1901
Wallin & Nordstrom, 4th Ave., Seattle, WA
Company History
John W. Nordstrom believed success would come only by offering customers the very best service, selection, quality and value.
1901-1959
1923
University Ave., Seattle, WA
Our Start
In 1887, John W. Nordstrom left Sweden for the United States at the age of 16. He arrived in New York with $5 in his pocket, unable to speak a word of English.
The young immigrant labored in mines and logging camps as he crossed the country to California and Washington. In 1897, he headed north to Alaska and the Klondike in search of gold. Two years later, he returned to Seattle with a $13,000 stake, ready to settle down.
Carl F. Wallin, a Seattle shoemaker Nordstrom had met in Alaska, offered him a partnership in a shoe store. In 1901, they opened their first store, Wallin & Nordstrom, at 4th and Pike in Seattle.
The business grew and, in 1923, the partners added a second store in Seattle's University District.
In 1928, John retired and sold his share of the company to his sons Everett and Elmer. Carl Wallin retired a year later and also sold his share to the Nordstrom sons. John's third son, Lloyd, joined the team in 1933.
1960s
1961
Country's largest shoe shop, 5th Ave., Seattle, WA
1963
Acquisition of Best's Apparel
1963
Entry into women's apparel
1966
Expansion to include men's and kids' apparel
A Growing Reputation
By 1960, the downtown Seattle shoe shop had become the largest shoe store in the U.S., and the company, now with eight locations in Washington and Oregon, was the largest independent shoe chain in the country.
Looking to spread its wings, Nordstrom ventured into the women's clothing market with the purchase of Seattle-based Best's Apparel in 1963. With the purchase of a Portland, Oregon, fashion retailer three years later, Nordstrom now offered Pacific Northwest customers a selection of shoes and apparel under the name Nordstrom Best. Men's and children's apparel were added in 1966.
In 1968, the three Nordstrom brothers handed the company over to the third generation: Everett's son Bruce, Elmer's sons James and John, Lloyd's son-in-law Jack and family friend Bob Bender.
1970s
The Expansion Continues
While going public in 1971, the company was formally renamed Nordstrom, Inc. Two years later, annual sales surpassed $100 million, and the company was recognized as the largest volume fashion specialty store on the West Coast.
In 1973, the first Nordstrom Rack opened as a clearance center in the lower level of the downtown Seattle Nordstrom store. The first standalone Nordstrom Rack opened in 1983 in Clackamas, Oregon. As Nordstrom expanded to other parts of the country, Nordstrom Rack stores followed.
1990s
Growing Digitally
In 1998, Nordstrom, Inc. introduced Nordstrom.com, giving customers around the world easier access to shop for the fashion and newness that Nordstrom is known for.
2000s
Increased Convenience
In 2008, Nordstrom launched the option to buy online and pick up in store. Customers could now pick up select merchandise purchased through Nordstrom.com at a Nordstrom store of their choice.
2010s
Nordstrom Gives Back
From 2011 to 2013, Nordstrom operated Treasure & Bond, an independent charity-concept store in Manhattan that donated 100% of its profits to New York children's charities and raised more than $200,000. In 2014, Nordstrom launched its private-label Treasure & Bond brand, and in the spirit of the store's give-back model, announced it would donate a percentage of profits from sales to youth-empowerment organizations.
2011
Nordstrom app
2014
Nordstrom Rack website and app launch
2017
Nordstrom Local
Innovation in Retail
Nordstrom launched its first mobile app in 2011 to combine commerce, customer service and cross-channel engagement. The app let customers curate looks, create wish lists, purchase products, learn about in-store events and contact customer service.
In 2012, Nordstrom became the only major U.S. retailer to sell a broad assortment from the renowned British fashion brands Topshop and Topman.
NordstromRack.com, a new ecommerce site and mobile app, launched in 2014, which allowed customers to start shopping at Nordstrom Rack online.
The SPACE department, which features emerging and advanced designers, was introduced to flagship locations in 2015. These standalone boutiques live within each store's designer department and house cross-category collections of apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories, home goods and fragrance.
The first Nordstrom Local launched in 2017 as a retail-concept neighborhood hub where customers can access Nordstrom services such as online order pickup and returns, express alterations and more in a convenient, central location.
2019
A New York Story
The Nordstrom NYC flagship represents the biggest and best statement of the brand, and the largest single-project investment in Nordstrom history. Located on West 57th Street and Broadway, across from the Nordstrom Men's Store NYC, which opened in April 2018, it offers customers 320,000 square feet of retail space on seven levels—two below street level and five above. The curated assortment of merchandise spans price points and includes clothing, accessories, shoes, beauty, children's and home, making this a one-stop destination. A robust selection of exclusive, limited-distribution and emerging brands and styles is available.
Achieving Pay Equity & Pay Parity
In 2019, we reached 100% pay equity for employees of all genders and races, meaning that we provide equal pay for comparable work—which we believe is essential to creating an environment where every employee feels valued and respected. Nordstrom is also committed to pay parity. Pay parity is a way to measure and report on gender representation at all levels of the company. To this day, we are at nearly 100% pay parity for men and women, which reflects our strong female representation across the company. We will continue our efforts in this space to build our representation of women at all levels across the organization.
2020s
Protecting Our Planet
In 2020, we launched Nordstrom BEAUTYCYCLE, a first-of-its-kind beauty take-back and recycling program. Each year, more than 120 billion units of plastic packaging are produced by the beauty industry, but less than nine percent gets recycled. Through this program, Nordstrom has taken back 100 tons of hard-to-recycle beauty packaging to ensure it is recycled.
By the end of 2021, Nordstrom stopped selling products made using animal fur or exotic animal skin across the company, including Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Last Chance stores and Nordstrom's ecommerce sites. The commitment was made in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States.
Growing Partnerships
In 2021, Nordstrom partnered with ASOS to announce our acquisition of a minority interest in the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands. This investment helps drive the growth of these brands globally, setting the stage for Nordstrom and ASOS to sit alongside a new wider strategic partnership. This innovative partnership involved unprecedented collaboration and alignment, redefining the traditional retail/wholesale model.
Making a Difference
In 2021, Nordstrom signed the Fifteen Percent Pledge to grow Black businesses. We're committed to growing our purchases from businesses owned or founded by Black individuals by 10x by the end of 2030.
Nordstrom signed the Human Rights Campaign statement opposing anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation in 2022.
Introducing The Nordy Pod
We're always looking for new ways to connect with our customers—whether that's on the sales floor, in our styling lounge, through our app or elsewhere. A new milestone in that journey was met when we launched our very first podcast, The Nordy Pod, a new way for Nordstrom-obsessed customers to peek behind the curtain and learn more about the people behind our business.
Hosted by Pete Nordstrom, President and Chief Brand Officer, The Nordy Pod explores topics that are relevant to brands and designers in today's fashion landscape, spotlights prominent industry voices and provides access to conversations that listeners can't get anywhere else.
Recognition
Each year, Fortune magazine releases its Most Admired Companies list, and Nordstrom was honored to be recognized for the 13th consecutive year in 2024.
2025 & Beyond
Nordstrom Today
In 2025, the company announced its acquisition by members of the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool, marking its transition to become a private company.
From one tiny shoe store, Nordstrom has grown into a leading fashion retailer. It offers an unparalleled selection of shoes, clothing, accessories, home goods and gifts—and an extensive range of services to make shopping fun, personalized and convenient.
For up-to-date company information and store openings, visit the Press Room.