Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Mar. 11, 2011	Jul. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 29, 2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2010
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	NORDSTROM INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000072333
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-29
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		218,078,190
Entity Public Float			$ 6.2

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Net sales	$ 9,310	$ 8,258	$ 8,272
Credit card revenues	390	369	301
Total revenues	9,700	8,627	8,573
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs	(5,897)	(5,328)	(5,417)
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Retail	(2,412)	(2,109)	(2,103)
Credit	(273)	(356)	(274)
Earnings before interest and income taxes	1,118	834	779
Interest expense, net	(127)	(138)	(131)
Earnings before income taxes	991	696	648
Income tax expense	(378)	(255)	(247)
Net earnings	$ 613	$ 441	$ 401
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 2.80	$ 2.03	$ 1.85
Diluted	$ 2.75	$ 2.01	$ 1.83
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	218.8	216.8	216.6
Diluted	222.6	219.7	219.2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,506	$ 795
Accounts receivable, net	2,026	2,035
Merchandise inventories	977	898
Current deferred tax assets, net	236	238
Prepaid expenses and other	79	88
Total current assets	4,824	4,054
Land, buildings and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $3,520 and $3,316)	2,318	2,242
Goodwill	53	53
Other assets	267	230
Total assets	7,462	6,579
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Accounts payable	846	726
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits	375	336
Other current liabilities	652	596
Current portion of long-term debt	6	356
Total current liabilities	1,879	2,014
Long-term debt, net	2,775	2,257
Deferred property incentives, net	495	469
Other liabilities	292	267
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 218.0 and 217.7 shares issued and outstanding	1,168	1,066
Retained earnings	882	525
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(29)	(19)
Total shareholders' equity	2,021	1,572
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 7,462	$ 6,579

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accumulated depreciation	$ 3,520	$ 3,316
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Common stock, shares issued	218.0	217.7
Common stock, shares outstanding	218.0	217.7

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, value at Feb. 02, 2008	$ 1,115	$ 936	$ 201	$ (22)
Balance, shares at Feb. 02, 2008		220.9
Net earnings	401		401
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax	12			12
Comprehensive net earnings	413
Dividends	(138)		(138)
Effect of postretirement plan measurement date change	(3)		(3)
Issuance of common stock for:
Stock option plans, shares		0.8
Stock option plans	17	17
Employee stock purchase plan, shares		0.6
Employee stock purchase plan	17	17
Other, shares
Other	1	1
Stock-based compensation	26	26
Repurchase of common stock, shares	6.9	(6.9)
Repurchase of common stock	(238)		(238)
Balance, value at Jan. 31, 2009	1,210	997	223	(10)
Balance, shares at Jan. 31, 2009		215.4
Net earnings	441		441
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax	(9)			(9)
Comprehensive net earnings	432
Dividends	(139)		(139)
Issuance of common stock for:
Stock option plans, shares		1.5
Stock option plans	27	27
Employee stock purchase plan, shares		0.7
Employee stock purchase plan	13	13
Other, shares		0.1
Other	1	1
Stock-based compensation	28	28
Balance, value at Jan. 30, 2010	1,572	1,066	525	(19)
Balance, shares at Jan. 30, 2010	217.7	217.7
Net earnings	613		613
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax	(10)			(10)
Comprehensive net earnings	603
Dividends	(167)		(167)
Issuance of common stock for:
Stock option plans, shares		2.1
Stock option plans	51	51
Employee stock purchase plan, shares	0.4	0.4
Employee stock purchase plan	13	13
Other	1	1
Stock-based compensation, shares		0.1
Stock-based compensation	37	37
Repurchase of common stock, shares	2.3	(2.3)
Repurchase of common stock	(89)		(89)
Balance, value at Jan. 29, 2011	$ 2,021	$ 1,168	$ 882	$ (29)
Balance, shares at Jan. 29, 2011	218.0	218.0

