Nordstrom

   Founded as a Seattle shoe store in 1901 by John W. Nordstrom (Swedish immigrant) and Carl Wallin, who met during the Klondike Gold Rush, the store was originally known as Wallin & Nordstrom. In 1929, upon the founders' retirement, the company passed to Nordstrom's sons, Everett and Elmer. In 1963, the company moved into apparel with the purchase of Best Apparel and, in 1966, the name changed to Nordstrom Best. In 1971, the company went public and, in 1973, dropped the word "Best" from the name. Nordstrom's commitment to outstanding customer service is legendary and it is one of the leading fashion retailers in the United States today. A massive expansion plan began in the late 1970s. Nordstrom's competes with, and is below the price level of, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue but above that of Macy's and J. C. Penney's. It sells apparel, footwear, furniture, bedding, beauty products, and housewares. The company's corporate headquarters is still located in Seattle, Washington. Nordstrom operates 156 U.S. stores in 27 states—including 99 full-line stores, 49 Nordstrom Rack stores, 5 Façonnable boutiques, 1 free-standing shoe store and 2 clearance stores. Nordstrom also operates 32 international Façonnable boutiques, primarily in Europe.