Canada Plays Starring Role in First-Ever National Canadian Brand Campaign for Nordstrom

Multimedia Press Kit

TORONTO, Aug. 27, 2018 /CNW/ -- Leading fashion retailer, Nordstrom, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of 'True Nord,' its first-ever national Canadian marketing brand campaign, debuting August 27. Produced in partnership with Toronto-based advertising agency, Ogilvy, the campaign celebrates the inclusive and welcoming spirit of Canadians through the lens of individuality and personal style.

The campaign is inspired by the phrase "True North" within the national anthem "O Canada," as 'Nord' means 'North' in French. The natural synergy influenced the anthem's role in the campaign along with key lyrics including "strong and free," "with glowing hearts," and "from far and wide" that highlight the shared values of Canadians and Nordstrom.

"We've been proud to serve our Canadian customers since 2014," said Scott Meden, Chief Marketing Officer for Nordstrom. "We value the richness that diversity and culture bring to our communities, and our Canadian customers and employees set an example with their warm, welcoming and inclusive spirit. Our hope with this campaign is to celebrate all Canadians and the values we share and strive to reflect as a brand."

"As we got to know the Nordstrom team and visited its stores, we realized how much Canadians and Nordstrom have in common," says Ogilvy Toronto CEO Laurie Young. "It is truly serendipitous that 'Nord' means 'North' in French."

Shot by Canadian-born photographer and director Justin Tyler Close, the campaign features an all-Canadian cast styled in a breadth of fall fashion highlighting the retailer's commitment to a range of styles and price points. Scenes are set against natural landscapes and urban settings across the Greater Toronto Area. The 13-member cast includes individuals who are proud to be Canadian, are passionate about their work and expressing their individuality through personal style. Featured cast members include:

• Mel Kobayashi, Founder, Bag and a Beret Blog; "As Canadians, I think we're compassionate and quirky. I love that we're not sure who we are, but we certainly know bone deep that we are Canadian and we know what that means without necessarily having to define it into words."
• Harjas Singh, Stylist and Consultant, Styled by Harj; "I'm always observing. I find fashion inspiration by being a people watcher. There are so many different people in Canada, doing many different things, while wearing their identity with so much pride every day. That's one of my biggest inspirations."
• Biko Beauttah, United Nations Goodwill Glambassador; "My favorite part of the Nordstrom Canada campaign was being so comfortable as a transgender woman. I often go into spaces and feel excluded, but this wasn't the case. It was just amazing. I feel like we created magic."
• Yolanda May Largie, Co-Founder, The Canadian Curvies; "My favorite thing about being a Canadian is the diversity. We're so different, yet so the same. Living in Canada, we get to kind of see all the different cultures and the different dynamics, and openly embrace other people, and their styles."

The multi-channel campaign encompasses digital advertising, television commercials, YouTube, out of home (billboards, digital screens and transit shelters), social media and Nordstrom.ca site experience.

About Nordstrom 
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 372 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 239 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; two clearance stores; six Trunk Club clubhouses; and its Nordstrom Local service concept. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook and TrunkClub.com. Nordstrom, Inc.'s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.