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 613	$ 441	$ 401
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and equipment	327	313	302
Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net	(54)	(42)	(21)
Deferred income taxes, net	2	(58)	(36)
Stock-based compensation expense	42	32	28
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	15	6	3
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(16)	(7)	(4)
Provision for bad debt expense	149	251	173
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(74)	(159)	(93)
Merchandise inventories	(80)	(1)	53
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1	(38)	38
Accounts payable	72	168	16
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits	37	120	(54)
Other current liabilities	42	81	(48)
Deferred property incentives	95	96	119
Other liabilities	6	48	(29)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,177	1,251	848
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(399)	(360)	(563)
Change in credit card receivables originated at third parties	(66)	(182)	(232)
Other, net	3	1	3
Net cash used in investing activities	(462)	(541)	(792)
Financing Activities
(Repayments) proceeds from commercial paper borrowings, net	0	(275)	275
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of discounts	498	399	150
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(356)	(25)	(410)
Increase in cash book overdrafts	37	9	20
Cash dividends paid	(167)	(139)	(138)
Repurchase of common stock	(84)	0	(264)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	35	21	13
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	13	13	17
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	16	7	4
Other, net	4	3	(9)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(4)	13	(342)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	711	723	(286)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	795	72	358
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	1,506	795	72
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest (net of capitalized interest)	121	134	145
Income taxes	$ 381	$ 240	$ 340

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1: NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company

Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, Washington, today Nordstrom, Inc. 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 115 'Nordstrom' branded full-line stores and online store at www.nordstrom.com (collectively, "Nordstrom"), 86 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 provide our customers with 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

We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. References to 2010, 2009 and 2008 relate to the 52-week fiscal years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009. References to 2011 relate to the 52-week fiscal year ending January 28, 2012.

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, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting period. Uncertainties regarding such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements and actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. Our significant accounting judgments and estimates include the allowance for credit losses, sales return reserve, inventory obsolescence reserve and unrecognized tax benefits.

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. Activity in the allowance for sales returns, net, for the past three fiscal years is as follows:


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008

Allowance at beginning of year		$76			$70			$56
Additions		1,180			1,030			1,051
Returns, net¹		(1,171	)		(1,024	)		(1,037)

Allowance at end of year		$85			$76			$70

¹Returns, net consists of actual returns offset by the value of the merchandise returned and the sales commission reversed.

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.

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 property 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 2010 and 2009, the deferred credit balance was $553 and $518.

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

Advertising production costs for Internet, magazines, store events and other media are expensed the first time the advertisement is run. Total advertising expenses, net of vendor allowances, of $114, $85 and $98 in 2010, 2009 and 2008 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 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	2010		2009		2008
Cosmetic selling expenses		$118		$106		$112
Purchase price adjustments		96		91		96
Cooperative advertising and promotion		67		63		65
Other		2		2		3
Total vendor allowances		$283		$262		$276

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 $133, $103 and $106 in 2010, 2009 and 2008 were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Loyalty Program

Customers who use our Nordstrom private label credit or debit card or our Nordstrom VISA credit cards can participate in the Nordstrom Fashion Rewards^® program through which customers accumulate points based on their level of spending. Upon reaching a certain threshold, customers receive Nordstrom Notes^®, which can be redeemed for goods or services in our stores and online. As cardholders increase their level of spending, they also receive benefits such as free shipping and fashion events. We estimate the net cost of Nordstrom Notes that will be issued and redeemed, and record this cost as rewards points are accumulated. These costs are recorded in cost of sales given that we provide customers with products and 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 based on estimates of benefits expected to be accumulated and redeemed.

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.

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 $9, $8 and $7 in 2010, 2009 and 2008. To date, our breakage rate is approximately 3.1% 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 $188 and $174 at the end of 2010 and 2009, 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 that 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 earnings and losses in 2010, 2009 and 2008 consisted of adjustments, net of tax, related to our postretirement benefit obligations. Accumulated other comprehensive losses at the end of 2010 and 2009 consisted of unrecognized losses on postretirement benefit obligations.

