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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FY2009 Annual Report · Nordstrom
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Nordstrom, INc. AnnuAl RepoRt 2009

Front & Back COVER

OUR SCORECARD

Dollars in millions except per share and per square foot amounts

Fiscal Year 

Net sales 
Earnings before income taxes  
Net earnings 
Earnings per basic share 
Earnings per diluted share 
Cash dividends paid per share 

$435

$423

$392

$388

$368

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

SaleS per Square Foot

 Same-Store SaleS percentage change

2006
2005
6.0% 7.5%

2007
3.9%

2008
(9.0%)

2009
(4.2%)

2009 

$8,258 
696 
441 
2.03 
2.01 
0.64 

2008 

$8,272 
648 
401 
1.85 
1.83 
0.64 

37.5% 37.4%

36.7%

35.5%

34.5%

% Change

(0.2)
7.4
9.9 
9.7
9.8
_

29.8%

28.7%

27.1%

26.5%

26.7%

26.0%

25.5%

25.4%

25.5%

24.5%

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

groSS proFit  
(aS a percentage oF net SaleS)

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Sg&a expenSe   
(aS a percentage oF net SaleS)

12.8% 12.9%

11.3%

5.20

5.16

5.41

5.06

4.84

8.1%

7.6%

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

earningS beFore income taxeS  
(aS a percentage oF total revenueS)

inventory turn  
(coSt oF SaleS and related buying and  
occupancy divided by average inventory)

Total

Credit Segment

Retail, Direct & Other Segments

$1,251

$1,142

$975
(Adjusted)

$848

$776

$312

2005

2006

2007†

2008

2009

caSh Flow From operationS

†2007 cash flow from operations was $312. Cash flow from operations was impacted in 2007 by the securitization accounting change and, to a lesser extent, growth in 
credit accounts receivable. 2007 adjusted cash flow from operations of $975 is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as follows: cash flow from operations 
of $312, plus the impact of $1,083 related to accounts receivable, and less the impact of $420 related to the investment in asset-backed securities, both primarily 
related to the securitization accounting change. We believe that adjusted cash flow from operations is a useful measure for investors to understand the effect of the 
securitization accounting change in comparing 2007 results to other years. It should not be considered a substitute for cash flow from operations.

INSIDE LEFT COVER

 
     
We  made  significant  headway  in  our  business  this  past  year,  emerging  stronger  than  we  were  before 
the  downturn  that  began  nearly  two  years  ago.  Throughout,  we’ve  tried  to  keep  a  steady  focus  on 
our  customers.  We  follow,  first  and  foremost,  a  customer  strategy  at  Nordstrom  —  not  a  price,  brand, 
technology or any other corporate strategy. We believe it is this singular focus on our customers that has 
kept us disciplined, guided careful decision making and enabled us to take advantage of opportunities.  

Let’s briefly recap some of our 2009 results:

•  Net earnings of $441 million, a 9.9% increase from the prior year.    

•   Total retail sales decrease of 0.2% to $8.26 billion, and same-store sales decline of 4.2% for 

the year.

•  Higher gross profit driven by more regular price selling.

•  Free cash flow of $579 million.

•  Inventory turn of 5.4, a historically high rate for our business.

Our performance last year exceeded our expectations and put us in a better position both financially and 
competitively. We achieved our results by seeing the business through the eyes of our customers. This 
led us to enhanced service, merchandise that is more current and compelling, improvements to our multi-
channel capabilities and continued discipline in the way we manage our business. 

A COMPELLING OFFERING
One  of  the  ways  we  created  closer  alignment  with  customers  was  through  our  merchandise  mix.  In  a 
historically challenging year, our buyers had much at stake and the strength of our vendor relationships 
mattered more than ever. We planned cautiously so that we could maximize our merchandise flexibility 
and evolve with our customers. With inventory, we were careful to stay in line with sales trends while 
bringing in merchandise that resonated with our customers. 

Even  in  tough  times,  we  wanted  to  be  able  to  deliver  on  our  customers’  expectations.  We  found  ways 
to  continue  leveraging  our  broad,  diverse  merchandise  offering  that  reflected  our  customers’  desire 
for value, quality and newness. We moved quickly to provide new merchandise as customers started to 
respond. Our merchandise is now as current as it’s ever been, and there is a steady flow of new fashion 
into our stores.

MULTI-CHANNEL PROGRESS
We  know  more  of  our  customers  are  choosing  to  shop  with  us  in  different  ways.  Customers  don’t  see 
a distinction between a Nordstrom store, nordstrom.com or our catalogs. To them, it’s just Nordstrom,  
and they want a consistently great shopping experience no matter where or how they choose to shop. 

In  fall  of  2009,  we  took  a  big  step  forward  in  serving  customers  across  multiple  channels  by  creating 
shared  inventory  between  our  full-line  stores  and  nordstrom.com.  Now,  online  customers  can  access 
merchandise no matter where it is located. If we are out of stock of an item at our fulfillment center, our 
systems instantly locate whether it is at any of our full-line stores and we can fulfill the online order at 
the store level. 

As a result, customers are able to find what they are looking for more often from us online. Shopping 
across  channels  is  more  convenient.  From  a  business  standpoint,  this  capability  greatly  improved 
efficiency, enabling us to turn inventory faster and bring in newer merchandise. 

We  view  these  and  other  multi-channel  improvements  as  simply  another  means  to  create  a  seamless 
shopping experience for customers. Ultimately, our goal is to enable the customer to shop with us on 
their terms — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Blake’s Letter

DISCIPLINED EXECUTION
Our commitment to customers has also guided careful expense management. The dramatic drop in 2008 
prompted  us  to  take  a  hard  look  at  our  business.  We  questioned  aspects  of  our  operations  that  did  not 
enhance  the  shopping  experience.  We  wanted  to  protect  the  things  that  help  us  take  care  of  customers 
while scaling back other costs. This meant becoming leaner primarily at the back of the house — areas of 
the business that did not engage with customers. This editing and prioritizing based on the customer has 
enabled us to manage our business more effectively and profitably.

We also invested in our future by growing our store presence in top markets and retail locations across the 
country. We opened three Nordstrom stores, relocated another and opened 13 Nordstrom Racks. 

THE ROAD AHEAD
Although  the  economy  remains  uncertain  and  there  is  lingering  caution  with  customers,  we  are  making 
solid progress. We are better able to serve our customers in a manner they would like. We achieved earnings 
growth and strengthened our financial position. While it is premature to say things have turned around,  
we feel encouraged by some key factors:

•   Building sales momentum in 2009, including consecutive same-store sales increases  

each of the last four months of the year.

•  Fresh, compelling merchandise that customers are telling us they want.

•  Tight inventory management and the flexibility to quickly respond to trends across all stores.

•   More ways to connect with customers on a multi-channel basis, including plans for an 

enhanced online experience, improved mobile shopping capabilities and better engagement 
with customers through social networking.

•   Continuing  store  growth,  with  announced  plans  for  three  new  Nordstrom  stores,  one  store 

relocation and 17 Nordstrom Rack openings in 2010.

We’ve learned a great deal during this difficult stretch and the experience has made us better. Looking ahead,  
we believe we can earn more business. At the same time, we remain grounded in our customer strategy  
and mindful of what we’ve been through. Improving service is at the core of our business and something  
we have to work hard at each and every day.

On behalf of everyone at Nordstrom, thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Blake W. Nordstrom
President, Nordstrom, Inc.

Peter E. Nordstrom
President of Merchandising, Nordstrom, Inc.

Erik B. Nordstrom
President of Stores, Nordstrom, Inc.

W
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Adversity is a great test of character. How a company responds under difficult circumstances tells you a lot 
about the true qualities of the business and the people behind it. During an extraordinarily turbulent time 
in fashion retail and the broader economy, Nordstrom performed admirably in 2009. With continued focus 
on the customer, the company strengthened its financial condition and firmly positioned itself for growth.  

This  past  year  proved  the  axiom  that  where  there  are  challenges,  there  are  opportunities.  In  spite  of 
a  difficult  sales  environment,  the  company  developed  and  employed  a  more  efficient  and  profitable 
business  model,  made  strategic  investments,  increased  market  share  and,  most  important,  found  new 
ways to take care of customers. Nordstrom is a company that is evolving in step with its customers and 
preparing to serve them in new and better ways in the future.

In  2009  the  company  increased  free  cash  flow  and  strengthened  its  fundamentals.  Earnings  Before 
Interest and Income Taxes (EBIT) and Return on Invested Capital, important measures for our shareholders, 
improved  over  the  prior  year.  The  company  managed  working  capital  well  while  also  maintaining 
investment grade credit ratings. All of these factors should provide Nordstrom with an advantage in the 
marketplace and enhanced flexibility.  

In my letter last year, I said that changes in the marketplace presented opportunities for Nordstrom, and 
it  has  been  encouraging  to  see  the  company  effectively  take  advantage  of  many.  The  progress  made 
during 2009 in the multi-channel aspect of our business is a good example of an initiative on which the 
board has long been focused. The company was able to make the shopping experience more seamless 
for customers this past year by linking its online and in-store inventory, thereby increasing merchandise 
availability on nordstrom.com. 

As members of the Board of Directors, we are accountable for ensuring that the principles, policies and 
people are in place to take Nordstrom in the right direction on behalf of our shareholders, a responsibility 
we take seriously. We believe in following sound practices and operating transparently, and took steps 
last  year  to  refresh  our  review  and  oversight  capabilities  by  rotating  some  of  our  committee  chair 
responsibilities. We remain committed to maintaining a strong, diverse and independent board and will 
continue looking for ways to improve our ability to govern to the highest standards. 

Our  unwavering  focus  on  improving  customer  service  at  Nordstrom  will  not  change  —  in  fact, 
we  believe  it  is  this  commitment  that  drives  results  and  will  continue  to  define  success  for 
Nordstrom.  We  are  confident  the  business  is  in  good  hands  and  run  with  the  utmost  integrity.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your support.

Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
Chairman

 CHAIRMAN letter

Insert Indesign file here (“Financials 2009”) 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[This page intentionally left blank.] 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 January 30, 2010 

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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:133)  

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: 
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 July 31, 2009 the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was 
approximately $4.8 billion using the closing sales price on that day of $26.44. On March 12, 2010, 218,020,643 shares of common stock were outstanding.  

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on May 18, 2010 are incorporated into Part III. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  1 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[This page intentionally left blank.] 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I 

Business. 

Item 1. 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors. 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments. 
Item 2.  Properties. 
Item 3. 
Item 4.  Reserved. 

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. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures. 
Item 9B.  Other Information. 

PART III 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 
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, and Director Independence. 
Item 14.  Principal Accounting 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 

Page  

4   
6 
9 
9 
13 
13 

14 
15 
16 
32 
33 
60 
60 
60 

60 
60 
61 
61 
61 

61 

62 
63 
64 
65 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  3 

  
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Business. 

PART I 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS 
Founded in 1901 as a retail shoe business in Seattle, Nordstrom later incorporated in the state of Washington in 1946. We are one of the nation’s leading 
fashion specialty retailers, with 187 U.S. stores located in 28 states as of March 19, 2010. The west and east coasts are the areas in which we have the 
largest presence. We have four reportable segments: Retail Stores, Direct, Credit, and Other. 

The Retail Stores segment derives its revenues from sales of high-quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics and accessories. It includes our 112 ‘Nordstrom’ 
full-line stores, 72 off-price ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, two ‘Jeffrey’ boutiques, and one clearance store that operates 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. 

Direct generates revenues from sales of high-quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics and accessories by serving our customers on the Internet at 
www.nordstrom.com. The Direct segment’s merchandise is primarily shipped from our fulfillment center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. However, beginning in 
the third quarter of 2009, we linked our Direct segment’s inventory with that of our full-line stores and now have the ability to fulfill online orders from 
any of our full-line stores. This has given our customers access to more of our merchandise. Additionally we offer our customers the option to 
purchase items on our Web site and pick them up in our full-line stores. These enhancements have enabled us to better serve customers across various 
channels and improve sales. 

Our Credit segment includes our wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, through which we offer a private label card, two Nordstrom VISA 
credit cards and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases. The credit and debit cards feature a shopping-based program designed to increase customer 
visits and spending. Although the primary purpose of our Credit business is to foster greater customer loyalty and drive more sales, we also generate 
revenues through finance charges and other fees on these cards.  

Our Other segment includes our product development team, called Nordstrom Product Group, which designs and contracts to manufacture private label 
merchandise sold in our Retail Stores and Direct segments. In addition, this segment includes our corporate center operations. 

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 16 and Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

FISCAL YEAR 
We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. References to 2009, 2008 and 2007 relate to the 52-week  
fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. References to 2010 relate to the 52-week fiscal year ending 
January 29, 2011. 

TRADEMARKS 
We have 136 trademarks, each of which is the subject of one or more trademark registrations and/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 online at Nordstrom Direct. Our Nordstrom Rack stores accept returns 
up to 30 days from the date of purchase with the original price tag and sales receipt. In general, our return policy is considered to be more generous 
and liberal than industry standards.  

SEASONALITY 
Due to our Anniversary Sale in July, the holidays in December and the half-yearly sales that occur in the second and fourth quarters, our sales are 
historically higher 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 expected sales trends. For instance, our merchandise purchases and receipts 
increase prior to our Anniversary Sale, which extends over the last two weeks of July. Also, 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). We pay for our merchandise purchases under the 
terms established with our vendors.  

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 legal and regulatory compliance, labor, health and safety, and the environment.  

4 

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

EMPLOYEES 
During 2009, we employed approximately 48,000 employees on a full- or part-time basis. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, employment 
increased to approximately 51,000 employees in July 2009 and 53,000 in December 2009. We do not have a significant number of employees who are 
members of a union. We believe our relationship with our employees is good. 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT 
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain “forward-looking” information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995) that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, anticipated financial results, anticipated store openings, capital expenditures and 
dividend yield, and trends in company operations. Such statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are 
subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may differ materially from historical results or current expectations depending upon 
factors including but not limited to the impact of deteriorating economic and market conditions and the resultant impact on consumer spending patterns, 
the company’s ability to respond to the business environment and fashion trends, the company’s ability to safeguard its brand and reputation, effective 
inventory management, efficient and proper allocation of the company’s capital resources, successful execution of the company’s store growth strategy 
including the timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores, relocations and remodels, all of which may be impacted by the 
financial health of third parties, the company’s compliance with applicable banking and related laws and regulations impacting the company’s ability to 
extend credit to its customers, trends in personal bankruptcies and bad debt write-offs, availability and cost of credit, impact of the current regulatory 
environment and financial system reforms, changes in interest rates, disruptions in the company’s supply chain, the company’s ability to maintain its 
relationship with vendors and developers who may be experiencing economic difficulties, the geographic locations of the company’s stores, the company’s 
ability to maintain its relationships with its employees and to effectively train and develop its future leaders, the company’s 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 the company’s information technology strategy, successful execution of the company’s multi-channel strategy, risks related to fluctuations in 
world currencies, public health concerns and the resulting impact on consumer spending patterns, supply chain, and employee health, weather conditions 
and hazards of nature that affect consumer traffic and consumers’ purchasing patterns, the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing and 
promotional campaigns, and the company’s ability to control costs. These and other factors could affect our financial results and cause actual results to 
differ materially from any forward-looking information we may provide. The company undertakes 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 100 F Street NE, Room 1580, 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 a 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 Web site address is www.nordstrom.com. We make available free of charge on or through our Web site our annual and quarterly reports on Form  
10-K and 10-Q (including related filings in XBRL format), 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 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, 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 98111-2737 

(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 are not the only risks we 
face. Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial, may also impair our business operations. 

DETERIORATION OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 
The deterioration in economic conditions over the past two years has hurt our business in several ways. Rising unemployment, tightening of consumer 
credit and the decline in the housing market in the United States have all contributed to a reduction in consumer spending. This has had a significant 
negative impact on our revenues. We sell high-quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics and accessories, which many consumers consider to be discretionary 
items. During economic downturns, fewer customers may shop in our stores and on our Web site, and those who do shop may limit the amount of their 
purchases, all of which may lead to lower sales, higher markdowns and increased marketing and promotional spending in response to lower demand. 
The deterioration of economic conditions has also adversely affected our credit customers’ payment patterns and delinquency rates, increasing our 
bad debt expense. While some macroeconomic indicators suggest that a modest economic recovery has begun, key factors such as employment levels, 
consumer credit and housing market conditions remain weak. A sluggish economic recovery or a renewed downturn could have a significant adverse 
effect on our business. 

ABILITY TO RESPOND TO THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND FASHION TRENDS 
We strive to ensure the merchandise we offer remains current and compelling to our customers. We make decisions regarding inventory purchases well 
in advance of the season in which it will be sold. Therefore, our ability to predict or respond to changes in fashion trends, consumer preferences and 
spending patterns, and to match our merchandise levels and mix to sales trends and consumer tastes, significantly impacts our sales and operating 
results. If we do not identify and respond to emerging trends in consumer spending and preferences quickly enough, we may be forced to sell our 
merchandise at higher average markdown levels and lower average margins, which could harm our business. Conversely, if we fail to purchase enough 
merchandise, we may lose opportunities for additional sales and damage our relationships with our customers. 

CONSUMER CREDIT  
Our credit card operations help drive sales in our stores, allow our stores to avoid third-party transaction fees and generate additional revenues by 
extending credit. Our credit card revenues and profitability are subject in large part to economic and market conditions that are beyond our control, 
including, but not limited to, interest rates, consumer credit availability, consumer debt levels, unemployment trends and other matters. Increases in 
unemployment have corresponded with rising credit card delinquencies and write-offs, which may continue in the future. Further, these economic 
conditions could impair our ability to assess the creditworthiness of our customers if the criteria and/or models we use to underwrite and manage our 
customers become less predictive of future losses, which could cause our losses to rise and have a negative impact on our results of operations. 

REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM REFORMS 
Current economic conditions, particularly in the financial markets, have resulted in increased legislative and regulatory actions. The Credit Card 
Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (the “Credit CARD Act”) included new rules and restrictions on credit card pricing, finance 
charges and fees, customer billing practices and payment application. These provisions are likely to affect our credit business practices and could 
have a negative impact on our revenues and profitability. 

In addition, Congress and the Obama Administration are currently considering various proposals for reform of the financial system. Proposed reforms 
include the elimination of the thrift charter and all retailer-owned bank charters, creation of a new federal agency to supervise and enforce consumer 
lending laws and regulations, and expanded state authority over consumer lending. The final details of financial system reform legislation, if any, are 
highly uncertain at this time. Depending on the nature and extent of any reforms, our credit business could be significantly adversely affected. 

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESSION PLANNING 
The training and development of our future leaders is important to our long-term growth. If we do not effectively implement our strategic and business 
planning processes to attract, retain, train and develop future leaders, our long-term growth may suffer. We rely on the experience of our senior 
management, who have specific knowledge relating to us and our industry that is difficult to replace. If unexpected leadership turnover occurs without 
adequate succession plans, the loss of the services of any of these individuals, or any negative perceptions of our business as a result of those losses, 
could damage our brand image and our business.  

INFORMATION SECURITY AND PRIVACY 
The protection of our customer, employee and company data is important to us. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and 
privacy is increasingly demanding, with 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. In addition, a security breach could require that we expend significant additional resources 
related to our information security systems and could result in disruption of our operations, particularly our online sales operations. 

