4.9% - 5.1% 
37.0% 
1.0% 
5.4 

2005 
3.9% 
44.3% 
1.7% 
5.0 

The weighted average fair value per option at the grant date was $20, $16 and $10 in 2007, 2006 and 2005. The following describes the significant 
assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted:  

Risk-free interest rate: For 2007 and 2006, the rate represents the yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon securities that mature over the 10-year 
life of the stock options. For 2005, the rate was the yield on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon securities which matured near the end of the 
expected life of the stock options. 

Expected volatility: For 2007 and 2006, the expected volatility is based on a combination of the historical volatility of our common stock and 
the implied volatility of exchange traded options for our common stock. For 2005, the expected volatility was estimated using the historical 
volatility of our common stock. 

Expected dividend yield:  For 2007 and 2006, the yield is our forecasted dividend yield for the next ten years. In 2005, the expected dividend 
yield was based on our historical dividend yield.  

Expected life in years: The expected life represents the estimated period of time until option exercise. For 2007 and 2006, the expected term of 
options granted was derived from the output of the Binomial Lattice option valuation model and was based on our historical exercise behavior 
taking into consideration the contractual term of the option and our employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination 
behavior. For 2005, the expected life was determined based on our historical exercise behavior. 

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

As of February 2, 2008, we have options outstanding under two stock option plans (collectively, the “Nordstrom, Inc. Plans”). Options vest over 
periods ranging from four to eight years, and expire ten years after the date of grant. A summary of stock option activity under the Nordstrom, Inc. 
Plans is presented below: 

Fiscal Year 

    2007 

2006 

2005 

Outstanding, beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled 
Outstanding, end of year 
Options exercisable at end of year 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise Price 
$19 
54 
15 
38 
$25 
$16 

Shares 
12 
2 
(2) 
(1) 
11 
7 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise Price 
$15 
40 
13 
25 
$19 
$13 

Shares 
14 
2 
(4) 
—  
12 
6 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise Price 

$13 
26 
13 
16 
$15 
$12 

Shares 
18 
3 
(6) 
(1) 
14 
6 

In 2007, stock option awards to employees were approved by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors and their exercise price was set 
at the closing price of our common stock on March 1, 2007. In 2006 and 2005, stock option awards to employees were approved by the Compensation 
Committee of our Board of Directors and their exercise price was set at the closing price of our common stock on the Committee meeting date. The 
stock option awards provide recipients with the opportunity for financial rewards when our stock price increases. The awards are determined based 
upon a percentage of the recipients’ base salary and the fair value of the stock options, which was estimated using an option pricing model. The fair 
value per stock option was $20 and $16 in 2007 and 2006 (using a Binomial Lattice option valuation model), and $10 in 2005 (using the Black-Scholes 
option valuation model). In 2007, we awarded stock options to 1,195 employees compared to 1,236 and 1,207 employees in the same periods in 2006 
and 2005. 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $79, $111 and $102. The total fair value of stock options vested during 
fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $24, $30 and $27. As of February 2, 2008, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to 
nonvested stock options was $36, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 29 months. The aggregate intrinsic value of 
options outstanding as of February 2, 2008 was $185. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable as of February 2, 2008, was $160. 

As of February 2, 2008, 10 options were vested or expected to vest with a total intrinsic value of $180. The weighted average exercise price  
of options vested or expected to vest was $24 as of February 2, 2008. The weighted average exercise life of options vested or expected to vest was 
six years. 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding for the Nordstrom, Inc. Plans as of February 2, 2008: 

Range of Exercise Prices 
$8.03 
 -    $11.00 
$11.01   -   $19.60 
$19.61   -   $40.00 
$40.01   -   $53.63 

Options Outstanding 

  Weighted-Average 
Remaining Contractual 
Life (Years) 
4 
5 
6 
9 
6 

Shares 
3 
3 
2 
3 
11 

  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price 
$9 
17 
25 
47 
$25 

Options Exercisable 

  Weighted-Average 
Remaining Contractual 
Life (Years) 
4 
5 
5 
8 
5 

Shares 
3 
2 
1 
1 
7 

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price 
$9 
16 
24 
40 
$16 

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS 
We grant performance share units to align certain elements of our senior management compensation with our shareholder returns. Performance 
share units are payable in either cash or stock as elected by the employee; therefore they are classified as a liability award in accordance with SFAS 
123(R). Performance share units vest after a three-year performance period only when our total shareholder return (reflecting daily stock price 
appreciation and compound reinvestment of dividends) is positive and outperforms companies in a defined peer group of direct competitors 
determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The percentage of units that vest depends on our relative position  
at the end of the performance period and can range from 0% to 125% of the number of units granted.  

