Nordstrom Announces Preliminary Plans to Expand Fulfillment and Contact Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

SEATTLE, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), a leading fashion specialty retailer, announced preliminary plans to expand its existing fulfillment and contact centers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Upon completion in spring 2008, the expansion is to coincide with the company's updating of its Direct business' inventory systems which will tie in with the store system creating a single view of inventory across channels. This will result in a more seamless shopping experience for its customers whether they choose to shop online, in-store or by phone.

(LOGO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001011/NORDLOGO )

Pending approvals, Nordstrom plans a multi-million dollar expansion to almost double the current square footage of the facility adding 258,000 square feet to the current 320,000 square feet. The expansion will create room for over 500 additional jobs in both the fulfillment and contact centers. This marks the second expansion for the company in Cedar Rapids since opening in 1997.

"We are excited to expand our presence here in Cedar Rapids," said Jamie Nordstrom, president of Nordstrom Direct. "Our online business has experienced rapid growth and we are committed to building a billion dollar business within four to six years. We're confident we'll continue to find the local talent we need in the Cedar Rapids community to support our efforts as we move forward."

"Having a company like Nordstrom, which is recognized for their high quality merchandise and services, decide to expand in Cedar Rapids speaks volumes for our community," said Mark Seckman, president of Priority One, the economic development division of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. "This also speaks to our long-term relationship with Nordstrom, both locally and in Seattle."

The project is contingent upon the Airport Commission approval of land option changes, as well as Cedar Rapids City Council approval of funding through Tax Increment Financing. Nordstrom Direct will also seek job training assistance through the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program, administered locally by Kirkwood Community College.

Nordstrom Direct was launched in 1993 as a Direct catalog business. Nordstrom.com was launched in 1998, with the goal of providing customers with the Nordstrom shopping experience online. In 2005, Nordstrom Direct catalogs and the company's store catalogs were rolled into one. The new catalog program, online merchandise that is more integrated with Nordstrom stores, and a single view inventory system are all important elements of the company's multi-channel strategy.

Priority One assisted in securing the total financial assistance package and they have maintained an ongoing relationship with Nordstrom, both in Cedar Rapids and in the company headquarters in Seattle.

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 156 US stores located in 27 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 99 Full-Line Stores, 49 Nordstrom Racks, five Faconnable boutiques, one freestanding shoe store and two clearance stores. Nordstrom also operates 34 Faconnable boutiques in Europe. Additionally, Nordstrom serves customers through its online presence at www.nordstrom.com and through its catalogs. Nordstrom, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

CONTACT:
Deniz Andes
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 373-3038

Mark Seckman
Priority One
(319) 730-1420

SOURCE
Nordstrom, Inc.
08/29/2006

CONTACT:
Deniz Andes of Nordstrom, Inc.,
1-206-373-3038;
or
Mark Seckman of Priority One,
1-319-730-1420