BRAND AND REPUTATION 
We have a well-recognized brand that many consumers believe offers a high level of customer service and quality merchandise. Any significant damage 
to our brand or reputation could negatively impact sales, reduce employee morale and productivity, and diminish customer trust, any of which would 
harm our business. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STORE GROWTH PLANS 
Our five-year strategic growth plan includes opening several new full-line and Rack stores, with 30 announced store openings. The majority of these 
openings will occur by 2012. 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. We also depend on the work of our developer partners to sustain our store growth plans. Developer 
delays of shopping center construction, expansion or renovation projects, or developer financial difficulties, could cause the delay or cancellation of 
our expected store openings or remodels, or could adversely affect maintenance and leasing at some shopping centers in which we have stores. 

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 affect our return on investment. Performance in our new stores could also be negatively impacted if we are unable 
to hire employees who are able to deliver the level of service our customers have come to expect when shopping in our stores. Our inability to execute 
our store growth strategy in a way that generates appropriate returns on investment could affect our future growth and profitability. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY 
We make investments in information technology to sustain our competitive position. In 2010, we expect to spend approximately $160 on information 
technology operations and systems development, which is key to our growth. We must monitor and choose the right investments and implement them 
at the right pace. Excessive technological change could impact the effectiveness of adoption, and could make it more difficult for us to realize benefits 
from the technology. Targeting the wrong opportunities, failing to make the best investments, or making an investment commitment significantly 
above or below our needs may result in the loss of our competitive position. In addition, if we do not maintain our current systems we may see 
interruptions to our business and increase our costs in order to bring our systems up to date. 

MULTI-CHANNEL STRATEGY EXECUTION 
Over the past several years, we have made changes in our business to improve the shopping experience across all channels. These changes included 
aligning our online merchandise offering with our full-line stores to create a seamless experience for our customers between our stores and Web site, 
combining the full-line stores’ and Direct merchandise organizations; providing a more focused catalog offering; and creating a shared inventory 
platform between Direct and our full-line stores. We plan to make additional changes in our multi-channel merchandise planning process over the next 
few years. If we encounter challenges associated with change management, the ability to hire and retain key personnel involved in these efforts, 
implementation of associated information technology, or adoption of new processes, our ability to continue to successfully execute this strategy could 
be adversely affected. As a result, we may not derive the expected benefits to our sales and profitability, or we may incur increased costs relative to 
our current projections. 

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 consumers’ needs. If we do not effectively respond to changes in our environment, we may see a loss of market share 
to competitors, declining sales and declining profitability due to higher markdowns.  

Our credit segment faces competition from large banks, and other credit card companies, some of which have substantial financial resources. Many of 
our competitors offer general-purpose credit card products with a variety of loyalty programs. In addition, there is intense competition for cardholders 
with “prime” credit ratings who make up a significant portion of our credit portfolio. If we do not effectively respond to the competitive banking and 
credit card environment, we could lose market share to our competitors, which would have an adverse effect on our credit business. 

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND LIQUIDITY  
Our access to debt and equity capital, and our ability to invest capital to maximize the total returns to our shareholders, is critical to our long-term 
success. We utilize capital to finance our operations and working capital, make capital expenditures, manage our debt levels and return value to our 
shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. As a result of the financial crisis, global credit and equity markets have undergone significant 
disruption, making it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing on acceptable terms or at all. Our ability to obtain capital and the cost of the 
capital depend on financial market conditions and independent rating agencies’ short and long-term debt ratings, which are based largely on our 
performance as measured by credit metrics including interest coverage and leverage ratios. If our access to capital is restricted or if our cost of capital 
increases, our operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Further, if we do not properly allocate our capital to maximize returns, 
our operations and cash flows could be adversely affected and our long-term cost of capital could increase. 

SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION 
The effective and efficient operation of our supply chain, including merchandise sourcing and procurement, receiving and distribution, is critical to the 
success of our business.  Our supply chain operations may be adversely impacted by difficulties with our suppliers, such as production capacity 
constraints, errors in meeting merchandise specifications, including specifications dictated by consumer product safety laws, insufficient quality 
control, failures to meet production deadlines, or increases in manufacturing costs. Additionally, unforeseen disruptions in our supply chain due to 
severe weather, natural or man-made disasters, labor disputes, shipping problems, or information systems malfunction, may adversely affect our 
ability to deliver merchandise to our stores or our customers and could increase our costs.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  7 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RELATIONSHIPS WITH VENDORS  
Our relationships with our merchandise vendors have been a significant contributor to our past success and our position as a retailer of high-quality 
fashion merchandise. Some of our vendors have experienced serious cash flow problems due to the credit market crisis and economic deterioration.  
To address these problems, our vendors could attempt to increase their prices, alter payment terms or seek other relief, all of which could increase our 
costs. In some cases, they may be forced to reduce their operations or file for bankruptcy protection, which could have an adverse effect on our 
business if we are unable to procure the desired merchandise on acceptable terms. 

We also have no guaranteed supply arrangements with our key vendors, many of whom limit the number of retail channels they use to sell their 
merchandise. Competition to obtain and sell this merchandise is intense. Nearly all of the brands of our top vendors are sold by competing retailers, 
and many of our top vendors also have their own dedicated retail stores. If one or more of our top vendors were to increase sales of merchandise 
through their own stores or to the stores of our competitors, or to limit or reduce our access to their merchandise, our business could be  
adversely affected.  

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF STORES 
A significant amount of our total sales is derived from stores located on the west and east coasts, particularly California, which increases our exposure 
to local economic conditions, severe weather, natural disasters and other natural or man-made disruptions within these regions. Deterioration in 
economic conditions and consumer confidence within these regions has negatively impacted our business, including a reduction in overall sales, 
reduced gross margins and increased expenses, including bad debt expense. Any continued economic deterioration, severe weather patterns, natural 
disasters or other disruptions in these regions, could have a significant adverse effect on our business. In addition, many states in these regions are 
facing significant budget shortfalls, and may seek to address those shortfalls through unfavorable changes in tax laws and interpretation of existing 
laws which could adversely affect our results of operations. 

EMPLOYMENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS 
Our policies and procedures are designed to comply with employment laws and regulations set forth by the federal government and in each of the 
states and municipalities where we do business. These include laws and regulations related to wages and hours, meals and rest periods, and 
commissions. These laws and regulations are complex and continuously evolving, and the related enforcement is increasingly aggressive, particularly 
in the state of California. Significant legislative changes that impact our relationship with our workforce could increase our expenses and adversely 
affect our operations. Possible legislative changes include changes to an employer’s obligation to recognize collective bargaining units, the process by 
which collective bargaining agreements are negotiated or imposed and health care mandates. In addition, if we fail to comply with applicable laws and 
regulations we could be subject to damage to our reputation, class action lawsuits, legal and settlement costs, disruption of our business, changes to 
our employment practices, and loss of customers and employees, which could result in a loss of sales, increased employment costs, low employee 
morale, and harm to our business and results of operations. 

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, 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. 

IMPACT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS 
Our business and operations could be materially and adversely affected by a regional or widespread pandemic, which could cause, among other things, 
a decrease in consumer spending that would negatively impact our sales; staffing shortages in our stores, distribution centers, or corporate offices; 
supply chain disruptions; or disruptions in the operations of our merchandise vendors or property developers. Any of these effects could have a 
significant adverse impact on our sales, costs, reputation and long-term growth plans. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY 
We purchase a portion of our inventory from foreign suppliers whose cost to us is affected by fluctuations of their local currency against the U.S. dollar 
or who price their merchandise in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies may 
increase our cost of goods sold, and if we are unable to pass these cost increases on to our customers, our gross margins, and ultimately our earnings, 
would decrease. 

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 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 (an “acquiring person”) for a 
period of five years following the time that the shareholder became an acquiring person. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 January 30, 2010: 

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

Number of Stores 
58 
91 
34 
1 
184 

% of total store 
square footage 
46.5% 
28.9% 
23.9% 
0.7% 
100.0% 

The following table summarizes our store opening activity during the last three years: 

Fiscal year 
Number of stores, beginning of year 
Stores opened 
Stores acquired 
Sale of Façonnable boutiques 
Stores closed 
Number of stores, end of year 

2009 
169 
16 
- 
- 
(1) 
184 

2008 
156 
14 
- 
- 
(1) 
169 

20071 
191 
5 
2 
(41) 
(1) 
156 

1During the third quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our Façonnable business. Fiscal year 2007 includes international Façonnable boutiques through August 31, 2007 and domestic    
 Façonnable boutiques through October 31, 2007 as follows: 36 international and 4 domestic boutiques at the beginning of 2007; one international boutique opened during 2007; and all 41  
 boutiques sold as part of the sale of the Façonnable business. 

In 2009, we opened three full-line stores (Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Peabody, Massachusetts; and Cincinnati, Ohio), relocated one full-line store (Murray, 
Utah) and opened thirteen Rack stores (Paramus, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; Sandy, Utah; Orland Park, Illinois; East Palo Alto, California; Southlake, 
Texas; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Los Angeles, California; Pasadena, California; San Jose, California; Austin, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Cincinnati, Ohio). 
To date in 2010, we have opened three new Rack stores (Houston, Texas; Kendall, Florida; and Coral Gables, Florida). During the remainder of 2010, we 
are scheduled to open three full-line stores (Braintree, Massachusetts; Newport Beach, California; and Santa Monica, California), relocate one full-line 
store (Cerritos, California) and open fourteen additional Rack stores (Denver, Colorado; Framingham, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; New York,  
New York; Arlington, Virginia; Fairfax, Virginia; Durham, North Carolina; St. Louis, Missouri; Boca Raton, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Tampa, Florida; 
Lakewood, California; Burbank, California; and Peoria, Arizona). 

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 for our Credit segment. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  9 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table lists our retail store facilities as of January 30, 2010: 

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 
Thousand Oaks 
Walnut Creek 

COLORADO 
Broomfield 
Denver 
Lone Tree 

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  
Thousand Oaks 
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 
  149,000 
  130,000 
  350,000 
  174,000 
  232,000 
  149,000 
  169,000 
  186,000 
  145,000 
  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 
  2008 
  1984 

FlatIron Crossing 
Cherry Creek Shopping Center 
Park Meadows 

  172,000 
  142,000 
  245,000 

  2000 
  2007 
  1996 

Westfarms 

  189,000 

  1997 

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

GEORGIA 
Atlanta 
Atlanta 
Buford 

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

Perimeter Mall 
Phipps Plaza 
Mall of Georgia 

1This store has been subsequently relocated.  
10 

  172,000 
  193,000 
  212,000 
  150,000 
    81,000 
  174,000 
  150,000 
  172,000 
  127,000 

  2008 
  2000 
  2002 
  2004 
  2008 
  2002 
  2006 
  2001 
  2003 

  243,000 
  140,000 
  172,000 

  1998 
  2005 
  2000 

HAWAII 
Honolulu 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago 
Oak Brook 
Schaumburg 
Skokie 

INDIANA 
Indianapolis 
Indianapolis 

KANSAS 
Overland Park 

MARYLAND 
Annapolis 
Bethesda 
Columbia 
Towson 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Burlington 
Natick 
Peabody 

MICHIGAN 
Clinton Township 
Novi 
Troy 

MINNESOTA 
Bloomington 

MISSOURI 
Des Peres 

NEVADA 
Las Vegas 

NEW JERSEY 
Cherry Hill 
Edison 
Freehold 
Paramus 
Short Hills 

NEW YORK 
Garden City 
White Plains 

NORTH CAROLINA 
Charlotte 
Durham 

OHIO 
Beachwood 
Cincinnati 
Columbus 

OREGON 
Portland 

Ala Moana Center 

  211,000 

  2008 

Michigan Avenue 
Oakbrook Center 
Woodfield Shopping Center 
Old Orchard Center 

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

  2000 
  1991 
  1995 
  1994 

Circle Centre 
Fashion Mall  

  216,000 
  134,000 

  1995 
  2008 

Oak Park Mall 

  219,000 

  1998 

Annapolis Mall 
Montgomery Mall 
The Mall in Columbia 
Towson Town Center 

Burlington Mall 
Natick Collection 
Northshore Mall 

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

  1994 
  1991 
  1999 
  1992 

  143,000 
  154,000 
  143,000 

  2008 
  2007 
  2009 

Partridge Creek 
Twelve Oaks Mall  
Somerset Collection 

  122,000 
  172,000 
  258,000 

  2008 
  2007 
  1996 

Mall of America 

  240,000 

  1992 

West County 

  193,000 

  2002 

Fashion Show 

  207,000 

  2002 

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

  143,000 
  204,000 
  174,000 
  282,000 
  188,000 

  2009 
  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 
Kenwood Towne Centre 
Easton Town Center 

  231,000 
  144,000 
  174,000 

  1997 
  2009 
  2001 

Clackamas Town Center 

  121,000 

1981 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location 
Full-Line Stores (continued) 

Store Name 

OREGON (continued) 
Portland 
Portland 
Salem 
Tigard 

Downtown Portland 
Lloyd Center 
Salem Center 
Washington Square 

Square 
  Footage 

Year 
  Store 
  Opened 

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

19661 
     19631 
  1980 
     19741 

PENNSYLVANIA 
King of Prussia 
Pittsburgh 

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  

King of Prussia 
Ross Park 

  238,000 
  143,000 

  1996 
  2008 

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 

  144,000 
  122,000 

     19811 
  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 
  148,000 
  211,000 
  166,000 
  128,000 

  1989 
  2002 
  1988 
  1999 
  2003 

  285,000 
  151,000 
  383,000 
  122,000 
  137,000 
  144,000 
  170,000 
  71,000 

19671 
19791 
     19631 
  1965 
19741 
     19661 
  1968 
  1977 

  12,000 
  11,000 

  2007 
  2007 

Atlanta, GA 
New York, NY 

Jeffrey 
Jeffrey 

Nordstrom Rack Group 

Chandler, AZ 
Phoenix, AZ 
Scottsdale, AZ 
Brea, CA 
Chino, CA 
Colma, CA 
Costa Mesa, CA 
East Palo Alto, CA 
Fresno, CA 
Glendale, CA 
Laguna Hills, CA 
Long Beach, CA 

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 
Ravenswood 101 Rack 
Villaggio Retail Center Rack 
Glendale Fashion Center Rack 
Laguna Hills Mall Rack 
Long Beach CityPlace Rack 

  37,000 
  48,000 
  38,000 
  45,000 
  38,000 
  31,000 
  50,000 
  41,000 
  32,000 
  36,000 
  35,000 
  33,000 

  2000 
     19921 
  2000 
  1999 
     19871 
  1987 
     19831 
  2009 
  2002 
  2000 
  2008 
  2002 

1This store has been subsequently relocated.  

Location 
Nordstrom Rack Group (continued) 

Store Name 

Los Angeles, CA 
Los Angeles, CA 

Ontario, CA 
Oxnard, CA 
Pasadena, CA 
Roseville, CA 
Sacramento, CA 
San Diego, CA 
San Francisco, CA 
San Jose, CA 
San Jose, CA 
San Leandro, CA 
San Marcos, CA 
Woodland Hills, CA 
Broomfield, CO 
Lone Tree, CO 
Orlando, FL 
Sunrise, FL 
Buford, GA 
Honolulu, HI 
Chicago, IL 

Naperville, IL 
Northbrook, IL 
Oak Brook, IL 
Orland Park, IL 
Schaumburg, IL 
Danvers, MA 
Gaithersburg, MD 
Towson, MD 
Grand Rapids, MI 
Troy, MI 
Bloomington, MN 
Maple Grove, MN 
Paramus, NJ 
Las Vegas, NV 
Westbury, NY 
White Plains, NY 
Cincinnati, OH 
Lyndhurst, OH 
Beaverton, OR 
Clackamas, OR 
Portland, OR 
King of Prussia, PA 

Austin, TX 
Dallas, TX 
Plano, TX 
San Antonio, TX 
Southlake, TX 
Salt Lake City, UT 
Sandy, UT 
Sterling, VA 
Woodbridge, VA 
Auburn, WA 

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

Beverly Connection Rack 
The Promenade at Howard Hughes  
   Center Rack  
Ontario Mills Mall Rack 
Esplanade Shopping Center Rack 
Hastings Village Rack 
Creekside Town Center Rack 
Howe `Bout Arden Center Rack 
Mission Valley Rack 
555 Ninth Street Retail Center Rack 
Oakridge Rack 
Westgate Mall Rack 
San Leandro Rack 
Grand Plaza Rack 
Topanga Rack 
Flatiron Marketplace Rack 
Meadows Marketplace Rack 
Millenia Crossing Rack 
The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills Rack 
Mall of Georgia Crossing Rack 
Ward Centers Rack 
The Shops at State and  
   Washington Rack 
Springbrook Prairie Pavilion Rack 
Northbrook Rack 
The Shops at Oak Brook Place Rack 
Orland Park Place Rack 
Woodfield Rack 
Liberty Tree Mall Rack 
Gaithersburg Rack 
Towson Rack 
Centerpointe Mall Rack 
Troy Marketplace Rack 
Mall of America Rack 
Arbor Lakes Rack 
Bergen Town Center Rack 
Silverado Ranch Plaza Rack 
The Mall at the Source Rack 
City Center Rack 
Rookwood Pavilion Rack 
Legacy Village Rack 
Tanasbourne Town Center Rack 
Clackamas Promenade Rack 
Downtown Portland Rack 
The Overlook at King of  
   Prussia Rack  
Gateway Center Rack 
Park Lane Rack 
Preston Shepard Place Rack 
The Rim Rack 
Shops of Southlake Rack 
Sugarhouse Rack 
The Commons at Southtowne 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  

Square 
  Footage 

Year 
Store 
  Opened 

30,000 

  2009 

41,000 
40,000 
38,000 
42,000 
36,000 
54,000 
57,000 
43,000 
30,000 
48,000 
44,000 
35,000 
64,000 
36,000 
34,000 
36,000 
27,000 
44,000 
34,000 

41,000 
37,000 
40,000 
42,000 
35,000 
  45,000 
43,000 
49,000 
31,000 
40,000 
40,000 
41,000 
34,000 
34,000 
33,000 
48,000 
36,000 
35,000 
40,000 
53,000 
28,000 
32,000 

45,000 
35,000 
36,000 
39,000 
35,000 
36,000 
31,000 
35,000 
41,000 
46,000 

48,000 
46,000 
38,000 
42,000 
28,000 
35,000 

  2001 
  2002 
  2001 
  2009 
  2001 
  1999 
     19851 
  2001 
  2009 
  1998 
  1990 
  2006 
  1984 
  2001 
  1998 
  2009 
  2003 
  2000 
  2000 

  2003 
  2008 
  1996 
  2000 
  2009 
  1994 
  2008 
  1999 
  1992 
  2001 
  2000 
  1998 
  2009 
  2009 
  2001 
  1997 
  2008 
  2009 
  2008 
  1998 
19831 
19861 

  2002 
  2009 
  2009 
  2000 
  2008 
  2009 
  1991 
  2009 
  2001 
  1990 

  1995 
  1997 
     19851 
  1987 
  2000 
  2007 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  11 

  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[This page intentionally left blank.] 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 

We are subject from time to time to various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business including lawsuits alleging violations by us of 
state and/or federal wage and hour laws. Some of these suits purport or have been determined to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages. 
While we cannot predict the outcome of these matters with certainty, 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. Reserved. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  13 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
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, 2010 was 134,493, 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. On this date we had 218,020,643 shares of common stock outstanding. 