The liability is remeasured and the appropriate earnings adjustment is taken at each fiscal quarter-end during the vesting period. The price we used 
to remeasure the performance share units granted in 2005 was the closing market price of our common stock on the current period-end date. To 
remeasure the performance share units granted in 2006 and following, we use the 30-day average closing market price of our common stock leading 
up to the current period-end date. The price used to issue stock or cash for the performance share units upon vesting is the closing market price of 
our common stock on the vest date. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

As of February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007, our liabilities included $3 and $13 for performance share units. As of February 2, 2008, our total 
shareholder return did not reflect a position that created unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for non-vested performance share units. 
This position may change before the end of the performance period for the non-vested performance share units at February 2, 2008. At February 4, 
2007, 255,467 units were unvested. During the year ended February 2, 2008, 50,070 units were granted, 191,794 units vested and no units cancelled, 
resulting in an ending balance of 113,743 unvested units as of February 2, 2008. 

The following table summarizes the information for performance share units that vested during the period: 

  Fiscal Year 
  Number of performance share units vested 
  Total fair value of performance share units vested 
  Total amount of performance share units settled or to be settled for cash 

2007 
191,794
$12 
$3 

2006 
216,865 
$11 
$6 

2005 
336,892 
$10 
$2 

NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN 
The Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of stock awards to our nonemployee directors. These awards may be deferred 
or issued in the form of restricted or unrestricted stock, nonqualified stock options or stock appreciation rights. In 2007, we deferred a total expense 
of $1. As of February 2, 2008, we had 1 remaining share available for issuance. 

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN 
We offer an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) as a benefit to our employees. Employees may make payroll deductions of up to ten percent of 
their base and bonus compensation. At the end of each six-month offering period, participants may purchase shares of our common stock at 90% of 
the fair market value on the last day of each offer period. Beginning in 2006, we recorded compensation expense over the purchase period at the 
fair value of the ESPP at the end of each reporting period. We issued 1 share under the ESPP during the year ended February 2, 2008. As of both 
February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007, we had current liabilities of $6 for future purchase of shares under the ESPP. 

NOTE 14:  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) EARNINGS  
The following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) earnings, net of tax: 

Foreign currency translation 
Unrecognized loss on postretirement  benefit 
  obligations, prior to adoption of SFAS 158 
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158 
Unrecognized loss on postretirement  benefit 
  obligations, subsequent to adoption of SFAS 158 
Fair value adjustment to investment in asset  
  backed securities 
Total accumulated other  
  comprehensive (loss) earnings  

February 2, 2008 
—

February 3, 2007 
$15 

January 28, 2006 
$14 

—
—

$(22) 

—

$(22) 

(16)
(13) 

—

5 

$(9) 

(19)
— 

—

8 

$3 

Included in our adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158 in 2006 are our SERP, discussed in Note 11, and our employee retiree medical plan. Adoption of 
SFAS 158 had a $(3) impact (net of tax of $2) to accumulated other comprehensive earnings for the retiree medical plan. 

A fair value adjustment of $3 was removed from our consolidated balance sheet in conjunction with the securitization transaction completed on  
May 1, 2007. This adjustment was net of a decrease of $(2) related to current year fair value adjustments. 

Foreign currency translation of $16 was removed from our consolidated balance sheet and included in the gain on the sale of our Façonnable 
business during the third quarter of 2007. This decrease was net of an increase of $1 related to current year translation adjustments.

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

NOTE 15:  EARNINGS PER SHARE 
Earnings per basic share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Earnings per diluted share 
uses the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year plus dilutive common stock equivalents, primarily stock options 
and performance share units. 

The computation of earnings per share is as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Net earnings 

Basic shares 
Dilutive effect of stock options and performance  

share units 
Diluted shares 

Earnings per basic share 
Earnings per diluted share 

2007 
$715 

245

4
249

$2.92 
$2.88 

2006 
$678 

261 

5 
266 

$2.60 
$2.55 

2005 
$551 

272 

6 
278 

$2.03 
$1.98 

Options and other equity instruments totaling 3 shares in 2007 and 2 shares in 2006 were excluded from earnings per diluted share because their 
impact was anti-dilutive.

Since the beginning of 2005, 12 shares have been issued upon the exercise of stock options; we repurchased a total of 64 shares during the three 
fiscal years ended February 2, 2008. 