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 2010 and 2009 included $111 and $74 of checks not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of our bank deposit balances.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes credit card receivables from our Nordstrom private label and VISA credit cards as well as credit and debit card receivables due from third party financial institutions. We record credit card receivables on our consolidated balance sheets at the outstanding balance, net of an allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses reflects our best estimate of the losses inherent in our receivables as of the balance sheet date, including uncollectible finance charges and fees. We estimate such credit losses based on several factors, including historical aging and delinquency trends, write-off experience, concentration and risk metrics and general economic conditions. Credit card receivables constitute unsecured consumer loans, for which the risk of cardholder default and associated credit losses tend to increase as general economic conditions deteriorate.

We consider a credit card account delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the payment due date. Our aging method is based on the number of completed billing cycles during which the customer has failed to make a minimum payment. Delinquent accounts, including accrued finance charges and fees, are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible, usually after they become 150 days past due. Accounts are written off sooner in the event of customer bankruptcy or other circumstances that make further collection unlikely.

We recognize finance charges on delinquent accounts until they become 120 days past due, after which we place accounts on non-accrual status. Payments received for accounts on non-accrual status are applied to accrued finance charges, fees and principal balances consistent with other accounts, with subsequent finance charge income recognized only when actually received. Non-accrual accounts may return to accrual status when we receive three consecutive minimum payments or the equivalent lump sum.

Our Nordstrom private label credit card can be used only in Nordstrom stores and on our website, while our 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 and Nordstrom VISA credit cards for sales originating at our stores are treated as an operating activity within 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.

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	Life (in years)
Buildings and improvements		5–40
Store fixtures and equipment		3–15
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of initial lease term or asset life
Capitalized software		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.

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 will 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. Land, building and equipment 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.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the related net assets acquired, and is not subject to amortization. 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 segment, 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 2010, 2009 or 2008.

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 intended to hedge the exposure of changes in the fair value of our fixed-rate senior notes due in 2018 from interest rate risk. The swap is designated as a fully effective fair value hedge. As such, the interest rate swap fair value is included in other assets or other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet, with an offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of our long-term debt (included in other unsecured debt). See Note 7: Debt and Credit Facilities for additional information related to our swap.

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 and excluding the value of our interest rate swap, was $3,010 and $2,810 at the end of 2010 and 2009, compared with carrying values of $2,757 and $2,613. The estimated fair value of the swap was a $25 asset and a $1 liability at the end of 2010 and 2009. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices of the same or similar issues, while the fair value of our swap is estimated based upon observable market-based inputs for identical or comparable arrangements from reputable third-party brokers, adjusted for credit risk. As such, these are considered Level 2 measurements, as defined by applicable fair value accounting standards.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses, which was subsequently modified by ASU No. 2011-01, Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20. The provisions of this ASU (as modified), which are effective beginning with this annual report for the year ended January 29, 2011, did not impact our consolidated financial position or statement of operations, as its requirements are disclosure-only in nature.

In December 2010, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") issued ASU No. 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts. ASU No. 2010-28 modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts to require Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to be performed if it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists. We do not expect the provisions of this ASU, which are effective for us as of the beginning of 2011, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounts Receivable

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

NOTE 2: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

The components of accounts receivable are as follows:


	January 29, 2011			January 30, 2010
Credit card receivables:
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables		$1,431			$1,477
Nordstrom private label card receivables		672			685
Total credit card receivables		2,103			2,162
Allowance for credit losses		(145	)		(190	)
Credit card receivables, net		1,958			1,972
Other accounts receivable		68			63
Accounts receivable, net		$2,026			$2,035

As of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, $2,061 and $2,136 of our credit card receivables are restricted under our securitization program. On a daily basis, 100% of the restricted Nordstrom private label credit card receivables and 90% of the restricted Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables are transferred to a third-party trust to secure the Series 2007-2 Notes and our 2007-A variable funding note. In addition, these restricted receivables secured our Series 2007-1 Notes, which were retired April 2010. The remaining 10% of the restricted Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables are retained by our wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, to secure their variable funding facility. As of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, a portion of our restricted receivables were unencumbered by outstanding borrowings and credit facilities. 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 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, these maximums were not exceeded.

Other accounts receivable consist primarily of credit and debit card receivables due from third-party financial institutions and vendor claims.

Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the past three fiscal years is as follows:


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Allowance at beginning of year		$190			$138			$73
Bad debt provision		149			251			173
Write-offs		(211	)		(209	)		(116)
Recoveries		17			10			8
Allowance at end of year		$145			$190			$138

For purposes of determining impairment and recording the associated allowance for credit losses, we evaluate our credit card receivables on a collective basis as they are composed of large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans and therefore are not individually evaluated for impairment. Under certain circumstances, we may make modifications to a customer's payment terms that constitute a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). These modifications typically result in reduced or waived fees and finance charges, and/or reduced minimum payments. Receivables classified as TDRs were 2.7% and 4.3% of our total credit card receivables as of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, and are included in the collective evaluation of our credit card receivables in determining our allowance for credit losses.

Credit Quality

The primary indicators of the credit quality of our credit card receivables are aging and delinquency, particularly the levels of account balances delinquent 30 days or more as these are the accounts most likely to be written off. The following table illustrates the aging and delinquency status of our credit card receivables:


	January 29, 2011				January 30, 2010
	Balance		% of Total		Balance		% of Total
Current		$1,942		92.4%		$1,901		87.9%
1 – 29 days delinquent		97		4.6%		147		6.8%
30+ days delinquent:
30 – 59 days delinquent		24		1.1%		35		1.6%
60 – 89 days delinquent		17		0.8%		27		1.3%
Greater than 90 days delinquent		23		1.1%		52		2.4%
Total 30+ days delinquent		$64		3.0%		$114		5.3%
Total credit card receivables		$2,103		100.0%		$2,162		100.0%


Receivables not accruing finance charges		$14				$38
Receivables greater than 90 days delinquent and still accruing finance charges		$21				$45

We also evaluate credit quality using FICO credit scores. The following table illustrates the distribution of our credit card receivables across FICO score ranges:

January 29, 2011¹

January 30, 2010¹

FICO Score Range

Balance

% of Total

Balance

% of Total

801+

$314

14.9%

$128

5.9%

720 – 800

731

34.8%

806

37.3%

660 – 719

558

26.5%

606

28.0%

600 – 659

274

13.0%

281

13.0%

001 – 599

155

7.4%

284

13.2%

Other²

3.4%

2.6%

Total credit card receivables

$2,103

100.0%

$2,162

100.0%

¹Credit scores for our cardholders are updated at least every 60 days. Amounts listed in the table reflect the most recently obtained credit scores as of the dates indicated.

²Other consists of amounts not yet posted to customers' accounts and receivables from customers for whom FICO scores are temporarily unavailable.

Land, Buildings and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Land, Buildings and Equipment

Land, Buildings and Equipment

NOTE 3: LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT

Land, buildings and equipment consist of the following:


	January 29, 2011			January 30, 2010
Land and land improvements		$72			$70
Buildings and building improvements		919			924
Leasehold improvements		1,914			1,735
Store fixtures and equipment		2,341			2,267
Capitalized software		404			382
Construction in progress		188			180
		5,838			5,558
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(3,520	)		(3,316)
Land, buildings and equipment, net		$2,318			$2,242

The total cost of buildings and equipment held under capital lease obligations was $28 at the end of both 2010 and 2009, with related accumulated amortization of $23 in 2010 and $22 in 2009. The amortization of capitalized leased buildings and equipment of $1 in both 2010 and 2009 was recorded in depreciation expense.

Self Insurance

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Self Insurance

Self Insurance

NOTE 4: SELF INSURANCE

Our self insurance reserves are summarized as follows:


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Workers' compensation		$50		$50
Employee health and welfare		18		20
General liability		11		10
Total		$79		$80

Our workers' compensation policies have a retention per claim of $1 or less and no policy limits.

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 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.

Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Postretirement Benefits

Postretirement Benefits

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 2010 and 2009, there were 36 and 35 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 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$102		$85
Participant service cost		2		2
Interest cost		6		6
Benefits paid		(4)		(4)
Actuarial loss		16		13
Benefit obligation at end of year		$122		$102
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		–		–
Employer contribution		$4		$4
Benefits paid		(4)		(4)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		–		–
Underfunded status at end of year		$(122)		$(102)

The accumulated benefit obligation, which is the present value of benefits, assuming no future compensation changes, was $116 and $96 at the end of 2010 and 2009.