The high and low sales prices of our common stock and dividends declared for each quarter of 2009 and 2008 are presented in the table below: 

Common Stock Price 

2009 

2008 

High 
    $23.17 
    $26.70 
    $36.52 
    $39.01 
    $39.01 

Low 
$11.19 
$18.15 
$26.25 
$31.32 
$11.19 

High 
  $40.59 
  $38.65 
  $37.00 
  $18.17 
  $40.59 

Low 
  $30.72 
  $25.67 
  $13.66 
  $6.61 
  $6.61 

  Dividends per Share 
2009 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.64 

2008 
$0.16 
$0.16 
$0.16 
$0.16 
$0.64 

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

STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE 
The following graph compares, for each of the last five fiscal years ending January 30, 2010, the cumulative total return of Nordstrom, Inc. common 
stock, Standard & Poor’s Retail Index and Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. The Retail Index is comprised of 30 retail companies, including Nordstrom, Inc., 
representing an industry group of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. The cumulative total return of Nordstrom, Inc. common stock assumes $100 
invested on January 29, 2005 in Nordstrom, Inc. common stock and assumes reinvestment of dividends. 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

Nordstrom, Inc. Common Stock

Standard & Poor's Retail Index

Standard & Poor's 500 Index

300

200

100

Dollars

0

1/29/05

1/28/06

2/3/07

2/2/08

1/31/09

1/30/10

Year Ended

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

2004 
100 
100 
100 

2005 
179 
108 
110 

2006 
243 
123 
124 

2007 
172 
99 
119 

2008 
56 
61 
71 

2009 
158 
93 
92 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 related notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

Fiscal year 
Earnings Results 

Net sales 
Credit card revenues 
Gross profit1 
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses:2 
    Retail stores, direct and other segments (“Retail”)2 
    Credit segment2 
Earnings on investment in asset-backed securities, net2,3 
Earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”) 
Interest expense, net 
Earnings before income taxes (“EBT”) 
Net earnings 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Data 

Accounts receivable, net 
Investment in asset-backed securities 
Merchandise inventories 
Current assets 
Land, buildings and equipment, net 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Long-term debt, including current portion 
Shareholders’ equity 
Cash flow from operations 

Performance Metrics 

Same-store sales percentage (decrease) increase4 
Gross profit % of net sales 
SG&A % of net sales: 
    Retail 
    Total 
EBIT as a percentage of total revenues 
EBT as a percentage of total revenues 
Net earnings as a percentage of total revenues 
Return on average shareholders’ equity 
Sales per square foot5 
Retail SG&A expense per square foot5 

Per Share Information 

Earnings per diluted share 
Dividends per share 
Book value per share 

Store Information (at year end) 

Full-line stores 
Rack and other stores6 
International Façonnable boutiques6 
Total square footage  

2009 

2008 

20076 

20067 

2005 

  $8,258 
 369 
  2,930 

  $8,272 
301 
2,855 

  $8,828 
252 
3,302 

$8,561 
105 
3,207 

  $7,723 
97 
2,835 

 (2,109) 
(356) 
- 
834 
(138) 
696 
441 

(2,103) 
(274) 
- 
779 
    (131) 
648 
401 

(2,161) 
(198) 
18 
1,247 
      (74) 
1,173 
715 

  $2,035 
- 
898 
4,054 
2,242 
6,579 
2,014 
2,613 
1,572 
1,251 

  $1,942 
- 
900 
3,217 
2,221 
5,661 
1,601 
2,238 
1,210 
848 

  $1,788 
- 
956 
3,361 
1,983 
5,600 
1,635 
2,497 
1,115 
312 

(4.2%) 
35.5% 

25.5% 
29.8% 
9.7% 
8.1% 
5.1% 
31.7% 
$368 
$94 

         $2.01 
0.64 
          7.22 

(9.0%) 
34.5% 

25.4% 
28.7% 
9.1% 
7.6% 
4.7% 
34.5% 
$388 
$99 

$1.83 
0.64 
5.62 

3.9% 
37.4% 

24.5% 
26.7% 
13.7% 
12.9% 
7.9% 
43.6% 
$435 
$106 

$2.88 
0.54 
5.05 

(2,180) 
(92) 
109 
1,149 
(43) 
1,106 
678 

  $684 
428 
997 
2,742 
1,757 
4,822 
1,433 
631 
2,169 
1,142 

7.5% 
37.5% 

25.5% 
26.5% 
13.3% 
12.8% 
7.8% 
31.8% 
$423 
$108 

(2,006) 
(85) 
89 
930 
(45) 
885 
551 

$640 
561 
956 
2,874 
1,774 
             4,921 
1,623 
934 
2,093 
776 

6.0% 
36.7% 

26.0% 
27.1% 
11.9% 
11.3% 
7.1% 
28.4% 
$392 
$102 

$2.55 
0.42 
8.43 

            $1.98 
0.32 
7.76 

112 
72 
- 
22,773,000  

109 
60 
- 
 21,876,000  

101 
55 
- 
  20,502,000  

98 
57 
36 
 20,170,000 

98 
57 
32 
 20,070,000 

1Gross profit is calculated as net sales less cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs (for all segments). 
2In 2009, we reclassified other income and expense, net in our consolidated statement of earnings, which was previously presented separately. A portion of other income and expense, net  
 has been reclassified to earnings on investment in asset-backed securities, net, and the remaining portion has been reclassified to selling, general and administrative expenses.  
3On May 1, 2007, we combined our Nordstrom private label credit card and Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program. At that time the Nordstrom VISA credit card  
 receivables were brought on-balance sheet. 
4Same-stores include stores that have been open at least one full year at the beginning of the year and sales from our Direct segment.  
5Sales per square foot and Retail SG&A expense per square foot are calculated as net sales and Retail SG&A expense, respectively, divided by weighted average square footage. 
6During 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.”  
7Fiscal 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 our calculation of same-store sales. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  15 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 

OVERVIEW 
Nordstrom is a fashion specialty retailer offering 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 various channels: our ‘Nordstrom’ branded full-line stores and 
Web site (which we refer to as “multi-channel”), our off-price ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, and our ‘Jeffrey’ boutiques. Our stores are located throughout 
the United States. In addition, we offer our customers a loyalty program associated with a variety of payment products and services, including credit 
and debit cards. 

We believe our multi-channel offering is important to our success and is consistent with our commitment to customer service. Our goal is to provide a 
seamless integrated shopping experience to our customers whenever and however they choose to shop. With that in mind, we are continuing to make 
improvements to our multi-channel capabilities. In 2008, we launched the “Buy Online, Pick Up in Store” service, which allows customers to purchase 
merchandise online and then pick up their item(s) at a Nordstrom store on the same day. In 2009, we updated our inventory platform to create shared 
inventory across all of our full-line stores and our online store, allowing us to fulfill online orders from any full-line store. These enhancements have led 
to greater merchandise selections online, improved convenience, as well as significant improvements in our sell-through rates (the proportion of 
available merchandise that we are able to sell) and inventory turnover. 

Our merchandising efforts have also been a significant contributor to our recent success. By managing our inventory levels effectively during the 
economic downturn that began approximately two years ago, we were well positioned to increase purchases as sales improved and maintain fresh 
merchandise in our stores without taking excessive markdowns. Our customers have continued to respond favorably to our merchandise assortment, 
thereby contributing to additional sales growth and higher rates of regular-priced sales. 

Throughout 2009, we demonstrated discipline in the management of our expenses. Our model is focused on controlling our fixed expenses, while 
flexing our variable and performance-related expenses with our sales and earnings results. Our sales per square foot in 2009 declined to $368, 
consistent with our sales per square foot of $369 in 2004. However, as a result of our expense management efforts, we decreased our selling, general 
and administrative expenses per square foot for our Retail Stores, Direct and Other segments over the same time period, from $100 in 2004 to $94 in 
2009. This flexibility in managing our business and the ability to adjust quickly to changes in trends have put us in a healthy position heading into 2010. 

The economic environment continues to have a significant impact on our customers. Consumers are cautious about spending, unemployment levels 
continue to be high and economic uncertainty remains. As a result of these conditions, we experienced elevated delinquency and write-off rates on our 
credit card portfolio. We expect unemployment levels will remain elevated during 2010. 

We recognize the importance of increasing our presence in top retail markets across the country. During 2009 we opened three Nordstrom full-line 
stores, relocated another, and opened 13 Nordstrom Racks. In 2010 we will continue to open full-line and Rack stores while returning to a more regular 
remodeling schedule of five-to-six in 2010, compared to one remodel in 2009, as we continue to pursue our long-term growth strategy. 

We entered 2009 with considerable uncertainty, including an economic downturn and a volatile retail environment. Our continued focus on improving 
service through our multi-channel offering, improved merchandising and disciplined inventory, expense and capital management, enabled us to adapt 
as our trends improved, and as a result we are well positioned going into 2010. Following a year of improving performance and with a more efficient 
business model, we are focused on improving execution and growing our market share. We believe that our response to the adversity of the past two 
years has left us better positioned financially, competitively, and most important, with our customers. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Retail Stores, Direct and Other Segments 

Summary 
Our Retail Stores segment includes our full-line, Rack and Jeffrey stores; our Direct segment includes our online store; and our Other segment includes 
our product development group and corporate center operations (collectively the “Retail Business”). The following table summarizes the combined 
sales and expenses of our Retail Business for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008: 

Fiscal year 
Net sales 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
Gross profit1 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 

2009 
   $8,258 
(5,273) 
 2,985 
(2,109) 

2008 
  $8,272 
(5,367) 
2,905 
(2,103) 

2007 
  $8,828 
(5,479) 
3,349 
(2,161) 

% of net sales: 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 

63.9% 
36.1% 
25.5% 

64.9% 
35.1% 
25.4% 

62.1% 
37.9% 
24.5% 

1Gross profit is calculated as net sales less cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs for our Retail Business. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail Business Net Sales  

Fiscal year 
Net sales 
Net sales (decrease) increase 
Same-store (decrease) increase by channel: 
  Full-line stores 
  Direct 

  Multi-channel  

  Rack  

  Total company  

Percentage of net sales by merchandise category: 
  Women’s apparel 
  Shoes 
  Men’s apparel 
  Women’s accessories 
  Cosmetics 
  Children’s apparel 
  Other 
Total 

2009 
 $8,258 
(0.2%) 

2008 
  $8,272 
(6.3%) 

2007 
  $8,828 
3.1% 

(7.2%) 
14.5%   
(5.0%) 
2.5% 
(4.2%) 

(12.4%) 
8.4% 
(10.6%) 
3.1% 
(9.0%) 

34% 
22% 
15% 
12% 
11% 
3% 
3% 
100% 

34% 
21% 
16% 
12% 
11% 
3% 
3% 
100% 

2.5% 
17.9% 
3.5% 
8.7% 
3.9% 

35% 
20% 
18% 
11% 
11% 
3% 
2% 
100% 

NET SALES – 2009 VS 2008 
Net sales for 2009 were approximately flat compared to 2008. The decline in multi-channel same-store sales was mostly offset by new store openings 
during 2009 and an increase in same-store sales for Rack. 

Our multi-channel same-store sales declined 5.0% compared to 2008 as the decrease at our full-line stores was partially offset by the strong 
performance of Direct. During 2009, we made continued progress on our multi-channel strategy, providing our customers with access to more of our 
merchandise. In the fall of 2009, we updated our inventory platform to allow for shared inventory across all of our full-line stores and our Web site, 
allowing us to fulfill online orders from any full-line store or from our fulfillment center. These enhancements increased sales and led to significant 
improvements in our sell-through rates and inventory turnover, following their implementation in the second half of the year. Our merchandising 
efforts also contributed to our improving multi-channel sales trends during the second half of the year. By managing our inventory levels effectively 
during the downturn in sales over the past two years, we had the flexibility to increase purchases as sales improved and maintain current merchandise 
in our stores without taking excessive markdowns. As a result, our percentage of regular price sales improved measurably over the course of the year.  

Same-store sales for our full-line stores decreased 7.2% compared to the same period last year. Highlights for the year included both women’s shoes 
and accessories. Women’s shoes benefited from sales of high-end shoes and boots, while fashion jewelry led accessories. Men’s clothing, particularly 
young contemporary wear and men’s furnishings, remained challenging throughout the year. This continues the trend we experienced last year as 
sales of men’s clothing declined in conjunction with economic deterioration. The South and Mid-Atlantic regions were the top performing geographic 
areas for full-line stores. California and the Northwest had same-store sales below the full-line store average in 2009, although we saw improvements 
in both regions during the latter part of the year. 

Direct’s net sales increased 14.5% for the year, with results driven by the accessories, women’s apparel and women’s shoes categories. Accessories 
benefited from the sales of handbags and fashion jewelry while women’s apparel was led by special occasion dresses. Junior footwear and high-end 
shoes drove the improvement in women’s shoes. The growth in our Direct business was helped by our investments in technology and systems to better 
align our merchandise offering and improve the online shopping experience. 

Rack had its eighth consecutive year of positive sales growth with a same-store sales increase of 2.5% for the year. The shoes and women’s apparel 
categories led the positive performance for the year. Junior and active footwear drove shoes while women’s apparel benefited from knitwear  
and blouses. 

During 2009 we opened three full-line and thirteen Rack stores. These stores represent 2.6% of our total net sales for 2009, and increased our gross 
square footage by 4.1% during 2009. 

NET SALES – 2008 VS 2007 
Net sales declined 6.3% in 2008 compared to 2007. The decrease was due to same-store sales declines in our full-line stores, partially offset by 
increases in same-store sales for Rack and Direct, as well as new store openings. 

Same-store sales for our full-line stores decreased 12.4% compared to the same period in 2007 primarily as a result of the economic downturn. The 
largest same-store sales decreases came in women’s apparel and men’s apparel. Women’s apparel continued to experience a market-wide deterioration 
and we saw a decline in men’s apparel correspond to the economic downturn, particularly during the fourth quarter. Regionally, business trends were 
most challenging in markets undergoing the largest housing price corrections. California was the most challenging region throughout 2008,  
with same-store sales below the full-line store average. All other regions were above the same-store sales average for full-line stores. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  17 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct net sales increased 8.4% in 2008, driven by our efforts to better align our merchandise offering and experience with our full-line stores. Our new 
“Buy Online, Pick Up in Store” service was launched in 2008 and proved to be a convenient and valued service for our customers. The accessories, 
women’s apparel and kids’ merchandise categories led the growth in our Direct sales in 2008. 

Rack same-store sales increased 3.1% for the year in 2008. The accessories category, led by designer handbags, and men’s apparel category, led by 
premium denim, drove this growth. All regions contributed to the positive same-store sales results. 

During 2008 we opened eight full-line and six Rack stores. These stores represented 3.3% of our total net sales for fiscal 2008, and increased our gross 
square footage by 6.7% during 2008. 

SAME-STORE SALES OUTLOOK – 2010 
We expect 2010 same-store sales to increase approximately 2% to 4%. The same-store sales increase in the first half of 2010 is expected to be 
approximately 300 basis points higher than in the second half of 2010. 

As of March 19, 2010, we have opened three Rack stores. In total, we plan to open three full-line stores, relocate one full-line store and open fourteen 
additional Rack stores during the remainder of 2010. This will increase retail square footage by approximately 4.5%.  

Retail Business Gross Profit  

Fiscal year 
Gross profit1 
Gross profit rate2 
Average inventory per square foot 
Inventory turnover rate3 

2009 
$2,985 
36.1% 
$43.96 
5.41 

2008 
$2,905 
35.1% 
$49.00 
5.20 

2007 
$3,349 
37.9% 
$52.70 
5.16 

1Gross profit is calculated as net sales less Retail Business cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs. 
2Gross profit rate is calculated as gross profit divided by net sales. 
3Inventory turnover rate is calculated as annual cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs (for all segments) divided by 4-quarter average inventory. 

GROSS PROFIT – 2009 VS 2008 
Retail gross profit increased $80 from last year while our gross profit rate improved 101 basis points compared with the same period in 2008. Retail 
gross profit consists of merchandise margin offset by buying and occupancy costs. The improvement for the year was driven by overall improvement in 
our merchandise margin, particularly in the second half of the year. The latter half of 2008 was highly promotional among retailers, meaning many 
competitors took steep markdowns and/or offered special events or incentives to attract customers, as sales declined. We were able to be less 
promotional and reduce markdowns during 2009, particularly during the second half of the year, by aligning inventory with sales trends. All major 
merchandise categories at our full-line stores contributed to this improvement over 2008. The improvement in our merchandise margin was offset by 
an increase in our buying and occupancy costs. Buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales increased 51 basis points. This increase was 
primarily driven by incentives that were a result of strong company performance relative to our plans for 2009.  

Our inventory turnover rate increased 4.0% over last year while our average inventory per square foot decreased 10.3%. Our merchandising efforts 
have enabled us to manage inventory levels consistent with sales trends and maintain fresh merchandise in our stores. Combined with the increased 
sell-through resulting from our improved multi-channel inventory capabilities, these efforts led to a significant increase in our inventory turnover rate. 

GROSS PROFIT – 2008 VS 2007 
Retail gross profit in 2008 decreased $444 from 2007 while our gross profit rate declined 280 basis points. The deterioration in 2008 was driven 
primarily by a decrease in our merchandise margin rate as we utilized markdowns to respond to slower sales and a more promotional environment.  
All major merchandise categories at our full-line stores contributed to this decrease. Our buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales 
increased 76 basis points as many of these costs were fixed relative to the sales decline.  

Our inventory turnover rate improved slightly in 2008 while our average inventory per square foot decreased 7.0%. Our merchants’ efforts to align 
inventory levels to lower demand resulted in the improvement in our inventory turnover rate and our lower inventory per square foot. Our objective 
was to match the change in inventory per square foot, which declined 7.0% on average, with our same-store sales rate, which declined 9.0% for  
the year. 

GROSS PROFIT OUTLOOK – 2010 
In 2010, we expect a 20 to 60 basis point improvement in our total company gross profit rate, which includes both our Retail gross profit and our cost of 
loyalty points within our Credit segment. We expect greater improvement in the first half of the year when compared to 2009, when weaker sales trends in 
the first and second quarters increased markdown pressure. The improvement will be partially offset by additional occupancy expense for the three new 
full-line and seventeen new Rack stores in 2010. 

Retailers do not uniformly record the costs of buying and occupancy and supply chain operations (freight, purchasing, receiving, distribution, etc.) between 
gross profit and selling, general and administrative expense. As such, our gross profit and selling, general and administrative expenses and rates may not 
be comparable to other retailers’ expenses and rates. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail Business Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 

Fiscal year 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Selling, general and administrative rate1 

2009 
$2,109 
25.5% 

2008 
$2,103 
25.4% 

2007 
$2,161 
24.5% 

1Selling, general and administrative rate is calculated as selling, general and administrative expenses for our Retail Business as a percentage of net sales. 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES – 2009 VS 2008 
Our Retail Business selling, general and administrative expenses (“Retail SG&A”) increased $6 due to increased performance-related incentives, 
partially offset by lower variable expenses and cost savings resulting from controlling our fixed costs. We increased our provision for  
performance-related expense as the year progressed to reflect the improved performance of our overall business relative to our plan. This reflects our 
‘pay for performance’ approach to compensation. Our variable expenses decreased in conjunction with lower sales volume, and we worked diligently to 
maintain our discipline in managing fixed costs. During 2009, we opened three full-line stores and thirteen Rack stores, which contributed $41 of 
additional expenses. Although we opened more stores compared to 2008, the majority were Rack stores, which incur lower expenses than a full-line 
store. These drivers led our Retail SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales to be approximately flat versus last year. 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES – 2008 VS 2007 
Our SG&A expenses for our Retail Business decreased $58 due to lower variable expenses as well as cost savings resulting from our focus on controlling 
fixed expenses, partially offset by the additional expenses related to our new stores. During 2008, we opened eight full-line stores and six Rack stores, 
which contributed $72 of additional expenses. Our Retail SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 94 basis points. The increase as a 
percentage of net sales was due to the fixed nature of many of our selling, general and administrative expenses and the impact of declining sales. 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES OUTLOOK – 2010 
In 2010, our Retail SG&A dollars are expected to increase $125 to $175, while our Retail SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales will decrease 10 to 20 
basis points. The majority of this increase relates to our expectations for increased variable expenses consistent with the planned increase in sales, as 
well as approximately $50 to $60 of additional selling, general and administrative expenses from new stores to be opened during 2010. 