NOTE 16:  SEGMENT REPORTING 
We offer three channels through which our customers can shop: full-line and Rack retail stores and Nordstrom Direct (online and catalog). Our goal  
is to create an integrated, consistent merchandise offering for our customers regardless of which channel they choose. These three channels meet 
the aggregation criteria set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related 
Information (“SFAS 131”) with the exception of “distribution method.” Nordstrom Direct sells merchandise via our online store and the catalog as 
opposed to in a retail store. As such, we aggregate our full-line and Rack stores into the Retail Stores segment and report Direct as a separate 
segment. In the second quarter of 2007, we increased our ownership in Jeffrey. As a result of the additional purchase, Jeffrey is now consolidated 
and included in our Retail segment. 

The Credit segment earns finance charges and late fee income through operation of the Nordstrom private label and co-branded Nordstrom VISA
credit cards. Intersegment revenues consist of interchange fees charged to our other segments. 

The Other segment includes our product development group, which coordinates the design and production of private label merchandise sold in our 
retail stores, and our distribution network. This segment also includes our corporate center operations. During the time that we owned them, this 
segment also included the operations of our Façonnable stores. 

The segment information for 2006 and 2005 has been adjusted from our previous Form 10-K disclosures to reflect the 2007 view of certain costs 
between our Retail Stores, Direct, Credit and Other segments. These changes do not impact the consolidated statements of earnings. These changes 
include expense related to our loyalty program, intercompany merchant fee income, intercompany borrowings, and sales fulfilled at our Direct 
fulfillment center initiated at our full-line stores. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category: 

Fiscal year 
Women’s apparel 
Shoes 
Men’s apparel 
Cosmetics  
Women’s accessories 
Children’s apparel 
Other 
Total 

2007 
$3,063 
1,784
1,571
950
941
285
234
$8,828 

The following table presents our sales by merchandise category as a percentage of net sales: 

Fiscal year 
Women’s apparel 
Shoes
Men’s apparel 
Cosmetics
Women’s accessories 
Children’s apparel 
Other

2007 
35% 
20% 
18% 
11% 
11% 
3% 
2% 

2006 
$2,963 
1,731 
1,561 
942 
848 
286 
230 
$8,561 

2006 
35% 
20% 
18% 
11% 
10% 
3% 
3% 

2005 
$2,710 
1,591 
1,389 
847 
720 
266 
200 
$7,723 

2005 
35% 
21% 
18% 
11% 
9% 
3% 
3% 

In general, we use the same measurements to compute earnings before income taxes for reportable segments as we do for the consolidated 
company. However, redemptions of our Nordstrom Notes® are included in net sales for our Retail Stores segment. The sales amount in our Other 
segment includes an entry to eliminate these transactions from our consolidated net sales. There is no impact to consolidated earnings before 
income taxes for this adjustment. In addition, our sales return reserve and other corporate adjustments are recorded in the Other segment. Other 
than described above, the accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting 
policies in Note 1. 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

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

Fiscal year 2007 
Net sales (a) 
Net sales increase 
Intersegment revenues 
Interest expense, net (b) 
Finance charges and other, net 
Depreciation and amortization 
Earnings before income taxes 
Earnings before income taxes 
  as a percentage of net sales 
Goodwill 
Acquired tradename 
Assets (c) 
Capital expenditures 

Fiscal year 2006 
Net sales (a) 
Net sales increase 
Intersegment revenues 
Interest expense, net (b) 
Finance charges and other, net 
Depreciation and amortization 
Earnings before income taxes 
Earnings before income taxes 
  as a percentage of net sales 
Goodwill 
Acquired tradename 
Assets (c) 
Capital expenditures 

Fiscal year 2005 
Net sales (a) 
Net sales increase 
Intersegment revenues 
Interest expense, net (b) 
Finance charges and other, net 
Depreciation and amortization 
Earnings before income taxes 
Earnings before income taxes 
  as a percentage of net sales 
Goodwill 
Acquired tradename 
Assets (c) 
Capital expenditures 

Retail 
Stores 
$8,168 
3.2% 
— 
— 
(1) 
228 
1,256 

15.4% 
38 
— 
2,555 
431 

Retail 
Stores 
$7,913 
10.0% 
— 
— 
(1) 
237 
1,203 

15.2% 
8 
— 
2,306 
224 

Retail 
Stores   
$7,197 
8.5% 
— 
— 
(2) 
223 
998 

13.9% 
8 
— 
2,285 
232 

Direct 
$633 
16.7% 
— 
— 
— 
3 
165 

26.0% 
15 
— 
133 
35 

Direct 
     $543 
23.5% 
— 
— 
— 
3 
134 

24.7% 
16 
— 
105 
3 

Direct 
$439 
(1.7%) 
— 
— 
1 
3 
88 

20.2% 
16 
— 
85 
3 

Credit 
— 
N/A 
$1 
                  (37) 
250 
1 
(11) 