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 2007 was $0.09, net of tax of $13. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  19 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Segment 

The Nordstrom credit card products are designed to strengthen customer relationships and grow retail sales by providing valuable services, loyalty 
benefits and payment products. We believe that owning our credit card business allows us to fully integrate our rewards program with our retail stores 
and provide better service to our customers, thus deepening our relationship with them and driving greater customer loyalty. Cardholders can 
participate in the Nordstrom Fashion Rewards® program, through which customers accumulate points based on their level of spending (generally two 
points per dollar spent at Nordstrom and one point per dollar spent outside of Nordstrom). Upon reaching two thousand points, customers receive 
twenty dollars in Nordstrom Notes®, which can be redeemed for goods or services in our stores. As customers increase their level of spending they 
receive additional benefits, including rewards such as complimentary shipping and alterations in our retail stores. Our cardholders tend to visit our 
stores more frequently and spend more with us than non-cardholders. We believe the Fashion Rewards program, including these additional rewards, 
helps drive sales in our Retail Stores and Direct segments. 

The table below illustrates a detailed view of the operational results of our Credit segment, consistent with the segment disclosure provided in the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements. In order to view the economic contribution of our credit card program, the following items are also 
included in the table below: 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

Intercompany merchant fees represent the estimated intercompany income of our credit business from the usage of our cards in the 
Retail Stores and Direct segments. To encourage the use of Nordstrom cards in our stores, the Credit segment does not charge the Retail 
Stores and Direct segments an intercompany interchange merchant fee. On a consolidated basis, we avoid costs that would be incurred if 
our customers used third-party cards. 

During 2007, we combined our Nordstrom private label credit card and Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization 
program. At that time the Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables were brought on-balance sheet. While the underlying economics of the 
business did not change (Nordstrom has always owned 100% of its Credit segment), the accounting for this business segment did change. 
For comparability between years, off-balance sheet income (expense), net (credit card revenues, net of bad debt and interest expense) 
is shown for 2007. 

Interest expense is assigned to the Credit segment in proportion to the amount of estimated capital needed to fund our credit card receivables, which 
assumes a mix of 80% debt and 20% equity. The average accounts receivable investment metric included in the following table represents our best 
estimate of the amount of capital for our credit card program that is financed by equity. As a means of assigning a comparable cost of capital for our 
credit card business, we believe it is important to maintain a capital structure similar to other financial institutions. Based on our research, debt as a 
percentage of credit card receivables for other credit card companies ranges from 70% to 90%. We believe that debt equal to 80% of our credit card 
receivables is appropriate given our overall capital structure goals. 

Fiscal year 

Finance charge revenue 
Interchange — third party 
Late fees and other revenue 

Total credit card revenues 

Interest expense 
Net credit card income 

Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs — loyalty program 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 

Total expense 

Earnings on investment in asset-backed securities, net 

Credit segment loss before income taxes, as presented in segment 
disclosure 

Intercompany merchant fees 
Off-balance sheet income, net1  

Credit segment (loss) contribution, before income taxes  
Average accounts receivable investment (assuming 80% of accounts 

2009 
$264 
71 
35 
370 
(41) 
329 
(55) 
(356) 
(411) 
- 

(82) 
50 
- 
($32) 

2008 
$215 
69 
18 
302 
(50) 
252 
(50) 
(274) 
(324) 
- 

(72) 
 48 
               - 
 ($24) 

2007 
$194 
47 
12 
253 
(64) 
189 
(47) 
(198) 
(245) 
18 

(38) 
48 
 9 
$19 

receivable is funded with debt) 

$420 

$382 

$332 

Credit segment (loss) contribution, net of tax, as a percentage of average 
  accounts receivable investment 

(4.7%) 

(3.9%) 

3.5% 

1In 2007, this includes off-balance sheet finance charges and other income of $22, off-balance sheet interest expense of $6, and off-balance sheet bad debt expense of $7. 

Net Credit Card Income 
Credit card revenues include finance charges, interchange fees, late fees and other fees. Interchange fees are earned from the use of Nordstrom VISA 
credit cards at merchants outside of Nordstrom. 

Credit card revenues increased to $370 in 2009 compared with $302 in 2008 due to an increase in our annual percentage rate terms implemented in 
the fourth quarter of 2008, growth in our accounts receivable balance and increased finance charges and late fees associated with increased 
delinquencies during the economic downturn. The increase in credit card revenues from $253 in 2007 to $302 in 2008 was in part due to the Nordstrom 
VISA portfolio being on-balance sheet for a full year in fiscal 2008 compared to only three quarters in fiscal 2007. The increase was also due to 
portfolio growth and the change in our credit card pricing terms implemented in the fourth quarter of 2008, partially offset by a significant reduction in 
the average prime rate.  
20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
In 2010, credit card revenues are expected to increase $35 to $45, due to moderate growth in our accounts receivable.  

In May 2009, the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (the “Credit CARD Act”) was passed. In January 2010, final rules 
implementing portions of the Credit CARD Act were issued, including new restrictions on credit card pricing, finance charges and fees, customer billing 
practices and payment application. These rules are requiring us to make changes to our credit card business practices and systems. We have 
completed and implemented the necessary changes and new procedures to enable compliance with those rules that had a mandatory effective date of 
February 22, 2010. However, the Credit CARD Act’s full impact on our business is unknown at this time. Additional proposed rules implementing other 
portions of the Credit CARD Act, effective in August 2010, were published in early March, and interpretations of the new and proposed rules continue to 
emerge. Depending on the nature and extent of the full impact from these rules, any interpretations or additional rules, the practices, revenues and 
profitability of our credit business could be adversely affected.  

Interest expense decreased to $41 in 2009 from $50 in 2008 and $64 in 2007. These year-over-year decreases were due to declining variable interest 
rates, partially offset by higher average borrowings. 

Credit Segment Cost of Sales and Related Buying and Occupancy Costs 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs, which includes the estimated cost of Nordstrom Notes that will be issued and redeemed under 
our Fashion Rewards program, increased to $55 in 2009 compared with $50 in 2008. The increase was primarily due to increased use of Nordstrom 
credit cards, resulting in additional expense related to the Fashion Rewards program. Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs of $50 in 
2008 increased slightly from $47 in 2007 due to growth in volume. 

Credit Segment Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for our Credit segment are made up of operational and marketing expenses and bad debt. These expenses 
are summarized in the following table: 

Fiscal year 
Operational and marketing expense 
Bad debt expense 
Total credit selling, general and administrative expense 

2009 
$105 
                 251 
$356 

2008 
$101 
173 
$274 

2007 
$91 
107 
$198 

Operational and marketing expenses are incurred to support and service our credit card products and the related rewards programs, and are included 
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Operational and marketing expense remained relatively 
constant at $105 in 2009 compared with $101 in 2008. This reflects expenses that are relatively fixed when compared to portfolio growth and our 
continued focus on controlling expenses. The increase to $101 in 2008 compared with $91 in 2007 was due to additional marketing expenses as a result 
of an increase in promotions related to our loyalty program in 2008. 

Bad debt expense increased to $251 in 2009 from $173 in 2008 due to increased write-offs reflecting consumer credit trends.   

The following table illustrates the allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the past three fiscal years: 

Fiscal year 
Allowance at beginning of period 
Bad debt provision1 
Net write–offs (on–balance sheet) 
Allowance at end of period 
Allowance as a percentage of ending accounts receivable 
Delinquent balances over thirty days as a percentage of  

  accounts receivable 

Bad debt provision as a percentage of average on-balance sheet 

   accounts receivable 

Net write-offs as a percentage of average receivables2 

2009 
$138 
251 
(199) 
$190 
8.8% 

5.3% 

11.9% 
9.5% 

2008 
$73 
173 
(108) 
$138 
6.8% 

3.7% 

9.1% 
5.6% 

2007 
$17 
86 
(30) 
$73 
4.1% 

2.5% 

5.8% 
3.5% 

1 In 2007, the one-time transitional charge-offs on the Nordstrom VISA receivables of $21 are included in bad debt expense in selling, general and administrative expenses. These charge-offs  
  represent actual write-offs on the Nordstrom VISA credit card portfolio during the eight-month transitional period and are not included in the allowance for doubtful accounts activity in the   
  table above for 2007. 
2 Calculated as net write-offs for the combined Nordstrom private label and Nordstrom VISA portfolio as a percentage of average receivables, including average off-balance sheet receivables 
  in 2007 of $182. 

Delinquency rates and write-offs ran at elevated levels throughout 2009. As of January 30, 2010, our delinquency rate was 5.3%, an increase from 3.7% 
in 2008 and 2.5% in 2007. Write-offs increased $91 to $199, or 9.5% of average receivables in 2009 compared with $108, or 5.6% of average receivables 
in 2008. Our write-offs have a strong long-term correlation with national unemployment rates, and this trend continued during 2009 as U.S. 
unemployment increased from 7.6% to 9.7%. In California, unemployment rates in 2009 trended above the national unemployment rate. California 
continues to experience particular weakness relative to our other geographic regions and accounts for approximately 50% of our total write-offs. We 
are currently planning our business assuming an average unemployment rate of approximately 10.5% in 2010. In light of this economic environment 
and based on our delinquency and write-off trends, we increased our allowance for doubtful accounts by $52 to $190 in 2009 compared with an 
increase of $65 to $138 in 2008. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  21 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We anticipate that 2010 selling, general and administrative expenses for our Credit segment will decrease by $10 to $25, primarily due to lower bad debt 
expense relative to 2009 as growth in the unemployment rate and growth in our associated write-offs slows down. 

Total Company Results 

Interest Expense, Net  

Fiscal year 
Interest expense, net  

2009 
$138 

2008 
$131 

2007 
$74 

Interest expense, net increased $7 in 2009 compared with 2008 due to higher average debt levels resulting from the $400 debt offering in the second 
quarter of 2009, partially offset by the $250 senior notes which matured in January 2009 and the impact of declining variable interest rates.  

Interest expense, net increased $57 in 2008 compared with 2007 due to higher average debt levels resulting from the $1,000 debt offering in the fourth 
quarter of 2007, as well as the $850 securitization transaction in May 2007. 

We anticipate interest expense, net to decrease by $15 to $25 in 2010 due to lower debt levels, reductions in interest rates and lower borrowing  
facility fees.  

Income Tax Expense  

Fiscal year 
Income tax expense 
Effective tax rate 

2009 
$255 
36.6% 

2008 
$247 
38.1% 

2007 
$458 
39.0% 

The increase in our income tax expense in 2009 compared with 2008 was driven by the increase in our earnings before income taxes, while the decline 
in income tax expense in 2008 compared with 2007 correlated with the decline in earnings before income taxes. 

The following table illustrates the components of our effective tax rate for 2009, 2008 and 2007: 

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

income taxes 

Deferred tax adjustment 
Permanent differences 
Other, net 
Effective tax rate 

2009 
35.0% 

3.5 
(1.8) 
(0.6) 
0.5 
36.6% 

2008 
35.0% 

3.4 
(3.2) 
2.0 
0.9 
38.1% 

2007 
35.0% 

3.4 
- 
- 
0.6 
39.0% 

In 2009 and 2008, our effective tax rate was impacted by adjustments related to our deferred tax assets primarily driven by the closure of several tax 
years under audit, as well as permanent items related to investment valuation. These adjustments reduced our effective tax rate by 2.4% and 1.2% in 
2009 and 2008, respectively. 

We anticipate our effective tax rate to be approximately 39.0% in 2010. 

Net Earnings and Earnings per Diluted Share  

Fiscal year 
Net earnings 
Net earnings as a percentage of total revenues 
Earnings per diluted share 

2009 
$441 
5.1% 
$2.01 

2008 
$401 
4.7% 
$1.83 

2007 
$715 
7.9% 
$2.88 

In 2009, net earnings increased 9.9% and earnings per diluted share increased $0.18 primarily as a result of improved gross profit and continued 
expense performance, partially offset by increased performance-related expenses related to our strong operating results relative to our plan and 
increased bad debt expense.  

In 2008, net earnings decreased 43.9% and earnings per diluted share decreased 36.5% as a result of lower sales volume, increased markdowns and 
higher bad debt expense, partially offset by decreased variable costs and reductions in fixed expenses. The decline in earnings per share was also 
partially offset by the impact of share repurchases, which caused our weighted average shares outstanding to decrease in 2008 compared with 2007.  

We expect our earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $2.35 to $2.55 in 2010. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter Results  

Quarter Ended 
Net sales 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Net earnings 
Earnings per diluted share 

January 30, 2010 
   $2,539 
(1,593) 
946 
(737) 
172 
$0.77 

January 31, 2009 
  $2,301 
(1,565) 
736 
(665) 
68 
$0.31 

% of net sales: 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 

62.7% 
37.3% 
29.0% 

68.0% 
32.0% 
28.9% 

Our fourth quarter performance reflected continued improvement in our sales and gross margin trends that we experienced throughout the year, 
particularly in the second half. Earnings per diluted share were $0.77 for the quarter ended January 30, 2010 compared to $0.31 for the quarter ended 
January 31, 2009. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $172 compared with $68 in 2008. 

NET SALES 
Total sales for the quarter increased 10.3% to $2,539 while same-store sales improved 6.9%. Multi-channel same-store sales increased 7.1%, with full-
line same-store sales increasing 3.9% and Direct sales increasing 32.1%. Our multi-channel results benefited this year from both the comparison to a 
difficult period last year, as well as our shared inventory platform which enables online orders to be fulfilled from our full-line stores.  

Results in full-line stores improved, as same-store sales increased 3.9% for the quarter. Our top performing categories were women’s better apparel, 
women’s shoes, and accessories. Women’s better apparel benefited primarily from sweaters. Women’s shoes were led by high-end shoes and junior 
shoes, while jewelry drove the increase in accessories. The Midwest, South and Northwest regions were the top performing geographic regions for  
full-line stores relative to the fourth quarter of 2008. 

Net sales for the Direct segment increased 32.1%, led by the performance of women’s shoes and apparel. Shoes was driven by junior shoes and  
high-end footwear, while coats and dresses performed well in women’s apparel.  

Rack same-store sales increased 4.6% for the fourth quarter. Shoes, driven by juniors and active footwear, and women’s clothing, driven by denim and 
knit tops, were the leading categories for Rack.  

GROSS PROFIT 
Our gross profit rate increased 527 basis points to 37.3% from 32.0% last year. The improvement was mainly driven by merchandise margin as a 
percentage of net sales, partially offset by the impact of higher performance-related expenses included in buying and occupancy. Markdowns improved 
in the fourth quarter of 2009 when compared with the highly promotional fourth quarter experienced in 2008. We were effective in our management of 
inventory and ended the year with an inventory turn of 5.4, the highest in recent company history. We also ended the quarter with inventory per square 
foot down 4.1% from the fourth quarter of 2008. 

SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 
Selling, general and administrative dollars for our Retail Business increased $56 compared to last year’s fourth quarter. The increase was largely driven 
by increased performance-related expenses due to our strong performance relative to our plan and higher variable expenses as a result of the 
improvement in sales. Our new store expenses in the fourth quarter of 2009 were $13, which partially offset fixed expense savings during the quarter. 
These drivers contributed to the 11 basis point increase in Retail Business selling, general and administrative expenses. 

In the fourth quarter, selling, general and administrative expenses for our credit segment were $106, up from $90 in 2008. A majority of the increase 
was driven by higher bad debt expense from increased write-offs associated with higher unemployment. 

For further information on our quarterly results in 2009 and 2008, refer to Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  23 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

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. ROIC is one of our key financial metrics, and we also incorporate it into our executive 
incentive measures. Our research has shown that, historically, overall performance as measured by ROIC correlates directly to shareholders’ return 
over the long term. For the 12 fiscal months ended January 30, 2010, our ROIC increased to 12.1% compared to 11.6% for the 12 fiscal months ended 
January 31, 2009. ROIC is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, 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. The 
closest GAAP measure is return on assets, which increased slightly to 7.1% from 7.0% for the 12 fiscal months ended January 30, 2010 compared to the 
12 fiscal months ended January 31, 2009. The following is a reconciliation of return on assets to ROIC: 

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 expense2 
Net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) 

Average total assets3 
Less: average non-interest-bearing current liabilities4 
Less: average deferred property incentives3 
Add: average estimated asset base of capitalized 
  operating leases5 
Average invested capital 

Return on assets 
ROIC 

       12 fiscal months ended 

January 30, 2010 
$441 
255 
138 
834 

January 31, 2009 
$401 
247 
131 
779 

43 

(23) 
854 

(313) 
$541 

$6,197 
(1,562) 
(462) 

311 
$4,484 

7.1% 
12.1% 

37 

                             (19) 
797 

(303) 
$494 

$5,768 
(1,447) 
(400) 

322 
$4,243 

7.0% 
11.6% 

1Depreciation based upon estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases as described in footnote 5 below. 
2Based upon our effective tax rate multiplied by the net operating profit for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009. 
3Based upon the trailing 12-month average. 
4Based upon the trailing 12-month average for accounts payable, accrued salaries, wages and related benefits, and other current liabilities. 
5Based upon the trailing 12-month average of the monthly asset base, which is calculated as the trailing 12 months rent expense multiplied by 8. 

Our ROIC increased primarily due to an increase in our earnings before interest and income taxes compared to the prior year, offset by an increase in 
our average invested capital attributable primarily to growth in cash and cash equivalents.

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  

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

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, debt service payments, dividend 
payouts, potential share repurchases and future investments or acquisitions. We believe our existing cash on-hand, operating cash flows, available 
credit facilities and potential future borrowings will be sufficient to fund these scheduled future payments and potential long-term initiatives. 

For the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, cash and cash equivalents increased by $723 to $795, primarily due to cash provided by operations of $1,251, 
partially offset by $360 of capital expenditures; and $182 of purchases, net of payments, made by our customers for third-party merchandise and 
services using Nordstrom VISA credit cards. Additionally, we received proceeds from long-term borrowings of $399, repaid commercial paper  
and long-term borrowings totaling $300, and paid cash dividends of $139. 

Operating Activities  
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,251 in 2009 and $848 in 2008. The majority of our operating cash inflows are related to sales to our 
customers, including the collection of accounts receivable. We also receive cash payments for property incentives from developers. Our operating cash 
outflows generally consist of payments to our inventory vendors (net of vendor allowances), payments to our employees for wages, salaries and other 
employee benefits, and payments to our landlords for rent. Operating cash outflows also include payments for income taxes and interest payments on 
our short and long-term borrowings. 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2009 compared with 2008 was due to working capital initiatives and improved earnings. The 
positive impact from the change in accrued salaries, wages and related benefits primarily reflects the increase in performance-related expenses as our 
overall results improved relative to our plans in 2009 that will be paid in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. 

In 2010, although we expect net earnings to increase, we expect our operating cash flows to decline. This is a result of increases in working capital to 
support sales growth and payment of performance-related expenses that were included in accrued salaries, wages and related benefits at the  
end of 2009. 

Investing Activities  
Net cash used in investing activities was $541 in 2009 and $792 in 2008. Our investing cash flows primarily consist of capital expenditures and, beginning in 
the second quarter of 2007 (when we brought our Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables on-balance sheet), customer purchases (net of payments) for 
goods and services outside of Nordstrom using the Nordstrom VISA credit cards.  

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 
Our capital expenditures over the last three years totaled $1,424, with $360 in 2009, $563 in 2008 and $501 in 2007. Compared with 2008, capital 
expenditures declined as we opened fewer full-line stores in 2009. While we opened more Rack stores in 2009 compared with 2008, the investment  
to open a Rack store is significantly less than a full-line store. Additionally, we reduced the number of full-line store remodels in 2009 compared  
with 2008. 

Our capital expenditures included investments in new store openings and relocations, major and minor remodels, and information technology 
improvements. We also received property incentives from our developers of $96 in 2009, $119 in 2008 and $58 in 2007. These incentives are included in 
our cash provided by operations in our consolidated statements of cash flows, however operationally we view these as an offset to our capital 
expenditures. Our capital expenditure percentage, net of property incentives, for the last three years by category are summarized in the  
following table: 

Fiscal year 
Category and expenditure percentage: 
  New store openings and relocations 
  Remodels (major and minor) 
Information technology 

  Other 
Total 

2009 

59% 
15% 
13% 
13% 
100% 

2008 

55% 
30% 
8% 
7% 
100% 

2007 

51% 
27% 
8% 
14% 
100% 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  25 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes our store count and square footage activity during 2009: 

Balance at January 31, 2009 
  New store openings  
  Store closings 
Balance at January 30, 2010 

Store Count 
Full-line  
Stores 
109 
3 
— 
112 

Rack and  
Other Stores 
60 
13 
(1) 
72 

Total 
169 
16 
(1) 
184 

Square Footage 
Full-line  
Stores 
19.6 
0.4 
— 
20.0 

Rack and  
Other Stores 
2.3 
0.5 
— 
2.8 

Total 
21.9 
0.9 
— 
22.8 

In 2009 we opened three full-line stores and opened thirteen Rack stores. Together these openings increased our gross square footage by 4.1%.  

To date in 2010, we have opened three Rack stores. During the remainder of 2010, we anticipate opening three full-line stores, relocating one full-line 
store and opening fourteen additional Rack stores. 

We expect that our capital expenditures (net of property incentives) will be approximately $2,100 over the next five years, with approximately $325 to 
$375 in 2010. Over these five years, we plan to use 37% of this investment to build new and relocated stores, 41% on remodels (major and minor), 11% 
on information technology and 11% for other projects. Our current five-year plans include 28 new stores announced through 2012, and two announced 
with dates to be determined, which represents a 9% increase in square footage. Almost one third of these stores will be in the South. We believe that 
we have the capacity for additional capital investments should opportunities arise.  

CHANGE IN CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES ORIGINATED AT THIRD PARTIES 
The Nordstrom VISA credit cards allow our customers to make purchases at merchants outside of Nordstrom and accumulate points for our Nordstrom 
Fashion Rewards®. In 2009, we experienced a decrease in third party purchases made by our customers using their Nordstrom VISA credit cards. This 
decrease was driven by reductions in general consumer spending in response to economic conditions during 2009. This caused a decrease in cash used 
for accounts receivable originating at third parties, which was $182 in 2009 compared with $232 in 2008.  

Financing Activities  
Our net cash provided by financing activities was $13 in 2009 compared with $342 used in financing activities in 2008. Our financing activities include our 
short-term and long-term borrowing activity, dividends paid, and repurchases of common stock. 

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM BORROWING ACTIVITY 
During 2009, we issued $400 of senior unsecured notes at 6.75% due June 2014. After deducting the original issue discount, underwriting fees and 
other expenses of $4, net proceeds from the offering were $396. These net borrowings were partially offset by the repayment of $275 in commercial 
paper borrowings and regularly scheduled principal payments of $25 on other long term borrowings. 

During the year, we entered into interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the “swap”) to manage the interest rate risk associated with our fixed-
rate borrowings. Our swap transaction has a $650 notional amount and matures in 2018. Under the swap, we receive a fixed rate of 6.25% and pay a 
variable rate based on one month LIBOR plus a margin of 2.9% (3.1% at January 30, 2010).  

DIVIDENDS 

Fiscal year 
Cash dividends paid per share  

2009 
$0.64 

2008 
$0.64 

2007 
$0.54 

In 2009, we paid dividends of $0.64 per share, which was consistent with our dividend payments for 2008. This followed twelve consecutive years of annual 
dividend increases. 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. For the dividend yield, which is calculated as our dividends per share divided by our stock 
price, we plan to target a 1.0% to 1.5% long-term yield. We will balance any potential future dividend changes with our operating performance and available 
capital resources.  

In February 2010, we declared a first quarter dividend of $0.16 per share, which is consistent with 2009.  

SHARE REPURCHASES 
Our reported results for 2008 include $264 in share repurchases. During 2008, we repurchased 6.9 shares of our common stock for an aggregate 
purchase price of $238, at an average price per share of $34.29. In addition, our results for the period include the settlement of $26 in repurchases 
initiated in the fourth quarter of 2007. In August 2007 our Board of Directors authorized a $1,500 share repurchase program and in November 2007 
authorized an additional $1,000 for share repurchases, bringing the total program to $2,500. We suspended our share repurchase program in 
September 2008, with $1,126 of remaining capacity. During 2009 we did not repurchase shares. The share repurchase program expired in August 2009. 
The actual amount and timing of any future share repurchases will be subject to market conditions, approval by our Board of Directors, and applicable 
Securities and Exchange Commission rules. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP financial measure)  

We define Free Cash Flow as: 

 Free Cash Flow = Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities – Capital Expenditures – Change in Credit Card Receivables Originated at Third 
Parties – Cash Dividends Paid + Increase in Cash Book Overdrafts 

Free cash flow is one of our key liquidity measures, and we believe that our cash levels are more appropriately analyzed using this measure. Free cash 
flow is not a measure of liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for operating cash flows as determined in accordance with 
GAAP. In addition, free cash flow does have limitations: 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

Free cash flow does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to 
fund our cash needs; and 
Other companies in our industry may calculate free cash flow differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. 

To compensate for these limitations, we analyze free cash flow in conjunction with other GAAP financial and performance measures impacting liquidity, 
including operating cash flows. The closest GAAP measure is net cash provided by operating activities, which was $1,251 and $848 for the 12 months 
ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009. The following is a reconciliation of our net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow: 

Net cash provided by operating activities 
Less: Capital expenditures 

Change in credit card receivables originated at third parties 
Cash dividends paid 

Add:  Increase in cash book overdrafts 
Free Cash Flow 

            Fiscal year 
2009 
  $1,251 
(360) 
(182) 
(139) 
9 
$579 

2008 
  $848 
(563) 
(232) 
(138) 
20 
$(65) 

Net cash used in investing activities 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

$(541) 
$13 

  $(792) 
  $(342) 

Credit Capacity and Commitments  
As of January 30, 2010, we had total short-term borrowing capacity available for general corporate purposes of $950. Of the total capacity, we had 
$650 under our commercial paper program, which is backed by our unsecured revolving credit facility and $300 under our Variable Funding Note 
facility (“2007-A VFN”). 

During 2009, we entered into a new unsecured revolving credit facility (the “revolver”) with a capacity of $650. This revolver replaced our previously 
existing $650 unsecured line of credit, which was scheduled to expire in November 2010. The revolver, which expires in August 2012, is available for 
working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. Under the terms of the agreement, we pay a variable rate of interest and a 
facility fee based on our debt rating. Under the revolver we have the option to increase the revolving commitment by up to $100, to a total of $750, 
provided that we obtain written consent from the lenders who choose to increase their commitment.  

Our $650 commercial paper program 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 borrowing capacity under our revolver by an amount equal to the 
principal amount of commercial paper. As of January 30, 2010 we had no outstanding issuances under our $650 commercial paper program and no 
outstanding borrowings under our revolver.  

During 2009, we renewed our 2007-A VFN. The 2007-A VFN has a capacity of $300 and matures in January 2011. The 2007-A VFN is backed by 
substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. 
Borrowings under the 2007-A VFN incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by a third-party bank conduit plus specified fees.  
We pay a commitment fee for the notes based on the size of the commitment. Under the renewed 2007-A VFN, we have the option to reduce the total 
capacity or, provided that written consent is obtained from each of the parties to the Note Purchase Agreement, the facility contains the option to 
increase the total capacity. As of January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding issuances against this facility.  

Our wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, also maintains a variable funding facility with a short-term credit capacity of $100. This facility 
is backed by the remaining 10% interest in the Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables and is available, if needed, to provide liquidity support to 
Nordstrom fsb. At the end of 2009 and 2008, Nordstrom fsb had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. Borrowings under the facility incur 
interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third-party bank conduit plus specified fees. 

We maintain import and standby letters of credit to facilitate international payments. As of January 30, 2010, we have $10 available under an import 
letter of credit, with $5 outstanding. We additionally hold a $15 standby letter of credit, with $12 outstanding under this facility at the end of the year. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  27 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We currently 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. 

Our next debt maturity is a $350 securitized note due in April 2010. Beginning in the first quarter of 2010, we will make monthly cash deposits into a 
restricted account until the note is due in accordance with the debt agreement. We will continue to monitor the credit markets and our potential 
financing needs in order to ensure we have adequate cash on hand to pay this debt when it becomes due. We expect to retire the $350 securitized note 
with available cash when it matures. 

Debt Covenants 
Our $650 unsecured line of credit requires that we maintain a leverage ratio of not greater than four times Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR, and a fixed 
charge coverage ratio of at least two times. 

The fixed charge coverage ratio is defined as:  

EBITDAR less gross capital expenditures  
Interest expense, net + rent expense 

As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 we were in compliance with these covenants. We will continue to monitor these covenants to ensure that 
we make any necessary adjustments to our plans and believe that we will remain in compliance with these covenants during 2010. See additional 
disclosure of Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR on the following page. 

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

Credit Ratings 
Senior unsecured debt 
Commercial paper 
Senior unsecured outlook 

Moody’s 
Baa2 
P-2 
Stable 

Standard 
and Poor’s 
BBB+ 
A-2 
Positive 

These ratings could change depending on our performance and other factors. Our $100 variable funding 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 other outstanding debt is not subject to termination or interest rate 
adjustments based on changes in our credit ratings. We are currently three ratings above the minimum for our Standard and Poor’s covenant 
requirements, and two ratings above the minimum for our Moody’s covenant requirements. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR (Non-GAAP financial measure)  

We define Adjusted Debt to Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent (“EBITDAR”) as follows: 

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR = 

Adjusted Debt 
EBITDAR 

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR is one of our key financial metrics, and we believe that our debt levels are best analyzed using this measure. Our current goal 
is to manage debt levels to maintain an investment grade credit rating as well as operate with an efficient capital structure for our size, growth plans 
and industry. Investment grade credit ratings are important to maintaining access to a variety of short-term and long-term sources of funding, and we 
rely on these funding sources to continue to grow our business. We believe a higher ratio, among other factors, could result in rating agency 
downgrades. In contrast, we believe a lower ratio would result in a higher cost of capital and could negatively impact shareholder returns. As of both 
January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, our Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR was 2.5. 

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR 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. In addition, Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR does have limitations: 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

Adjusted Debt is not exact, but rather our best estimate of the total company debt we would hold if we had purchased the property  

   and issued debt associated with our operating leases;  

EBITDAR does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments,  

   including leases, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt; and 

Other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a 
comparative measure. 

To compensate for these limitations, we analyze Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR in conjunction with other GAAP financial and performance measures 
impacting liquidity, including operating cash flows, capital spending and net earnings. The closest GAAP measure is debt to net earnings, which was 5.9 
and 6.3 for 2009 and 2008, respectively. The following is a reconciliation of debt to net earnings and Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR: 

Debt2 
Add: rent expense x 83 
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 

20091 
$2,613 
341 
$2,954 

441 
255 
138 
834 

313 
43 
$1,190 

5.9 
2.5 

20081 
$2,513 
298 
$2,811 

401 
247 
131 
779 

302 
37 
$1,118 

6.3 
2.5 

1The components of adjusted debt are as of the end of 2009 and 2008, while the components of EBITDAR are for the 12 months ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009. 
2Debt included $275 of commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of January 31, 2009. There were no outstanding commercial paper borrowings as of January 30, 2010. 
3The multiple of eight times rent expense used to calculate adjusted debt is our best estimate of the debt we would record for our leases that are classified as operating if they had met the  
 criteria for a capital lease, or if we had purchased the property. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  29 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations  
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and the expected effect on our liquidity and cash flows as of January 30, 2010. 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 
 $4,141 
17 
195 
854 
1,221 
$6,428 

  Less than 
1 year 
$478 
2 
3 
98 
1,139 
$1,720 

1–3 years 
$746 
4 
38 
190 
80 
$1,058 

  3–5 years 
$625 
4 
25 
160 
2 
$816 

  More than 
5 years 
$2,292 
7 
129 
406 
- 
$2,834 

Included in the required debt repayments disclosed above are estimated total interest payments of $1,539 as of January 30, 2010, payable over the 
remaining life of the debts. 

Other long-term liabilities consist of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance reserves and postretirement benefits. The repayment 
amounts presented above were estimated based on historical payment trends. Other long-term liabilities not requiring cash payments, such as 
deferred property incentives and deferred revenue, were excluded from the table above. Also excluded from the table above are unrecognized tax 
benefits of $48, as we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash payments for these liabilities. 

Purchase obligations primarily consist of purchase orders for unreceived goods or services and capital expenditure commitments. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 

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 other assumptions that 
we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The following discussion highlights the estimates 
we believe are critical and should be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our management has discussed the 
development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee has 
reviewed our disclosures that follow. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 
Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of the losses inherent in our Nordstrom private label card and Nordstrom VISA credit 
card receivables as of the balance sheet date. We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on several factors, including historical 
trends of aging of accounts, write-off experience and expectations of future performance, including trends in unemployment rates. We recognize 
finance charges on delinquent accounts until the account is written off. We write off credit card loans when accounts are, at a minimum, 151 days 
contractually delinquent. Accounts relating to cardholder bankruptcies, cardholder deaths and fraudulent transactions are written off earlier.  

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. Recent increases in unemployment and associated delinquency and write-off trends have prompted us to record significant increases to 
our allowance for doubtful accounts, which increased from $138 at January 31, 2009 to $190 at January 30, 2010. A 10% change in our allowance for 
doubtful accounts would have affected net earnings by $12 for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.  

Revenue Recognition  
We record sales net of estimated returns and we exclude sales taxes. We recognize revenue from sales at our retail stores at the point of sale. Revenue 
from our online and catalog sales includes shipping revenue and is recognized upon estimated receipt by the customer. We estimate customer 
merchandise returns based on historical return patterns and reduce sales and cost of sales accordingly. 

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. In the past three years, we have made no material changes to our estimates included in the 
calculations of our sales return reserve. A 10% change in the sales return reserve would have had a $5 impact on our net earnings for the year ended 
January 30, 2010. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inventory  
Our merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value 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. Inherent in the retail inventory method are certain management judgments that may 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. 

We do not believe that the assumptions used in these estimates will change significantly based on prior experience. In the past three 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 or our shrink percentage would not have a material effect on our net earnings. 

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 in effect for the years in which we expect those temporary differences to reverse.  

We routinely evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available 
evidence, we determine that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. In the past three years we have not recorded any valuation allowance 
related to our deferred tax assets. 

In addition, we regularly evaluate the likelihood of realizing 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 to us. If we believe it is more likely than not that our position will be 
sustained, we recognize a benefit at the largest amount which we believe is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. Our unrecognized tax 
benefit was $43 as of January 30, 2010 and $28 as of January 31, 2009. 

Deferred tax asset valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits require significant management judgment regarding applicable statutes and 
their related interpretation, the status of various income tax audits, and our particular facts and circumstances. Also, as audits are completed or 
statutes of limitations lapse, it may be necessary to record adjustments to our taxes payable, deferred tax assets, tax reserves or income tax expense. 
Such adjustments reduced our effective income tax rate by 1.8 percentage points in 2009 and 3.2 percentage points in 2008. 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 

See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements. We do not expect any of these 
pronouncements to have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources as they primarily address financial  
statement disclosures. 

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. As of January 30, 2010, we have gross trade receivables of $2,162, which generate 
finance charge income at a combination of fixed and variable rates, and long-term debt of $2,613, including $1,150 that bears interest at LIBOR-based rates. 
Changing interest rates can therefore affect our credit card revenues and interest expense. The annualized effect of a one-percentage-point change in 
interest rates would not materially affect our net earnings, cash flows, or the fair value of our fixed-rate debt. 

We manage our net interest rate exposure through our mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings and associated current and long-term assets. From time to 
time, we may also enter into interest rate swap transactions for purposes of hedging the exposure of changes in fair value of our long-term debt from 
interest rate risk. We do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and are not party to any leveraged financial instruments. 

The table below presents information about our long-term debt obligations and interest rate swaps that are sensitive to changes in interest rates as of 
January 30, 2010. For debt obligations, including our capital leases, 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. rate1 

Interest rate swaps 
Fixed to variable 
Avg. pay rate1 
Avg. receive rate 

1Interest rates as of January 30, 2010. 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

Thereafter 

Total at 
  January 30, 
2010 

 Fair value at 
  January 30, 
2010 

$356 
5.0% 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

$6 
8.8% 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

$6 
8.5% 
 $500 
0.3% 

— 
— 
— 

  $7 
8.4% 
— 
— 

  — 
  — 
  — 

$406 
6.8% 
— 
— 

  $1,333 
6.7% 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

              $650 
              3.1% 
               6.3% 

  $2,324 

$486 

                 $(1) 

$2,114 
6.5% 
$500 
0.3% 

$650 
3.1% 
6.3% 

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK 
The majority of our revenues, expenses 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. The fair value of our outstanding forward contracts at January 30, 2010 is not material. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

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 January 30, 2010. 

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, is retained to audit Nordstrom’s consolidated financial statements and 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). 

/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. 
Seattle, Washington 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company“) as of January 30, 2010, 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 generally accepted accounting principles. 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 January 30, 2010, 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 January 30, 2010 of the Company and our report dated March 19, 2010, 
expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP  
Seattle, Washington 
March 19, 2010 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Nordstrom, Inc. 
Seattle, Washington  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company“) as of January 30, 2010 and 
January 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended January 30, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)2. These financial statements and 
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 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 January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the 
period ended January 30, 2010, 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. 