N/A 
— 
— 
1,783 
3 

Credit 
- 
N/A 
$1 
(11) 
214 
1 
73 

N/A 
- 
- 
1,063 
1 

Credit 
- 
N/A 
— 
          $(17) 
186 
1 
53 

N/A 
- 
— 
1,164 
1 

Other 
$27 
(74.7%) 
— 
 (37) 
22 
37 
(237) 

N/A 
— 
— 
1,129 
32 

Other 
$105 
20.3% 
— 
(32) 
26 
44 
(304) 

N/A 
28 
84 
1,348 
36 

Other 
$87 
62.1% 
— 
(28) 
11 
49 
(254) 

N/A 
28 
84 
1,387 
36 

Eliminations 
— 
N/A 
$(1) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

N/A 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Eliminations 
— 
N/A 
$(1) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

N/A 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Eliminations 
— 
N/A 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

N/A 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Total 
  $8,828 
3.1%
—
(74)
271
269
1,173

13.3% 
53
—
5,600
501

Total 
  $8,561 
10.8% 
—
(43)
239
285
1,106

12.9% 
52
84
4,822
264

Total 
  $7,723 
8.3%
—
(45)
196
276
885

11.5%
52
84
4,921
272

(a)  Net sales in Other include foreign sales of $62, $104 and $94 for 2007, 2006 and 2005. 
(b)  Interest income of $14, $13 and $12 for 2007, 2006 and 2005 is recorded in our Other segment as an offset to interest expense, net. 
(c)  Assets in Other include foreign assets of $0, $212 and $205 at the end of 2007, 2006 and 2005. It also includes unallocated assets in corporate headquarters, consisting primarily of 

cash, land, buildings and equipment, and deferred tax assets. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per option amounts 

NOTE 17:  SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) 

Fiscal year 2007 
Net sales 
Same-store sales  
  percentage change 
Gross profit 
Earnings before income taxes 
Net earnings 
Net earnings as a percentage of 
  net sales 
Earnings per basic share 
Earnings per diluted share 

Fiscal year 2006 
Net sales 
Same-store sales  
  percentage change 
Gross profit 
Earnings before income taxes 
Net earnings 
Net earnings as a percentage of 
  net sales 
Earnings per basic share 
Earnings per diluted share 

 1st Quarter 
  $1,954 

  2nd Quarter 
  $2,390 

  3rd Quarter 
$1,970 

  4th Quarter 
  $2,514 

Total 
  $8,828 

9.5% 
739 
254 
157 

8.0% 
  $0.61 
  $0.60 

5.9% 
876 
293 
180 

7.6% 
$0.72 
$0.71 

2.2% 
742 
272 
166 

8.4% 
$0.69 
$0.68 

(0.7%) 
945 
354 
212 

8.4% 
$0.93 
$0.92 

3.9% 
3,302 
1,173 
715 

8.1% 
$2.92 
$2.88 

 1st Quarter 
  $1,787 

  2nd Quarter 
  $2,271 

  3rd Quarter 
$1,872 

  4th Quarter 
  $2,631 

Total 
  $8,561  

5.4% 
664 
213 
131 

7.3% 
  $0.49 
  $0.48 

5.7% 
824 
293 
179 

7.9% 
$0.68 
$0.67 

10.7% 
712 
221 
136 

7.2% 
$0.53 
$0.52 

8.3% 
1,007 
379 
232 

8.8% 
$0.90 
$0.89 

7.5% 
3,207 
1,106 
678 

7.9% 
  $2.60 
  $2.55 

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the 
participation of management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, of the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon that evaluation, 
our President and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, our disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective in the timely and accurate recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of material financial and non-financial 
information within the time periods specified within the Commission’s rules and forms. Our President and Chief Financial Officer also concluded that 
our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under 
the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely 
discussions regarding required disclosure. 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during
our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over 
financial reporting. 

The following information required under this item is filed as part of this report: 

Management Responsibility for Financial Information 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Page
33 
33 
34 

Item 9B. Other Information. 

None.

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Registrant. 

The information required under this item is included in the following sections of our Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
which sections are incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year: 

PART III 

Executive Officers 
Election of Directors  
Board Committees 
Director Nominating Process 
Web site Access to Corporate Governance Documents 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 
Corporate Governance 

The certifications of our President and Chief Financial Officer required pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are 
included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and were included as exhibits to each of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Our President 
certified to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on June 14, 2007 pursuant to Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE’s listing standards, that he was not 
aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards as of that date. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation. 

The information required under this item is included in the following sections of our Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
which sections are incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year: 

Compensation of Executive Officers  
Compensation Committee Report  
Director Compensation 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  61

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters. 