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 January 30, 2010, 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 19, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Seattle, Washington 
March 19, 2010 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  35 

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

Fiscal year 
Net sales 
Credit card revenues 
Total revenues 
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs 
Selling, general and administrative expenses: 
    Retail stores, direct and other segments 
    Credit segment 
Gain on sale of Façonnable 
Earnings on investment in asset-backed securities, net 
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 

2009 
$8,258 
       369 
   8,627 
(5,328) 

(2,109) 
(356) 
– 
– 
834 
(138) 
696 
(255) 
$441 

  $2.03 
  $2.01 

  216.8 
  219.7 

2008 
$8,272 
       301 
   8,573 
(5,417) 

(2,103) 
(274) 
- 
- 
779 
(131) 
648 
(247) 
$401 

  $1.85 
  $1.83 

  216.6 
  219.2 

2007 
$8,828 
       252 
   9,080 
(5,526) 

(2,161) 
(198) 
34 
18 
1,247 
(74) 
1,173 
(458) 
$715 

  $2.92 
  $2.88 

  244.8 
  248.8 

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

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
In millions 

January 30, 2010 

January 31, 2009 

Assets 
Current assets: 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Accounts receivable, net 
  Merchandise inventories 
  Current deferred tax assets, net 
  Prepaid expenses and other 
Total current assets 
Land, buildings and equipment, net 
Goodwill 
Other assets 
Total assets 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 
Current liabilities: 
  Commercial paper 
  Accounts payable 
  Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits 
  Other current liabilities 
  Current portion of long-term debt 
Total current liabilities 
Long-term debt, net 
Deferred property incentives, net 
Other liabilities 
Commitments and contingencies 
Shareholders’ equity: 
  Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 
  217.7 and 215.4 shares issued and outstanding 

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

$795 
2,035 
898 
238 
88 
4,054 
2,242 
53 
230 
$6,579 

– 
$726 
336 
596 
356 
2,014 
2,257 
469 
267 

1,066 
525 
(19) 
1,572 
$6,579 

$72 
1,942 
900 
210 
93 
3,217 
2,221 
53 
170 
$5,661 

$275 
563 
214 
525 
24 
1,601 
2,214 
435 
201 

997 
223 
(10) 
1,210 
$5,661 

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 February 3, 2007 

Cumulative effect of accounting change 
Adjusted Beginning Balance at February 3, 2007 
Net earnings 
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings: 

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 
Net earnings 
Other comprehensive earnings: 
  Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax of ($8) 
Comprehensive net earnings 
Cash dividends paid ($0.64 per share) 
Effect of postretirement plan measurement date change 
Issuance of common stock for: 
  Stock option plans 
  Employee stock purchase plan 
  Other 
Stock-based compensation 
Repurchase of common stock 
Balance at January 31, 2009 
Net earnings 
Other comprehensive loss: 
  Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $6 
Comprehensive net earnings 
Cash dividends paid ($0.64 per share) 
Issuance of common stock for: 

Stock option plans 

  Employee stock purchase plan 
  Other 
Stock-based compensation 
Balance at January 30, 2010 

     Common Stock 

Shares 
257.3 

Amount 
$827 

Retained 
Earnings 
  $1,351 

— 
257.3 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

2.2 
0.4 
0.1 
— 
(39.1) 
220.9 
— 

— 

— 
— 

0.8 
0.6 
— 
— 
(6.9) 
215.4 
— 

— 

— 

1.5 
0.7 
0.1 
— 
217.7 

— 
827 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

61 
17 
5 
26 
— 
$936 
— 

— 

— 
— 

17 
17 
1 
26 
— 
$997 
— 

— 

— 

(3) 
1,348 
715 

— 
— 

— 

(134) 

— 
— 
— 
— 
(1,728) 
$201 
401 

— 

(138) 
(3) 

— 
— 
— 
— 
(238) 
$223 
441 

— 

(139) 

27 
13 
1 
28 
  $1,066 

— 
— 
— 
— 
  $525 

Accumulated 
 Other 
Comprehensive 
Earnings (Loss) 

$(9) 

— 
(9) 
— 

(15) 
7 

(5) 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
$(22) 
— 

12 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
$(10) 
— 

(9) 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
$(19) 

Total 
$2,169 

(3) 
2,166 
715 

(15) 
7 

(5) 
702 
(134) 

61 
17 
5 
26 
(1,728) 
$1,115 
401 

12 
413 
(138) 
(3) 

17 
17 
1 
26 
(238) 
$1,210 
441 

(9) 
432 
(139) 

27 
13 
1 
28 
$1,572 

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, net 
  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 
     Gain on sale of Façonnable 
  Change in operating assets and liabilities: 

  Accounts receivable 

Investment in asset-backed securities 

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

Income taxes 

  Deferred property incentives 
  Other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing Activities 
Capital expenditures 
Change in credit card receivables originated at third parties 
Proceeds from sale of Façonnable 
Other, net 
Net cash used in investing activities 

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

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

Supplemental Cash Flow Information 
Cash paid during the year for: 

Interest (net of capitalized interest) 
Income taxes 

2009 

$441 

313 
(42) 
32 
(58) 
6 
(7) 
251 
– 

(159)  
– 
 (1) 
(38) 
168 
120 
8 
73 
96 
48 
1,251 

(360) 
(182) 
– 
1 
(541) 

(275) 
399 
(25) 
9 
(139) 
– 
21 
13 
7 
3 
13 

723 
72 
$795 

$134 
$240 

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

2008 

$401 

302 
(21) 
28 
(36) 
3 
(4) 
173 
— 

(93)  
— 
53  
38 
16 
(54) 
28 
(76) 
119 
(29) 
848 

(563) 
(232) 
— 
3 
(792) 

275 
150 
(410) 
20 
(138) 
(264) 
13 
17 
4 
(9) 
(342) 

(286) 
358 
$72 

2007 

$715 

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

(1,083)  
420 
— 
(36) 
(19) 
(64) 
36 
(6) 
58 
(1) 
312 

(501) 
(151) 
216 
15 
(421) 

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

(45) 
403 
$358 

$145 
$340 

$75 
$478 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  39 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and unit 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 high-
quality fashion brands focused on apparel, shoes, cosmetics and accessories for men, women and children. This breadth of merchandise allows us to 
serve a wide range of customers who appreciate quality fashion and a superior shopping experience. We offer a wide selection of brand name and 
private label merchandise through multiple retail channels: our ‘Nordstrom’ branded 112 full-line stores and online store at www.nordstrom.com 
(collectively, “multi-channel”), 69 off-price ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, two ‘Jeffrey’ boutiques, and one clearance store. Our stores are located 
throughout the United States.  

Through our Credit segment, we offer our customers a variety of payment products and services, including a Nordstrom private label card,  
two Nordstrom VISA credit cards and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases. These products also allow our customers to participate in our  
loyalty program. 

Fiscal Year 
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31st. References to 2009, 2008 and 2007 relate to the 52-week fiscal years ended January 30, 
2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. References to 2010 relate to the 52-week fiscal year ending January 29, 2011. 

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

Use of Estimates 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties regarding such estimates and assumptions 
are inherent in the preparation of financial statements and actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. Our significant 
accounting judgments and estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts, sales return reserve, inventory obsolescence and shrinkage reserves, 
deferred tax asset valuation and unrecognized tax benefits. 

Reclassification 
In 2009, we reclassified other income and expense, net in our consolidated statement of earnings to selling, general and administrative expenses 
and earnings on investment in asset-backed securities, net. Results for 2008 and 2007 have been reclassified for consistency with the 2009 
presentation. These reclassifications do not impact our reported net earnings, earnings per share or cash flows for these periods. 

Net Sales 
We recognize revenue from sales at our retail stores at the point of sale, net of estimated returns and excluding sales taxes. Revenue from our sales 
to customers shipped directly from our stores and our online and catalog sales includes shipping revenue, when applicable, and is recognized upon 
estimated receipt by the customer. We estimate customer merchandise returns based on historical return patterns and reduce sales and cost of 
sales accordingly. Our sales return reserves were $76 and $70 at the end of 2009 and 2008. 

Credit Card Revenues 
Credit card revenues include finance charges, late fees and other fees generated by our combined Nordstrom private label card and Nordstrom VISA 
credit card programs, and interchange fees generated by the use of Nordstrom VISA cards at third-party merchants. These fees are assessed 
according to the terms of the related cardholder agreements and recognized as revenue when earned.  

Cost of Sales 
Cost of sales includes the purchase cost of inventory sold (net of vendor allowances), in-bound freight, and certain costs of loyalty program benefits 
related to our credit and debit cards. 

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

40 

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

Rent 
We recognize minimum rent expense, net of landlord reimbursements, on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term from the time that we 
control the leased property. 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. Contingent rental payments, typically 
based on a percentage of sales, are recognized in rent expense when payment of the contingent rent is probable. 

We receive incentives from landlords to construct stores in certain developments. These incentives are recorded as a deferred credit and recognized as 
a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. At the end of 2009 and 2008, the deferred credit balance was $518 and $478.  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefits costs (other than those included in buying and 
occupancy costs), advertising, shipping and handling costs, bad debt expense related to our credit card operations, and other  
miscellaneous 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, of $85, $98 and $101 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 

Vendor Allowances 
We receive allowances from merchandise vendors for cosmetic selling expenses, purchase price adjustments, cooperative advertising programs and 
various other expenses. Allowances for cosmetic selling expenses are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as a reduction of the 
related costs 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 other expenses are recorded in cost of 
sales and related buying and occupancy costs and selling, general and administrative expenses as a reduction of the related costs when incurred. 
Any allowances in excess of actual costs incurred that are included in selling, general and administrative expenses are recorded as a reduction of 
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 
Other 
Total vendor allowances 

2009 
$106 
91 
63 
2 
$262 

2008 
$112 
96 
65 
3 
$276 

2007 
$120 
86 
61 
2 
$269 

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.  
These costs do not include inbound freight to our distribution centers, which we include in the cost of our inventory. Shipping and handling costs of 
$103, $106 and $87 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 

Loyalty Program 
Customers who spend a certain amount with us using our Nordstrom private label cards or our Nordstrom VISA credit cards receive Nordstrom 
Notes®, which 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 2007 we launched an enhanced 
loyalty program, Fashion Rewards®. Under this program, Nordstrom customers receive benefits such as free alterations based on their annual levels 
of spending. We record the cost of the loyalty program benefits for Nordstrom Notes and alterations in cost of sales given that we provide 
customers with products or services for these rewards. Other costs of the loyalty program, which primarily include shipping and fashion events, are 
recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. These expenses are recorded based on estimates of benefits expected to be accumulated 
and redeemed in relation to sales. 

Stock-Based Compensation 
We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to stock options at their estimated grant-date fair value, recorded 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. 
We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Binomial Lattice option valuation model. Stock-based compensation expense also includes 
amounts related to performance share units and our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on their fair values as of the end of each reporting period. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  41 

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

New Store Opening Costs 
Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new stores, including marketing expenses, relocation expenses and temporary occupancy costs, 
are charged to expense as incurred. These costs are included in both buying and occupancy costs and selling, general and administrative expenses 
according to their nature as disclosed above. 

Gift Cards 
We recognize revenue from the sale of gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer, or we recognize breakage income when the 
likelihood of redemption, based on historical experience, is deemed to be remote. Based on an analysis of our program since its inception in 1999,  
we determined that balances remaining on cards issued beyond five years are unlikely to be redeemed and therefore may be recognized as income. 
Breakage income was $8, $7 and $6 in 2009, 2008 and 2007. To date, our breakage rate is approximately 3.2% of the amount initially issued as gift cards. 
Gift card breakage income is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of earnings. We had outstanding gift 
card liabilities of $174 and $175 at the end of 2009 and 2008, which are included in other current liabilities. 

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 the 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 routinely evaluate the likelihood of 
realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is determined that some 
portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. 

We regularly evaluate the likelihood of realizing 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. If we believe it is more likely than not that our position will be sustained,  
we recognize a benefit at the largest amount which we believe is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. 

Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are classified as a component of income tax expense. 

Comprehensive Net Earnings 
Comprehensive net earnings include net earnings and other comprehensive earnings and losses. Other comprehensive loss of $9 in 2009 and other 
comprehensive earnings of $12 in 2008 consisted of adjustments, net of tax, related to our postretirement benefit obligations. In 2007, other 
comprehensive loss of $13 consisted primarily of a foreign currency translation adjustment and a fair value adjustment to our investment in asset- 
backed securities, partially offset by postretirement plan adjustments. 

The accumulated other comprehensive losses of $19 and $10 at the end of 2009 and 2008 consist entirely of unrecognized losses on postretirement 
benefit obligations. During 2009 and 2008, we did not own any material foreign subsidiaries, and therefore, we did not recognize any foreign 
currency translation in accumulated other comprehensive loss. 

Cash Equivalents 
Cash equivalents are short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase and are carried at amortized cost, 
which approximates fair value. Our cash management system provides for the reimbursement of all major bank disbursement accounts on a daily 
basis. Accounts payable at the end of 2009 and 2008 included $74 and $66 of checks not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of our bank 
deposit balances. 

Accounts Receivable 
We record credit card accounts receivable on our consolidated balance sheets at the outstanding balance, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. 
We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on our best estimate of the losses inherent in our receivables as of the balance sheet date. 
We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on several factors, including historical trends of aging of accounts, write-off 
experience and expectations of future performance, including trends in unemployment rates. We recognize finance charges on delinquent accounts 
until the account is written off. Delinquent accounts, including fees, 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. 

Our Nordstrom private label cards can be used only in Nordstrom stores, while the Nordstrom VISA cards allow our customers the option of using the 
cards for purchases of Nordstrom merchandise and services, as well as for purchases outside of Nordstrom. Cash flows from the use of both the 
private label cards and Nordstrom VISA credit cards for sales originating at our stores are treated as an operating activity in the consolidated 
statements of cash flows as they relate to sales at Nordstrom. Cash flows arising from the use of Nordstrom VISA cards outside of our stores are 
treated as an investing activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows, as they represent loans made to our customers for purchases at 
third parties. 

42 

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

Securitization of Accounts Receivable 
Prior to May 2007, our 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 recorded on our 
consolidated balance sheet; the finance charge income recorded in credit card revenues; and the bad debt expense recorded in credit segment 
selling, general and administrative expenses. 

The 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 
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. The Nordstrom VISA credit card program was treated as ‘off-balance sheet’ prior to May 2007. 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 earnings on investment in asset-backed securities, net. 

On May 1, 2007, we converted the Nordstrom private label cards and 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 Nordstrom VISA credit card 
receivables previously held off-balance sheet. Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables are now recorded at the outstanding balance, net of an 
allowance for doubtful accounts, on our consolidated balance sheet. 

The following table summarizes certain income, expenses and cash flows received from and paid to the VISA Trust prior to the May 2007 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 

(457) 
2 

Net credit losses were $9 in 2007. 

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

Land, Buildings and Equipment 
Land is recorded at historical cost, while buildings and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Capitalized software includes 
the costs of developing or obtaining internal-use software, including external direct costs of materials and services and internal payroll costs related 
to the software project.  

We capitalize interest on construction in progress and software projects during the period in which expenditures have been made, activities are in 
progress to prepare the asset for its intended use, and actual interest costs are being incurred.  

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life, which is determined by asset category as follows: 

Asset 
Buildings and improvements 
Store fixtures and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Capitalized software 

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

Leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease are amortized over the shorter of the asset life or the initial lease term. Leasehold 
improvements made during the lease term are amortized over the shorter of the asset life or the remaining lease term. Lease terms include the 
fixed, non-cancelable term of a lease, plus any renewal periods determined to be reasonably assured. 

Goodwill 
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the related net assets acquired, and is not subject to amortization. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  43 

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

Impairment 
When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of long-lived tangible assets may be impaired, we perform an evaluation of 
recoverability by comparing the carrying values of the net assets to their related projected undiscounted future cash flows in addition to other 
quantitative and qualitative analyses. Upon indication that the carrying values of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we recognize an 
impairment loss. We estimate the fair value of the assets using the expected present value of future cash flows of the assets. Property, plant and  
equipment assets are grouped at the lowest level at which there are identifiable cash flows when assessing impairment. Cash flows for our retail 
store assets are identified at the individual store level. 

We review our goodwill annually for impairment as of the first day of the first quarter or when circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be 
recoverable. We perform this evaluation at the reporting unit level, comprised of the principal business units within our Retail and Direct segments, 
through the application of a two-step fair value test. The first step of the test compares the carrying value of the reporting unit to its estimated fair 
value, which is based on the expected present value of future cash flows. If fair value does not exceed carrying value then a second step is 
performed to quantify the amount of the impairment. Based on the results of our tests, fair value substantially exceeds carrying value, therefore we 
had no goodwill impairment in 2009, 2008 or 2007. 

Self Insurance 
We retain a portion of the risk for certain losses related to employee health and welfare, workers’ compensation and general liability claims. 
Liabilities associated with these losses include undiscounted estimates of both losses reported and losses incurred but not yet reported. We 
estimate our ultimate cost based on an actuarially based analysis of claims experience, regulatory changes and other relevant factors. 

Derivatives 
Our interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the “swap”) are designated as fully effective fair value hedges. As such, we recognize our swap as 
either an asset or liability at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet, with an offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of our long-term debt. 
See Note 7: Debt and Credit Facilities for additional information related to our swap. 

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; therefore any 
changes in the fair value of financial contracts are reflected in the statement of earnings. The notional amounts of our foreign currency forward 
contracts at the contract rates were $1 and $3 at the end of 2009 and 2008. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term 
nature. The estimated fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, based on quoted market prices of the same or similar issues, was 
$2,809 and $1,743 at the end of 2009 and 2008, compared to carrying values of $2,613 and $2,238, respectively. 

The fair value of our swap was a $1 liability as of January 30, 2010. This fair value is estimated based upon open-market quotes for identical or 
comparable assets from reputable third-party brokers using market-based inputs, adjusted for credit risk, and as such is considered a Level 2 fair 
value measurement. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-01, Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles (ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), which established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“the Codification” or 
“ASC”) as the official single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All existing accounting standards were 
superseded and all other accounting guidance not included in the Codification is now considered non-authoritative. The Codification is not intended 
to change GAAP, but is meant to organize and simplify authoritative GAAP literature. The Codification became effective for interim and annual 
periods ending after September 15, 2009. 

Following the Codification, the FASB no longer issues new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force 
Abstracts. Instead, it issues Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) which serve to update the Codification, provide background information about 
the guidance and the basis for conclusions on the changes to the Codification. 

The impact on our consolidated financial statements is disclosure-only in nature as all references to authoritative accounting literature will be made 
in accordance with the Codification. In order to ease the transition to the Codification, we are providing the Codification cross-reference alongside 
the references to the standards issued and adopted prior to the effective date of the Codification. 

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging  
Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”) (contained within ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging). SFAS 161 expanded the 
disclosure requirements in SFAS 133 about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. This statement became effective for us as of the 
beginning of fiscal year 2009 and did not impact our consolidated financial position or results of operations, as its requirements are disclosure-only 
in nature. 
44 

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

NOTE 2:  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 
The components of accounts receivable are as follows: 

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

January 30, 2010 

January 31, 2009 

  $2,136 
26 
(190) 
1,972 
63 
  $2,035 

  $2,005 
14 
(138) 
1,881 
61 
  $1,942 

The following table summarizes the restricted trade receivables: 

Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables 
Private label card receivables 
Restricted trade receivables 

January 30, 2010 
  $1,469 
667 
  $2,136 

January 31, 2009 
$1,369 
636 
$2,005 

The restricted trade receivables relate to substantially all of our Nordstrom private label card receivables and our Nordstrom VISA credit card 
receivables. Under our securitization program, the restricted trade receivables are transferred to a third-party trust on a daily basis. The restricted 
trade receivables secure our Series 2007-1 Notes, the Series 2007-2 Notes and our two variable funding notes. 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 January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, these maximums were not exceeded. 

The unrestricted trade receivables consist primarily of the remaining portion of our Nordstrom private label card receivables and our Nordstrom 
VISA credit card receivables and accrued finance charges not yet allocated to customer accounts. Other accounts receivable consist primarily of 
credit card receivables due from third-party financial institutions and vendor claims. 

NOTE 3:  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 
Capitalized software 
Construction in progress 

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

January 30, 2010 
$70 
924 
1,735 
2,267 
382 
180 
5,558 
(3,316) 
$2,242 

January 31, 2009 
$67 
847 
1,631 
2,214 
347 
222 
5,328 
(3,107) 
$2,221 

The total cost of buildings and equipment held under capital lease obligations was $28 at the end of both 2009 and 2008, with related accumulated 
amortization of $22 in 2009 and $21 in 2008. The amortization of capitalized leased buildings and equipment of $1 in both 2009 and 2008 was 
recorded in depreciation expense. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  45 

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

NOTE 4:  SELF INSURANCE 
Our self insurance reserves are summarized as follows: 

Employee health and welfare 
Workers’ compensation 
General liability 
Total 

January 30, 2010 
$20 
50 
10 
$80 

January 31, 2009 
$16 
53 
11 
$80 

We are self-insured for the majority of our employee health and welfare coverage, and we do not use stop-loss coverage. Participants contribute  
to the cost of their coverage through both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses and are subject to certain plan limits and deductibles. 

Our workers’ compensation policies have a retention per claim of $1 or less and no policy limits. Our general liability policies, encompassing 
employment practices liability and commercial general liability, have a retention per claim of $1 or less and a policy limit up to $25 and  
$150, respectively. 

NOTE 5:  401(k) AND PROFIT SHARING 
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. In February 2009, the plan was amended to replace our fixed company 
matching contribution with a discretionary contribution in an amount determined by our Board of Directors. Our expense related to the profit 
sharing component and matching contributions to the 401(k) component totaled $74, $39 and $50 in 2009, 2008 and 2007. 

NOTE 6:  POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS 
We have an unfunded defined benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), which provides retirement benefits to certain officers and 
select employees. The SERP has different benefit levels depending on the participant’s role in the company. At the end of 2009 and 2008 there were 
35 and 33 officers and select employees eligible for SERP benefits. This plan is non-qualified and does not have a minimum funding requirement. 

Benefit Obligations and Funded Status 

January 30, 2010 

January 31, 2009 

Change in benefit obligation: 
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year 

  Participant service cost 

Interest cost 
  Benefits paid 
  Actuarial loss (gain) 

  Benefit obligation at end of year 
Change in plan assets: 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 
  Employer contribution 
  Benefits paid 

  Fair value of plan assets at end of year 
  Underfunded status at end of year 

$85 
2 
6 
(4) 
13 
$102 

— 
$4 
(4) 
— 
$(102) 

$95 
3 
7 
(4) 
(16) 
$85 

— 
$4 
(4) 
— 
$(85) 

The accumulated benefit obligation, which is the present value of benefits earned to date, assuming no salary growth, was $96 and $81 at the end of 
2009 and 2008. 

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

Current liabilities 
Noncurrent liabilities 
Net amount recognized 

January 30, 2010 
$5 
97 
$102 

January 31, 2009 
$5 
80 
$85 

46 

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

Components of SERP Expense 
The components of SERP expense recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows: 

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

2009 
$2 
6 
– 
– 
$8 

2008 
$2 
6 
2 
1 
$11 

2007 
$2 
6 
3 
1 
$12 

Amounts not yet reflected in SERP expense and included in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (pre-tax) consist of the following: 

Accumulated loss 
Prior service cost 
Total accumulated comprehensive loss 

January 30, 2010 
$(22) 
(2) 
$(24) 

January 31, 2009 
$(9) 
(2) 
$(11) 

In 2010, we expect $2 of costs currently in accumulated other comprehensive earnings to be recognized as components of SERP expense. 

Assumptions 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation and SERP expense are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation: 
  Discount rate 
  Rate of compensation increase 
Assumptions used to determine SERP expense: 
  Discount rate 
  Rate of compensation increase 

2009 

5.95% 
3.00% 

6.95% 
3.00% 

2008 

6.95% 
3.00% 

6.35% 
3.00% 

2007 

6.35% 
3.00% 

6.00% 
4.00% 

In accordance with ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits  (formerly SFAS 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other 
Postretirement Benefit Plans), during 2008, we recognized a one-time adjustment of ($3) to retained earnings in shareholders’ equity as a result of 
changing our benefit obligation measurement date from October 31 to our fiscal year-end.  

Future Benefit Payments and Contributions 
As of January 30, 2010, the expected future benefit payments based upon the assumptions described above and including benefits attributable  
to estimated future employee service are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015-2019 

In 2010, we expect to make contributions to the plan of $5. 

$5 
5 
5 
6 
7 
38 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  47 

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

NOTE 7:  DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES 

Debt 
A summary of our long-term debt is as follows: 

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, 6.75%, due June 2014, net of unamortized discount 
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 

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

  January 30, 2010 

January 31, 2009 

$326 
24 

454 

46 
60 
15 
925 

399 
647 
300 
343 
(1) 
1,688 

2,613 
(356) 
$2,257 

$326 
24 

454 

46 
63 
17 
930 

- 
646 
300 
343 
19 
1,308 

2,238 
(24) 
$2,214 

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 Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. Our mortgage payable is secured by an office building which had a net 
book value of $78 at the end of 2009. 

During 2009, we issued $400 of senior unsecured notes at 6.75%, due June 2014. After deducting the original issue discount of $1 and other fees and 
expenses of $3, net proceeds from the offering were $396. We used a portion of the proceeds from the issuance to repay the $140 in outstanding 
issuances of commercial paper as of May 26, 2009, the date the senior notes were issued. During 2009, we also repaid $19 in unsecured debt related 
to the acquisition of Jeffrey.  

Other secured debt as of January 30, 2010 consists primarily of capital lease obligations. Other unsecured debt as of January 30, 2010 consists 
primarily of an adjustment to the carrying value of our long-term debt associated with the fair value of our interest rate swap. 

During 2009, we entered into interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the “swap”) with a $650 notional amount maturing in 2018. Under the swap 
we receive a fixed rate of 6.25% and pay a variable rate based on one month LIBOR plus a margin of 2.9% (3.1% at January 30, 2010). 

Required principal payments on long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
Thereafter 

48 

$355 
5 
505 
5 
404 
1,328 

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

Interest Expense 
The components of interest expense, net are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
Interest expense on long-term debt and short-term  
  borrowings  
Less: 

Interest income 
  Capitalized interest 
Interest expense, net 

2009 

$148 

(3) 
(7) 
$138 

2008 

$145 

(3) 
(11) 
$131 

2007 

$102 

(16) 
(12) 
$74 

Credit Facilities 
As of January 30, 2010, we had total short-term borrowing capacity available for general corporate purposes of $950. Of the total capacity, we had 
$650 under our commercial paper program, which is backed by our unsecured revolving credit facility and $300 under our Variable Funding Note 
facility (“2007-A VFN”). 

During 2009, we entered into a new unsecured revolving credit facility (the “revolver”) with a capacity of $650. This revolver replaced our previously 
existing $650 unsecured line of credit, which was scheduled to expire in November 2010. The revolver, which expires in August 2012, is available for 
working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. Under the terms of the agreement, we pay a variable rate of interest and a 
facility fee based on our debt rating. Consistent with our previous unsecured revolving credit facility, the new revolver requires that we maintain a 
leverage ratio of not greater than four times Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR. The revolver also requires that we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 
at least two times, defined as: 

As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 we were in compliance with these covenants. 

EBITDAR less gross capital expenditures 
Interest expense, net + rent expense 

Under the revolver we have the option to increase the revolving commitment by up to $100, to a total of $750, provided that we obtain written 
consent from the lenders who choose to increase their commitment.  

Our $650 commercial paper program 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 borrowing capacity under our revolver by an 
amount equal to the principal amount of commercial paper. As of January 30, 2010 we had no outstanding issuances under our $650 commercial 
paper program and no outstanding borrowings under our revolver. As of January 31, 2009, we had $275 in outstanding issuances under our $650 
commercial paper program and no outstanding borrowings under our revolver. 

During 2009, we renewed our 2007-A VFN. The 2007-A VFN has a capacity of $300 and matures in January 2011. The 2007-A VFN is backed by 
substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. 
Borrowings under the 2007-A VFN incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by a third-party bank conduit plus specified fees. 
We pay a commitment fee for the notes based on the size of the commitment. At the end of 2009 and 2008, we had no outstanding issuances against 
this facility.  

Our wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, also maintains a variable funding facility with a short-term credit capacity of $100. This 
facility is backed by the remaining 10% interest in the Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables and is available, if needed, to provide liquidity support 
to Nordstrom fsb. At the end of 2009 and 2008, Nordstrom fsb had no outstanding borrowings under this facility. Borrowings under the facility incur 
interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third-party bank conduit plus specified fees. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  49 

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

NOTE 8:  LEASES 
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. Our fixed, non-cancelable lease terms are generally 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. Most of 
our leases also provide for payment of operating expenses, such as common area charges, real estate taxes and other executory costs, and some 
leases require additional payments based on sales. 

Future minimum lease payments as of January 30, 2010 are as follows: 

Fiscal year 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
Thereafter 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less amount representing interest 
Present value of net minimum lease payments 

Capital Leases 
$2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
7 
17 
(5) 
$12 

Operating Leases 
$98 
101 
89 
82 
78 
406 
$854 

Rent expense for 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:  

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

2009 

2008 

2007 

$76 
13 
9 
(55) 
$43 

$63 
13 
9 
(48)  
$37 

$67 
14 
14 
(47)  
$48 

The rent expense above does not include common area maintenance costs which were $19 in each of 2009, 2008 and 2007. 

50 

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

NOTE 9:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 
Our estimated total purchase obligations, capital expenditure contractual commitments and inventory purchase orders were $1,221 as of January 30, 
2010. In connection with the purchase of foreign merchandise, we have outstanding import letters of credit totaling $5 as of January 30, 2010. 

We are subject from time to time to various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business including lawsuits alleging violations by us 
of state and/or federal wage and hour laws. Some of these suits purport or have been determined to be class actions and/or seek substantial 
damages. While we cannot predict the outcome of these matters with certainty, 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. 

NOTE 10:  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

Share Repurchase Program 

The following is a summary of the activity related to our share repurchase programs in 2007, 2008 and 2009: 

Period 
Capacity at February 4, 2007 
August 2007 authorization 
November 2007 authorization 
Shares repurchased (2/4/07 to 2/2/08) 
Capacity at February 2, 2008 

Shares repurchased (2/3/08 to 1/31/09) 
Capacity at January 31, 2009 

Shares repurchased (2/1/09 to 1/30/10) 
Unused capacity upon program expiration in August 2009 
Capacity at January 30, 2010 

Shares 

Average Price 
per Share 

39.1 

$44.17 

6.9 

$34.29 

- 

- 

Amount 
$592 
1,500 
1,000 
(1,728) 
$1,364 

(238) 
$1,126 

- 
(1,126) 
-  

Fiscal 2007 share repurchases included $300 repurchased as part of an accelerated share repurchase program. We repurchased 5.4 shares of our 
common stock on May 23, 2007 at $55.17 per share and in June 2007, we received 0.4 shares 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. 

Dividends 
We paid dividends of $0.64 per share in 2009 and 2008 and $0.54 per share in 2007. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  51 

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

NOTE 11:  STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS 
We currently have three stock-based compensation plans: the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan and 
our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under our 2004 Equity Incentive plan, we grant non-qualified stock options, performance share units and common 
shares to employees. As of January 30, 2010, we have 48.4 shares authorized, 25.4 shares issued and outstanding and 7.8 shares available for grant. 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, non-qualified stock options or stock appreciation rights. As of January 30, 2010, we had 0.9 
shares authorized and 0.7 remaining shares available for issuance. In 2009, we deferred shares with a total expense of $1.  

Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), 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 apply their accumulated payroll deductions toward the purchase of 
shares of our common stock at 90% of the fair market value on the last day of the offer period. As of January 30, 2010, we had 9.4 shares authorized 
and 1.7 shares available for issuance under the ESPP. We issued 0.7 shares under the ESPP during 2009. At the end of 2009 and 2008, we had current 
liabilities of $4 and $5, respectively, for future purchases of shares under the ESPP.  

The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense: 

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

2009   
$26   
3 
1 
2 
32 
(12) 
$20   

2008 
$24 
- 
2 
2 
28 
(10) 
$18 

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

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  

2009 
$10 
22 
$32 

2008 
$10 
18 
$28 

2007 
          $10 
16 
$26 

The benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for stock-based awards are classified as financing cash inflows and 
are reflected as “Excess tax benefit from stock-based payments” in the consolidated statements of cash flows.  

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

Fiscal year 
Risk-free interest rate: Represents the yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon 
securities that mature over the 10-year life of the stock options. 

2009 
0.7% – 3.3% 

2008 
2.0% - 4.3% 

2007 
4.6% - 4.7% 

Weighted average volatility: Based on a combination of the historical 
volatility of our common stock and the implied volatility of exchange traded 
options for our common stock. 

61.0% 

45.0% 

35.0% 

Weighted average expected dividend yield: Our forecasted dividend yield 
for the next ten years. 

1.3% 

1.3% 

1.0% 

Expected life in years:  Represents the estimated period of time until option 
exercise. 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. 

5.3 

5.5 

5.7 

52 

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

The weighted average fair value per option at the grant date was $7, $15 and $20 in 2009, 2008 and 2007. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, stock option awards 
to employees were approved by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors and their exercise price was set at $13.47, $38.02 and $53.63, 
the closing price of our common stock on February 27, 2009, February 28, 2008 and March 1, 2007 (the dates of grant). 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. In 2009, we awarded stock options to 1,213 employees compared to 1,230 and 1,195 
employees in 2008 and 2007. 

As of January 30, 2010, we have 14.5 options outstanding under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. Options generally vest over four years, and expire ten 
years after the date of grant. A summary of the stock option activity for 2009 is presented below: 

Fiscal Year 

Outstanding, beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled  
Expired 
Outstanding, end of year 
Options exercisable at end of year 
Options vested or expected to vest at end of year 

Shares 

11.8 
4.9 
(1.5) 
(0.5) 
(0.2) 
14.5 
7.3 
13.5 

Weighted-
Average  
  Exercise Price 
$27 
13 
14 
29 
20 
$24 
$25 
$24 

2009 

Weighted-Average 
 Remaining Contractual 
Life (Years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value   

6 
4 
6 

                    $193 
                      $93 
                    $180 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $23, $14 and $79. The total fair value of stock options vested during 
2009 was $25 and for both 2008 and 2007 it was $24. As of January 30, 2010, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to 
nonvested stock options was $38, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 29 months. 

Performance Share Units 
We grant performance share units to executive officers as one of the ways to align compensation with shareholder interests. Performance share 
units vest after a three-year 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 group of competitors determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of 
Directors. The percentage of units that are earned depends on our relative position at the end of the vesting period and can range from 0% to 125% 
of the number of units granted.  

Performance share units are payable in either cash or stock as elected by the employee; therefore they are classified as a liability award. The 
liability is remeasured, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings, at each fiscal quarter-end during the vesting period. The performance share 
unit liability is remeasured using the estimated percentage of units earned multiplied by the closing market price of our common stock on the 
current period-end date and is pro-rated based on the amount of time passed in the vesting period. 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. 

Following is a summary of performance share unit activity: 

Fiscal year 
Outstanding, beginning of year 
Granted 
Vested but unearned 
Vested and earned 
Cancelled 
Outstanding, end of year 

Total fair value of performance share units earned 
Total amount of performance share  
  units  settled or to be settled in cash 

2009 
117,389 
144,891 
(44,827) 
- 
(8,007) 
209,446 

- 

- 

2008 
113,743 
79,504 
(57,006) 
- 
(18,852) 
117,389 

- 

- 

2007 
255,467 
50,070 
- 
(191,794) 
- 
113,743 

$12 

$3 

As of January 30, 2010, our other liabilities included $3 for performance share units. As of January 31, 2009, we had no liabilities related to 
performance share units. As of January 30, 2010, the remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for unvested performance share 
units was $4, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 22 months.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  53 

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

NOTE 12:  INCOME TAXES 
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 

2009 

$275  
38  
313 

(28) 
(30) 
(58) 
$255 

2008 

$244  
39  
283 

(29) 
(7) 
(36) 
$247 

2007 

$435 
65 
500 

(24) 
(18) 
(42) 
$458 

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 

Deferred tax adjustment 
Permanent differences 
Other, net 
Effective tax rate 

2009 
35.0% 

3.5 
(1.8) 
(0.6) 
0.5 
               36.6% 

2008 
35.0% 

3.4 
(3.2) 
2.0 
0.9 
38.1% 

2007 
35.0% 

3.4 
- 
- 
0.6 
39.0% 

In 2009 and 2008, the IRS completed its routine examination of our federal filings for the 2007 and 2002 through 2006 years, respectively.  
As a result of adjustments identified in the IRS examinations and revisions of estimates, we increased our deferred tax assets, which resulted 
in a reduction in our effective tax rate in 2009 and 2008. 

The major components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

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

January 30, 2010 
$123 
67 
24 

January 31, 2009 
$99 
63 
26 

13 
18 
12 
74 
11 
11 
353 
 – 
$353 

7 
17 
11 
54 
10 
2 
289 
- 
$289 

54 

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

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows: 

Fiscal Year 
Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year 
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 
Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year 

2009 
$28  
18 
(3) 
3 
– 
(3) 
$43 

2008 
$27 
2 
(1) 
4 
(1) 
(3) 
$28 

2007 
$21 
5 
(1) 
3 
(1) 
- 
$27 

At the end of 2009, 2008 and 2007, $25, $10 and $9 of the ending gross unrecognized tax benefit balance relates to deferred items which,  
if recognized, would not impact the effective tax rate. 

During both 2009 and 2008, our income tax expense included $2 of tax-related interest and penalties. During 2007, our income tax expense included 
$3 of tax-related interest and penalties. At the end of 2009, 2008 and 2007, our liability for interest and penalties was $7, $6 and $4. 

We file income tax returns in federal and various state and local jurisdictions. Prior to 2008, we filed returns in France and other foreign 
jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2001. 
The federal tax returns for 2008 and 2009 are under concurrent year processing (accelerated audits), which are expected to be completed in 2010 
and 2011. We also currently have an open audit in France for the years 2001 through 2004, related to our Façonnable business which we sold in 2007. 
Unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign tax positions may decrease by $3 by January 29, 2011, subject to the completion of 
examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations. 

NOTE 13:  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 

2009 
$441 

216.8 

2.9 
                219.7 

$2.03 
$2.01 

2008 
$401 

216.6 

2.6 
219.2 

$1.85 
$1.83 

2007 
$715 

244.8     

4.0 
248.8 

$2.92 
$2.88 

Options and other equity instruments totaling 7.2 shares in 2009, 4.9 shares in 2008 and 2.7 shares in 2007 were excluded from earnings per diluted 
share because their impact was anti-dilutive.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  55 

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

NOTE 14:  SEGMENT REPORTING 
As of January 30, 2010, we have identified four reportable segments: Retail Stores, Direct, Credit and Other. Our Retail Stores segment includes our 
Nordstrom full-line stores and our Nordstrom Rack off-price stores, which meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280, Segment Reporting.  
Through our Direct segment, we operate our Nordstrom branded online store. With our multi-channel initiative, we are increasingly integrating our 
Nordstrom full-line stores and online store. Our goal is to create a seamless, consistent merchandise offering and service experience for our 
customers regardless of how they choose to shop. 

Through our Credit segment, we offer our customers a variety of payment products and services, including a Nordstrom private label card, two 
Nordstrom VISA credit cards and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases. Our card products also include a loyalty program that provides benefits to 
our cardholders based on their level of spending. 

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 it, this 
segment also included the operations of our Façonnable business. 