The information required under this item is included in the following section of our Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
which sections are incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year: 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 
Equity Compensation Plans 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. 

The information required under this item is included in the following sections of our Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
which sections are incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year: 

Election of Directors 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. 

The information required under this item is included in the following section of our Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
which section is incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year: 

Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

PART IV 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

The following information required under this item is filed as part of this report: 

(a)1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Management Responsibility for Financial Information 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(a)2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

(a)3. EXHIBITS 

 Page
33 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

Page
65 

Exhibits are incorporated herein by reference or are filed with this report as set forth in the Index to Exhibits on pages 66 through 70 hereof.  

All other schedules and exhibits are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or because the information required has been given as 
part of this report.  

62

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on 
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES

NORDSTROM, INC. 
(Registrant) 

/s/ 

  Michael G. Koppel
Michael G. Koppel
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: March 21, 2008 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the 
Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. 

Principal Financial Officer: 

Principal Executive Officer: 

/s/ 

Michael G. Koppel /s/ 
Michael G. Koppel
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Principal Accounting Officer: 

Blake W. Nordstrom
Blake W. Nordstrom
President

/s/ 

Directors: 

/s/ 

/s/                 

/s/ 

/s/   

Date: March 21, 2008 

James A. Howell
James A. Howell
Vice President – Finance

Phyllis J. Campbell /s/  
Phyllis J. Campbell
Director

/s/ 

Jeanne P. Jackson
Director

Blake W. Nordstrom /s/  
Blake W. Nordstrom
Director

Peter E. Nordstrom /s/   
Peter E. Nordstrom
Director

Alison A. Winter
Alison A. Winter
Director

Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Robert G. Miller
Robert G. Miller
Director

Erik B. Nordstrom
Erik B. Nordstrom
Director

Philip G. Satre
Philip G. Satre
Director

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Nordstrom, Inc.:  

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 033-18321, 333-63403, 333-40064, 333-40066, 
333-79791, 333-101110, 333-118756, and 333-146049 on Form S-8 and Nos. 333-59840, 333-69281, and 333-147664 on Form S-3 of our 
report dated March 20, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Nordstrom, 
Inc. (which report expressed an unqualified opinion and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the change in accounting 
for stock-based compensation upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment), 
and our report dated March 20, 2008, relating to the effectiveness of Nordstrom, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nordstrom, Inc. for the year ended February 2, 2008.  

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Seattle, Washington 
March 21, 2008

64

NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 

(Dollars in millions) 

Column A   

Description 
Deducted from related consolidated balance sheet account 

Column B 

 Balance at beginning 
of period 

Column C 
        Additions 
Charged to costs 
  and expenses 

Column D 

Column E 

Deductions 

  Balance at end 
of period 

Allowance for doubtful accounts: 
Year ended: 

February 2, 2008 
February 3, 2007 
January 28, 2006 

Reserves  

Allowance for sales return, net: 
Year ended: 

February 2, 2008 
February 3, 2007 
January 28, 2006 

$17 
18 
19 

$55 
51 
50 

$86 (A)  
17 
21 

$30 (B) 
18 (B) 
22 (B) 

$1,023 
894 
805 

$1,022 (C) 
890 (C) 
804 (C) 

$73 
17 
18 

$56 
55 
51 

(A) These expenses do not include write-offs of $21 related to the one-time transition of our VISA portfolio to on-balance sheet, which were included in Finance charges and other, net. 
(B) Deductions consist of write-offs of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries.  
(C) Deductions consist of actual returns offset by the value of the merchandise returned and the sales commission reversed.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  65

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Exhibit Index 

Exhibit 

  1.1  Underwriting Agreement dated November 28, 2007, by and among the Company 
and Banc of America Securities LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley & 
Co. Incorporated, as representatives of the several underwriters of the Notes 

Method of Filing 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on December 3, 2007, Exhibit 1.1 

  3.1  Articles of Incorporation as amended and restated on February 21, 2007 

  3.2 

Bylaws, as amended and restated on August 21, 2007 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on February 23, 2007, Exhibit 3.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on August 23, 2007, Exhibit 3.2 

  4.1 

Indenture between Registrant and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee,  
dated March 11, 1998 

Incorporated by reference from Registration No. 333-47035, 
Exhibit 4.1 

  4.2 

Senior indenture between Registrant and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as 
trustee, dated January 13, 1999 

Incorporated by reference from Registration No. 333-69281, 
Exhibit 4.3 

  4.3 

Form of Subordinated Indenture between Registrant and Norwest Bank Colorado, 
N.A., as trustee, dated January 13, 1999 