The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category: 

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

2009 
$2,845 
1,787 
1,262 
970 
895 
283 
216 
$8,258 

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

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

2009 
34% 
22% 
15% 
12% 
11% 
3% 
3% 
100% 

2008 
$2,812 
1,721 
1,362 
963 
921 
269 
224 
$8,272 

2008 
34% 
21% 
16% 
12% 
11% 
3% 
3% 
100% 

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

2007 
35% 
20% 
18% 
11% 
11% 
3% 
2% 
100% 

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. 

56 

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

The following tables set forth information for our reportable segments: 

Fiscal year 2009 
Net sales1 
Net sales (decrease) increase 
Credit card revenue 
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes 
Interest expense, net2 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes  
  as a % of net sales 
Capital expenditures 
Depreciation and amortization 
Goodwill 
Assets3 

Fiscal year 2008 
Net sales1 
Net sales (decrease) increase 
Credit card revenue 
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes 
Interest expense, net2 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes  
  as a % of net sales 
Capital expenditures 
Depreciation and amortization 
Goodwill 
Assets3 

Fiscal year 2007 
Net sales1 
Net sales increase 
Credit card revenue 
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes 
Interest expense, net2 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes  
  as a % of net sales 
Capital expenditures 
Depreciation and amortization 
Goodwill 
Assets3 

Retail 
Stores 
$7,564 
 (1.4%) 
— 
935 
— 
935 

12.4% 
339 
274 
38 
2,807 

Retail 
Stores 
$7,674 
 (5.9%) 
— 
884 
— 
884 

11.5% 
529 
259 
38 
2,740 

Retail 
Stores 
$8,159 
3.1% 
— 
1,256 
— 
1,256 

15.4% 
431 
228 
38 
2,555 

Direct 
$799 
14.5% 
— 
256 
— 
256 

32.0% 
2 
7 
15 
122 

Direct 
$698 
8.4% 
— 
187 
— 
187 

26.8% 
15 
8 
15 
123 

Direct 
$644 
17.9% 
— 
165 
— 
165 

25.6% 
35 
3 
15 
133 

Credit 
— 
N/A 
$370 
(41) 
(41) 
(82) 

N/A 
7 
2 
— 
2,070 

Credit 
— 
N/A 
$302 
(22) 
(50) 
(72) 

N/A 
2 
1 
— 
1,963 

Credit 
— 
N/A 
$253 
26 
(64) 
(38) 

N/A 
3 
1 
— 
1,783 

Other 
$(105) 
N/A 
(1) 
(316) 
 (97) 
(413) 

N/A 
12 
30 
— 
1,580 

Other 
$(100) 
N/A 
(1) 
(270) 
 (81) 
(351) 

N/A 
17 
34 
— 
835 

Other 
$25 
N/A 
(1) 
(200) 
(10) 
(210) 

N/A 
32 
37 
— 
1,129 

Total 
$8,258 
(0.2%) 
369 
834 
(138) 
696 

8.4% 
360 
313 
53 
6,579 

Total 
$8,272 
(6.3%) 
301 
779 
(131) 
648 

7.8% 
563 
302 
53 
5,661 

Total 
$8,828 
3.1% 
252 
1,247 
(74) 
1,173 

13.3% 
501 
269 
53 
5,600 

1Net sales in Other include foreign sales of $62 in 2007. 
2Interest income of $1, $2 and $14 for 2009, 2008 and 2007 is recorded in our Other segment as an offset to interest expense, net.  
3Assets in Other include unallocated assets in corporate headquarters, consisting primarily of cash, land, buildings and equipment, and deferred tax assets. 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  57 

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

NOTE 15:  SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) 

Fiscal year 2009 
Net sales 
Same-store sales  
  percentage change 
Credit card revenues 
Gross profit1 
Selling, general and administrative expenses: 
  Retail stores, direct and other segments 
  Credit segment 
Earnings before income taxes 
Net earnings 
Net earnings as a percentage 
  of total revenues 
Earnings per basic share 
Earnings per diluted share 

Fiscal year 2008 
Net sales 
Same-store sales  
  percentage change 
Credit card revenues 
Gross profit1 
Selling, general and administrative expenses: 
  Retail stores, direct and other segments 
  Credit segment 
Earnings before income taxes 
Net earnings 
Net earnings as a percentage 
  of total revenues 
Earnings per basic share 
Earnings per diluted share 

 1st Quarter 
  $1,706 

  2nd Quarter 
$2,145 

  3rd Quarter 
$1,868 

  4th Quarter 
  $2,539 

Total 
  $8,258 

(13.2%) 
86 
599 

447 
92 
115 
81 

4.5% 
  $0.38 
  $0.37 

(9.8%) 
87 
727 

531 
77 
170 
105 

4.7% 
$0.49 
$0.48 

(1.2%) 
95 
658 

500 
81 
134 
83 

4.2% 
$0.38 
$0.38 

6.9% 
101 
946 

631 
106 
277 
172 

6.5% 
$0.79 
$0.77 

(4.2%) 
369 
2,930 

2,109 
356 
696 
441 

5.1% 
$2.03 
$2.01 

 1st Quarter 
  $1,879 

  2nd Quarter 
$2,287 

  3rd Quarter 
$1,805 

  4th Quarter 
  $2,301 

Total 
  $8,272 

(6.5%) 
70 
700 

493 
50 
196 
119 

6.1% 
  $0.54 
  $0.54 

(6.0%) 
72 
799 

545 
57 
235 
143 

6.1% 
$0.66 
$0.65 

(11.1%) 
74 
620 

490 
77 
94 
71 

3.8% 
$0.33 
$0.33 

(12.5%) 
85 
736 

575 
90 
123 
68 

2.8% 
$0.32 
$0.31 

(9.0%) 
301 
2,855 

2,103 
274 
648 
401 

4.7% 
$1.85 
$1.83 

1Gross profit is calculated as net sales less cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs. 

NOTE 16:  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 provided 
back office functions related to the Façonnable U.S. wholesale business. This agreement ended during 2009. 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[This page intentionally left blank.] 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  59 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Page  
33 
34 

Item 9B. Other Information. 

None. 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

PART III 

The information required under this item is included in the following sections of our Proxy Statement for our 2010 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: 

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 8, 2009 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 2010 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 Discussion and Analysis  
Director Compensation 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2010 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, and Director Independence. 

The information required under this item is included in the following sections of our Proxy Statement for our 2010 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 Accounting Fees and Services. 

The information required under this item is included in the following section of our Proxy Statement for our 2010 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 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

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

PART IV 

(a)1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

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 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

Page  
64 

Exhibits are incorporated herein by reference or are filed with this report as set forth in the Index to Exhibits on pages 65 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.  

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  61 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
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 19, 2010 

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 

James A. Howell   
James A. Howell   
Vice President, Finance   

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

Robert G. Miller  /s/                 
Robert G. Miller 
Director 

Erik B. Nordstrom  /s/ 
Erik B. Nordstrom 
Director 

Philip G. Satre  /s/   
Philip G. Satre 
Director 

Alison A. Winter   
Alison A. Winter 
Director 

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

Blake W. Nordstrom 
Blake W. Nordstrom 
Director 

Peter E. Nordstrom 
Peter E. Nordstrom 
Director 

Robert D. Walter 
Robert D. Walter 
Director 

/s/ 

Directors: 

/s/ 

/s/ 

/s/  

/s/   

/s/   

Date: March 19, 2010 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

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 No. 333-147664 on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 19, 2010, relating to the consolidated financial 
statements and financial statement schedule of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries and 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 January 30, 2010.  

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Seattle, Washington 
March 19, 2010

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  63 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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: 

January 30, 2010 
January 31, 2009 
February 2, 2008 

Reserves  

Allowance for sales return, net: 
Year ended: 

January 30, 2010 
January 31, 2009 
February 2, 2008 

$138   
73   
17   

$251 
173 
86 (A)   

$199 (B) 
108 (B) 
30 (B) 

$70                    $1,030 
           1,051 
           1,023 

56   
55   

$1,024 (C) 
1,037 (C) 
1,022 (C) 

$190 
138 
73 

$76 
70 
56 

(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 are included in credit selling, general and 
administrative expenses.  
(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.  

64 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Exhibit Index 

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

Exhibit 

  3.2  Bylaws, as amended and restated on November 19, 2008 

Method of Filing 

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 November 24, 2008, Exhibit 3.1 

  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 

Form of 6.25% Note due January 2018 

4.10  Form of 6.75% Note due June 2014 

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 May 26, 2009, Exhibit 4.1 

4.11  Amended and Restated Series 2007-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of 

November 13, 2009, by and between Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust 
II, as issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as indenture trustee 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on November 18, 2009, Exhibit 4.1 

4.12  Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2009, 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. 

4.13 

First Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement dated November 13, 2009, 
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., dated January 20, 2010 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on November 18, 2009, Exhibit 4.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on January 21, 2010, Exhibit 4.1 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  65 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.7 

10.8 

10.1 

Merchant Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom 
National Credit Bank 

Exhibit 

Method of Filing 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1991,  
Exhibit 10.1 

10.2 

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 

10.3* 

1997 Nordstrom Stock Option Plan, amended and restated on  
February 16, 2000 

10.4 

Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant 
and Bancamerica Securities, Inc. 

10.5 

Commercial Paper Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant and 
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation 

10.6 

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 August 2, 2003, 
Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, 
Exhibit 10.1 

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 

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 

Promissory Note dated April 18, 2002 between 1700 Seventh, L.P. and New York 
Life Insurance Company 

10.9 

Promissory Note dated April 18, 2002 between 1700 Seventh, L.P. and  
Life Investors Insurance Company of America 

10.10  Guaranty Agreement dated April 18, 2002 between Registrant, New York Life 

Insurance Company and Life Investors Insurance Company of America 

10.11  The 2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan 

10.12*  Nordstrom, Inc. Leadership Separation Plan (Effective March 1, 2005) 

10.13*  Nordstrom, Inc. Executive Management Group Bonus Plan 

10.14*  2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.15  Commitment of Nordstrom, Inc. to Nordstrom fsb dated June 17, 2004 

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 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2004, 
Exhibit 10.4 

10.16  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 

* This exhibit is a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.17  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 August 22, 2007, Exhibit 99.1 

Exhibit 

Method of Filing 

10.18  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 

10.19  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 November 19, 2007, Exhibit 99.1 

10.20  Director Compensation Summary 

10.21*  2007 Stock Option Notice Award Agreement and Form of Notice 

10.22*  2007 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement and Form of Notice 

10.23  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 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 

10.24  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 

10.25*  Nordstrom Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (2007) 

10.26  Nordstrom Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (2007) 

10.27*  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 

10.28  First Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank,  
dated March 1, 2000 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.32 

10.29  Second Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank,  
dated March 2, 2000 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.33 

10.30  Third Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank,  
dated October 1, 2001 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.34 

10.31  Fourth Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, 
dated November 1, 2002 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.35 

10.32  Fifth Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, 
dated November 1, 2005  

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.36 

* This exhibit is a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  67 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.33*  Forms of Notice of 2001 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

Exhibit 

Method of Filing 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.40 

10.34  Sixth Amendment to Merchant Agreement and Operating Procedures dated 

August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated 
May 1, 2007 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.37 

10.35*  Forms of Notice of 1999 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreements under 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.36*  Form of Notice of 2002 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.37*  Form of Notice of 2003 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.38*  Form of Notice of 2004 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.38 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.41 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.42 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.43 

10.39*  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 

10.40*  Form of Notice of 2006 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement under 

the Nordstrom, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.45 

10.41  Participation Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2007, by and between Nordstrom 

fsb, as 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 

10.42  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 

10.43  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 

10.44  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 

10.45  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 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.5 

10.46  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 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on May 8, 2007, Exhibit 99.6 

10.47*  Amendment 2006-1 to the Nordstrom, Inc. Leadership Separation Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.56 

* This exhibit is a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.48 

Notice of Exercise of Accordion on Revolving Credit Facility Agreement 
dated May 13, 2008 

Exhibit 

10.49*  Nordstrom 401(k) Plan & Profit Sharing, amended and restated on  

August 27, 2008 

10.50*  Nordstrom, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, amended and restated  

on August 27, 2008 

10.51*  Nordstrom, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (2008 Amendment) 

10.52*  Amendment 2008-1 to the Nordstrom Executive Deferred Compensation  

Plan (2007) 

10.53*  Amendment 2008-1, Nordstrom, Inc. Leadership Separation Plan 

10.54*  Nordstrom Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (2008) 

10.55*  2008 Stock Option Notice Award Agreement and Form of Notice 

10.56*  2008 Performance Share Unit Agreement and Form of Notice 

10.57*  Form of Notice of 2000 Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement  

under the Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan 

10.58 

Form of Independent Director Indemnification Agreement 

10.59*  2009 Nonqualified Stock Option Grant Agreement and Form of Notice 

10.60*  2009 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement and Form of Notice 

Method of Filing 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on November 24, 2008, Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on November 24, 2008, Exhibit 10.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on November 24, 2008, Exhibit 10.3 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on November 24, 2008, Exhibit 10.4 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on February 22, 2008, Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed 
on February 22, 2008, Exhibit 10.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, 
Exhibit 10.39 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on March 3, 2009, Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on March 3, 2009, Exhibit 10.2 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on March 3, 2009, Exhibit 10.3 

10.61*  Amendment 2009-1 to the Nordstrom Supplemental Executive  

Retirement Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on March 3, 2009, Exhibit 10.4 

10.62*  Amendment 2009-1 to the Nordstrom 401(k) Plan & Profit Sharing 

10.63*  Nordstrom, Inc. Executive Management Bonus Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on March 3, 2009, Exhibit 10.5 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended May 2, 2009, Exhibit 10.6 

10.64*  Amendment 2008-2 to the Nordstrom Executive Deferred  

Compensation Plan 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form S-8 
filed on September 9, 2009, Exhibit 10.4 

10.65 

Amendment 2009-1 to the Nordstrom Directors Deferred Compensation Plan  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form S-8 

filed on September 9, 2009, Exhibit 10.5 

* This exhibit is a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  69 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.66*  2010 Stock Option Award Agreement 

Exhibit 

10.67*  2010 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement 

Method of Filing 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on November 24, 2009, Exhibit 10.1 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on November 24, 2009, Exhibit 10.2 

10.68 

Confirmation of transaction between The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and 
Nordstrom Inc., dated as of December 22, 2009 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on December 23, 2009, Exhibit 10.1 

10.69 

Confirmation of transaction between Wachovia Bank N.A. and Nordstrom 
Inc., dated as of December 22, 2009 

Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K 
filed on December 23, 2009, Exhibit 10.2 

21.1 

Significant subsidiaries of the Registrant 

Filed herewith electronically 

23.1 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

Filed as page 63 of this report 

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

Certification of President required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes- 
Oxley Act of 2002 

Filed herewith electronically 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302(a) of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

Filed herewith electronically 

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 

101.INS  XBRL Instance Document 

Furnished herewith electronically 

101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 

Furnished herewith electronically 

101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document  

Furnished herewith electronically 

101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document 

Furnished herewith electronically 

101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 

Furnished herewith electronically 

101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 

Furnished herewith electronically 

* This exhibit is a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insert Indesign file here (“Shareholder Information”) 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  71 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blake W. Nordstrom, 49  
President 

Erik B. Nordstrom, 46  
Executive Vice President,  
President, Stores 

James F. Nordstrom, Jr., 37  
Executive Vice President,  
President, Nordstrom Direct 

Peter E. Nordstrom, 48  
Executive Vice President,  
President, Merchandising  

Robert B. Sari, 54 
Executive Vice President,  
General Counsel and Secretary 

Loretta Soffe, 43 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Women’s Apparel Division 

Delena M. Sunday, 49  
Executive Vice President, 
Human Resources and Diversity Affairs 

Geevy S. K. Thomas, 45 
Executive Vice President, 
President, Nordstrom Rack 

Mark J. Tritton, 46 
Executive Vice President, 
President, Nordstrom Product Group 

David M. Witman, 51 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Men’s and Kidswear Divisions 

Executive Officers 

Laurie M. Black, 51 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Cosmetics Division 

Robert E. Campbell, 54 
Treasurer and Vice President, 
Investor Relations 

James A. Howell, 44 
Vice President, Finance 

Kevin T. Knight, 54  
Executive Vice President, 
Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer of Nordstrom fsb, 
President, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. 

Michael G. Koppel, 53  
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

Daniel F. Little, 48  
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Administrative Officer 

Scott A. Meden, 47 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Shoe Division 

Margaret Myers, 63 
Executive Vice President, 
General Merchandise Manager, 
Accessories and Women’s  
Specialized Divisions 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee 
Phyllis J. Campbell, Chair 
Robert G. Miller 
Philip G. Satre 
Robert D. Walter 
Alison A. Winter 

Compensation Committee 
Robert D. Walter, Chair 
Enrique Hernandez, Jr. 
Robert G. Miller 
Alison A. Winter 

Corporate Governance and 
Nominating Committee 
Philip G. Satre, Chair 
Enrique Hernandez, Jr. 
Alison A. Winter 

Finance Committee 
Robert G. Miller, Chair 
Phyllis J. Campbell 
Philip G. Satre

Board of Directors and Committees  

Board of Directors 

Phyllis J. Campbell, 58 
Chairman of the Pacific Northwest 
JPMorgan Chase 
Seattle, Washington 

Enrique Hernandez, Jr., 54 
Nordstrom, Inc. Chairman of the Board 
President and CEO, 
Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. 
Pasadena, California 

Robert G. Miller, 65 
Chief Executive Officer, 
Albertsons LLC 
Boise, Idaho 

Blake W. Nordstrom, 49 
President 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Seattle, Washington 

Erik B. Nordstrom, 46  
Executive Vice President and 
President of Stores 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Seattle, Washington 

Peter E. Nordstrom, 48  
Executive Vice President and 
President of Merchandising 
Nordstrom, Inc. 
Seattle, Washington 

Philip G. Satre, 60 
Private Investor 
Reno, Nevada 

Robert D. Walter, 64 
Private Investor 
Columbus, OH 

Alison A. Winter, 63 
Founder 
Braintree Holdings, LLC 
Pasadena, California 

Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries  73 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 January 30, 2010 will be 
provided to shareholders upon request to: 

Counsel  
Lane Powell PC 
Seattle, Washington 

Transfer Agent and Registrar 
The Bank of New York Mellon 
PO Box 358015 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15252-8015 
Telephone (800) 318-7045 
TDD for Hearing Impaired (800) 231-5469 
Foreign Shareholders (201) 680-6578 
TDD Foreign Shareholders (201) 680-6610 

General Offices 
1617 Sixth Avenue 
Seattle, Washington 98101-1707 
Telephone (206) 628-2111 

Annual Meeting 
May 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. 
Pacific Daylight Time 
Nordstrom Downtown Seattle Store 
John W. Nordstrom Room, fifth floor 
1617 Sixth Avenue 
Seattle, Washington 98101-1707 

Nordstrom Investor Relations 
PO Box 2737 
Seattle, Washington 98111-2737 
(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 http://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 January 30, 2010. 
After our 2010 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). 

© 2010 Nordstrom, Inc.

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dollars in millions except per share and per square foot amounts

Fiscal Year 

Net sales 

Earnings before income taxes  

Net earnings 

Earnings per basic share 

Earnings per diluted share 

Cash dividends paid per share 

2009 

$8,258 

696 

441 

2.03 

2.01 

0.64 

2008 

$8,272 

648 

401 

1.85 

1.83 

0.64 

% Change

(0.2)

7.4

9.9 

9.7

9.8

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