Incorporated by reference from Registration No. 333-69281, 
Exhibit 4.4 

  4.4 

  4.5 

Series 2007-1 Note purchase agreement, dated as of April 25, 2007, by  
and between Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust II and J.P. Morgan 
Securities Inc. and Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., as representative of the 
initial purchasers 

Series 2007-2 Note purchase agreement, dated as of April 25, 2007, by  
and between Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust II and J.P. Morgan 
Securities Inc. and Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., as representative of the 
initial purchasers 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 1, 2007, Exhibit 4.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 1, 2007, Exhibit 4.2 

  4.6  Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and 

between Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust II and Wells Fargo Bank, 
National Association, as indenture trustee 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 4.1 

  4.7 

  4.8 

Series 2007-1 Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and between 
Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust II and Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as indenture trustee 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 4.2 

Series 2007-2 Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and between 
Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust II and Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as indenture trustee 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 4.3 

  4.9  Note purchase agreement, dated as of May 2, 2007, by and between Nordstrom 

Credit Card Receivables II LLC, Nordstrom fsb, Nordstrom Credit, Inc., Falcon 
Asset Securitization Company, LLC and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 5, 2007,  
Exhibit 4.6 

4.10

Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 2, 2007, by and between Nordstrom 
Credit Card Master Note Trust II and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association 

4.11

Form of 6.25% Note due January 2018 

4.12

Form of 7.00% Note due January 2038 

10.1 Merchant Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom 

National Credit Bank 

66

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 5, 2007,  
Exhibit 4.7 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on December 3, 2007, Exhibit 4.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on December 3, 2007, Exhibit 4.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1991,  
Exhibit 10.1 

 
 
 
 
10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

Exhibit 
Nordstrom Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (2003 Restatement) 

10.2

Method of Filing 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2003, 
Exhibit 10.1 

Investment Agreement dated October 8, 1984 between the Registrant and 
Nordstrom Credit, Inc. 

Incorporated by reference from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc.  
Form 10, Exhibit 10.1 

1997 Nordstrom Stock Option Plan, amended and restated on  
February 16, 2000 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 2003, 
Exhibit 10.1 

Amendment 2005-1 to the Nordstrom 401(k) Plan & Profit Sharing dated  
January 1, 2004 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006, Exhibit 10.6 

Amendment 2005-2 to the Nordstrom 401(k) Plan & Profit Sharing dated  
January 1, 2004 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006, Exhibit 10.7 

Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant 
and Bancamerica Securities, Inc. 

10.8

Commercial Paper Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant and 
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation 

10.9

Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant 
and First Trust of New York, N.A. 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, 
Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, 
Exhibit 10.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, 
Exhibit 10.3 

10.10  Performance Undertaking dated December 4, 2001 between Registrant and  

Bank One, N.A. 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2002, Exhibit 10.38 

10.11  Promissory Note dated April 18, 2002 between 1700 Seventh, L.P. and New York 

Life Insurance Company 

10.12  Promissory Note dated April 18, 2002 between 1700 Seventh, L.P. and  

Life Investors Insurance Company of America 

10.13  Guaranty Agreement dated April 18, 2002 between Registrant, New York Life 
Insurance Company and Life Investors Insurance Company of America 

10.14  The 2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan 

10.15  Nordstrom, Inc. Leadership Separation Plan (Restated Effective March 1, 2005) 

10.16  Nordstrom, Inc. Executive Management Group Bonus Plan 

10.17 2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2002,  
Exhibit 10.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2002,  
Exhibit 10.3 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2002,  
Exhibit 10.4 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly  
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2002,  
Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2005, Exhibit 10.43 

Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s definitive proxy  
statement filed with the Commission on April 15, 2004 

Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s definitive proxy 
statement filed with the Commission on April 15, 2004 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  67

 
10.18 Commitment of Nordstrom, Inc. to Nordstrom fsb dated June 17, 2004 

Exhibit 

Method of Filing 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2004, 
Exhibit 10.4 

10.19 Nordstrom fsb Segregated Earmarked Deposit Agreement and Security 
Agreement by and between Nordstrom fsb and Nordstrom, Inc. dated  
July 1, 2004 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2004, 
Exhibit 10.5 

10.20 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated November 4, 2005, between 

Registrant and each of the initial lenders named therein as Lenders,  
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Syndication  
Agents, U.S. Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agent and  
Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 2005, 
Exhibit 10.1 

10.21 Press release dated August 21, 2007 announcing that its Board of  

Directors authorized a $1.5 billion share repurchase program 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.6 

10.22 Press release dated November 19, 2007 announcing that its Board of  
Directors authorized a $1.0 billion share repurchase program 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.6 

10.23 Director Compensation Summary 

10.24 Nordstrom, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006 Restatement) 

10.25  2007 Stock Option Notice Award Agreement and Form of Notice 

10.26  2007 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement and Form of Notice 

10.27  Form of Restricted Stock Award under the 2002 Nonemployee Director  

Stock Incentive Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2007, Exhibit 10.54 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive 
proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on 
April 13, 2006, Exhibit 10.4 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on February 26, 2007, Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on February 26, 2007, Exhibit 10.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 4, 2007, 
Exhibit 10.1 

10.28  Nordstrom, Inc. 2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan  

(2007 Amendment) 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on November 19, 2007, Exhibit 10.39 

10.29  Nordstrom Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (2007 Restatement) 

10.30  Nordstrom Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (2007 Restatement) 

10.31  Nordstrom, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (2007 Amendment) 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed
on November 19, 2007, Exhibit 10.40 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed
on November 19, 2007, Exhibit 10.41 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on November 19, 2007, Exhibit 10.44 

10.32 First Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

Filed herewith electronically 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank,
dated March 1, 2000 

10.33 Second Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 
August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank,
dated March 2, 2000 

Filed herewith electronically 

10.34 Third Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

Filed herewith electronically 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank,
dated October 1, 2001 

68

 
Exhibit 
10.35  Fourth Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated 
November 1, 2002 

Filed herewith electronically 

Method of Filing 

10.36  Fifth Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

Filed herewith electronically 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated 
November 1, 2005  

10.37  Sixth Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

Filed herewith electronically 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated 
May 1, 2007 

10.38  Forms of Notice of 1999 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreements under 

Filed herewith electronically 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.39  Form of Notice of 2000 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

Filed herewith electronically 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.40  Forms of Notice of 2001 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

Filed herewith electronically 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.41  Form of Notice of 2002 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

Filed herewith electronically 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.42  Form of Notice of 2003 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

Filed herewith electronically 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.43  Form of Notice of 2004 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

Filed herewith electronically 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.44  Form of Notice of 2005 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on March 1, 2005, Exhibit 10.1 

10.45  Form of Notice of 2006 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

Filed herewith electronically 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.46  Form of 2006 Performance Share Unit Notice and Performance Share Unit  

Award Agreement  

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on February 28, 2006, Exhibit 10.1 

10.47  Nordstrom 401(K) Plan & Profit Sharing, as amended and restated on  

January 1, 2004 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report 
on Form 11-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, Exhibit 99.2 

10.48  Employment Letter with Mr. Paul Favaro, effective February 1, 2005 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on January 12, 2005, Exhibit 99.1 

10.49  Participation Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and between Nordstrom fsb, 

a seller and Nordstrom Credit, Inc., as purchaser 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.1 

10.50  Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and between Nordstrom fsb, 

and Nordstrom Credit, Inc. 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.2 

10.51  Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 1, 
2007, by and between Nordstrom Credit, Inc., as seller and Nordstrom Credit 
Card Receivables II LLC, as purchaser 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.3 

10.52  Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 1, 
2007, by and between Nordstrom Credit Card Receivables II LLC, as transferor, 
Nordstrom fsb, as servicer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as indenture 
trustee, and Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust II, as issuer 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.4 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
10.53 Second Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and 
between Nordstrom Credit Card Receivables II LLC, as transferor, and Wilmington 
Trust Company, as owner trustee

Method of Filing 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.5

10.54 Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007,  
by and between Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust II, as issuer, and 
Nordstrom fsb, as administrator

10.55 Form of 2005 Performance Share Unit Notice and Performance Share Unit  

Award Agreement

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.6

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on March 1, 2005, Exhibit 10.2

10.56 Amendment 2006-1 to the Nordstrom, Inc. Leadership Separation Plan 

Filed herewith electronically 

21.1 Significant subsidiaries of the Registrant 

Filed herewith electronically 

23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

Filed as page 64 of this report 

31.1 Certification of President required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes- 

Filed herewith electronically 

Oxley Act of 2002 

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302(a) of the 

Filed herewith electronically 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

32.1 Certification of President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, 
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

Furnished herewith electronically 

70

 
Executive Officers 

Laurie M. Black, 49 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Cosmetics Division 

Paul F. Favaro, 50 
Executive Vice President, 
Strategy and Development 

Linda Toschi Finn, 60
Executive Vice President, Marketing 

James A. Howell, 42 
Vice President, Finance 

Lisa G. Iglesias, 42 
Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary 

Jeffrey S. Kalinsky, 45 
Executive Vice President,
Designer Merchandising 

Kevin T. Knight, 52
Executive Vice President, 
Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of Nordstrom fsb, 
President, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. 

Michael G. Koppel, 51  
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

Daniel F. Little, 46  
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Administrative Officer 

David Loretta, 40 
Treasurer and Vice President 

Scott A. Meden, 45 
Executive Vice President 
and President, Nordstrom Rack 

Jack H. Minuk, 53  
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Shoe Division 

Margaret Myers, 61 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Accessories and Women’s  
Specialized Divisions 

Blake W. Nordstrom, 47
President

Erik B. Nordstrom, 44  
Executive Vice President,
President of Stores 

James (Jamie) F. Nordstrom, Jr., 35
Executive Vice President,
President, Nordstrom Direct 

Peter E. Nordstrom, 46
Executive Vice President,
President of Merchandising

James R. O’Neal, 49
Executive Vice President 
and President, 
Nordstrom Product Group 

Loretta Soffe, 41 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Women’s Apparel Division 

Delena M. Sunday, 47
Executive Vice President, 
Human Resources and Diversity Affairs 

David M. Witman, 49
Executive Vice President,
General Merchandise Manager,
Menswear and Kidswear Divisions

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  71 

Audit Committee 
Phyllis J. Campbell, Chair 
Jeanne P. Jackson 
Robert G. Miller 
Philip G. Satre 
Alison A. Winter 

Compensation Committee 
Alison A. Winter, Chair 
Enrique Hernandez, Jr. 
Jeanne P. Jackson 
Robert G. Miller 

Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee 
Enrique Hernandez, Jr., Chair 
Philip G. Satre 
Alison A. Winter 

Executive Committee 
Enrique Hernandez, Jr., Chair 
Blake W. Nordstrom 
Erik B. Nordstrom 
Peter E. Nordstrom 

Finance Committee 
Jeanne P. Jackson, Chair 
Phyllis J. Campbell 
Robert G. Miller 
Peter E. Nordstrom 
Philip G. Satre

Board of Directors and Committees

Board of Directors 

Phyllis J. Campbell, 56 
President and CEO, 
The Seattle Foundation 
Seattle, Washington 

Enrique Hernandez, Jr., 52 
Nordstrom, Inc. Chairman of the Board 
President and CEO, 
Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. 
Pasadena, California 

Jeanne P. Jackson, 56
Founder and General Partner, 
MSP Capital 
Newport Beach, California 

Robert G. Miller, 63 
Chairman of the Board of Directors, 
Rite-Aid, Inc.  
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and
Chief Executive Officer, 
Albertsons LLC 
Boise, Idaho 

Blake W. Nordstrom, 47 
President
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Seattle, Washington 

Erik B. Nordstrom, 44  
Executive Vice President and 
President of Stores 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Seattle, Washington 

Peter E. Nordstrom, 46
Executive Vice President and 
President of Merchandising 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Seattle, Washington 

Philip G. Satre, 58
Private Equity Investor 
Reno, Nevada 

Alison A. Winter, 61 
Founder
Braintree Holdings, LLC 
Pasadena, California 

72

Shareholder Information

Independent Registered Public  
Accounting Firm 
Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Seattle, Washington 

Form 10-K 
The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K  
for the year ended February 2, 2008 will be 
provided to shareholders upon request to: 

Counsel
Lane Powell PC 
Seattle, Washington 

Transfer Agent and Registrar 
The Bank of New York Mellon 
P. O. Box 3316 South Hackensack, 
New Jersey 07606 
Telephone (800) 318-7045 
TDD for Hearing Impaired (800) 231-5469 
Foreign Shareholders (201) 329-8660 
TDD Foreign Shareholders (201) 329-8354 

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

Annual Meeting 
May 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. 
Pacific Daylight Time 
Benaroya Hall 
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall 
200 University Street 
Seattle, Washington 98101-3428 

Nordstrom, Inc. Investor Relations 
P. O. Box 2737 
Seattle, Washington 98111 
(206) 303-3200 
invrelations@nordstrom.com 

Shareholder Information 
Additional shareholder information, including 
Nordstrom’s Corporate Governance Guidelines 
and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, is 
available online at www.nordstrom.com
(Investor Relations, Corporate Governance). 
The Company intends to provide disclosure 
of any amendments or waivers to its Code of 
Business Conduct and Ethics online within 
four business days following the date of 
amendment or waiver. In addition, the 
Company is always willing to discuss
matters of concern to shareholders.  
(206) 303-3200 
invrelations@nordstrom.com 

Certifications 
We have filed the required certifications 
under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley  
Act of 2002 regarding the quality of our 
public disclosures as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2  
to our annual report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended February 2, 2008. After our 2008 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we intend  
to file with the New York Stock Exchange the 
CEO certification regarding our compliance 
with the NYSE’s corporate governance  
listing standards as required by NYSE  
Rule 303A.12(a). 

© 2007 Nordstrom, Inc.

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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