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


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Current liabilities		$5		$5
Noncurrent liabilities		117		97
Net amount recognized		$122		$102

Components of SERP Expense

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


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Participant service cost		$2		$2		$2
Interest cost		6		6		6
Amortization of net loss		2		–		2
Amortization of prior service cost		–		–		1
Total SERP expense		$10		$8		$11

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


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Accumulated loss		$(36)		$(22)
Prior service cost		(2)		(2)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss		$(38)		$(24)

In 2011, we expect $4 of costs currently in accumulated other comprehensive loss 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

2010

2009

2008

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:

Discount rate

5.60%

5.95%

6.95%

Rate of compensation increase

3.00%

3.00%

Assumptions used to determine SERP expense:

Discount rate

5.95%

6.95%

6.35%

Rate of compensation increase

3.00%

3.00%

Future Benefit Payments and Contributions

As of January 29, 2011, 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
2011			$5
2012			6
2013			6
2014			7
2015			8
2016-2020			44

In 2011, we expect to make contributions to the plan of $5.

Debt and Credit Facilities

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Debt and Credit Facilities

Debt and Credit Facilities

NOTE 7: DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES

Debt

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


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Secured
Series 2007-1 Class A Notes, 4.92%, retired April 2010		–		$326
Series 2007-1 Class B Notes, 5.02%, retired April 2010		–		24
Series 2007-2 Class A Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.06% per year, due April 2012		$454		454
Series 2007-2 Class B Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.18% per year, due April 2012		46		46
Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020		55		60
Other		14		15
		569		925
Unsecured
Senior notes, 6.75%, due June 2014, net of unamortized discount		399		399
Senior notes, 6.25%, due January 2018, net of unamortized discount		647		647
Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020, net of unamortized discount		498		–
Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028		300		300
Senior notes, 7.00%, due January 2038, net of unamortized discount		343		343
Other		25		(1)
		2,212		1,688

Total long-term debt		2,781		2,613
Less: current portion		(6)		(356)
Total due beyond one year		$2,775		$2,257

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 $75 at the end of 2010.

During 2010, we retired our $350 Series 2007-1 Class A & B Notes, which had been secured by our restricted receivables. We also issued $500 of senior unsecured notes at 4.75%, due May 2020. After deducting the original issue discount of $2, net proceeds from the offering were $498.

Other secured debt as of January 29, 2011 consists primarily of capital lease obligations. Other unsecured debt as of January 29, 2011 consists primarily of an adjustment to the carrying value of our long-term debt associated with the fair value of our interest rate swaps.

We have 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 29, 2011). See Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information related to our swap.

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


Fiscal year
2011			$5
2012			505
2013			5
2014			405
2015			6
Thereafter			1,820

Interest Expense

The components of interest expense, net are as follows:

Fiscal year

2010

2009

2008

Interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings

$133

$148

$145

Less:

Interest income

(1)

(3)

Capitalized interest

(5)

(7)

(11)

Interest expense, net

$127

$138

$131

Credit Facilities

As of January 29, 2011, 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").

Our $650 unsecured revolving credit facility (the "revolver"), which expires in August 2012, is available for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. 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. Under the terms of the agreement, we pay a variable rate of interest and a facility fee based on our debt rating. The revolver requires that we maintain a leverage ratio of not greater than four times Adjusted Debt to Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent ("EBITDAR"). The revolver also requires that we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least two times, defined as:

EBITDAR less gross capital expenditures

Interest expense, net + rent expense

As of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010 we were in compliance with these covenants.

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.

At the end of both 2010 and 2009, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolver and no outstanding issuances under our commercial paper program.

During 2010, we renewed our 2007-A VFN. The 2007-A VFN has a capacity of $300 and matures in January 2012. 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 both 2010 and 2009, 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 2010 and 2009, 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.

Leases

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Leases

Leases

NOTE 8: LEASES

We lease the land or the land and buildings at many of our 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. The majority of our fixed, non-cancelable lease terms are 15 to 30 years for Nordstrom full-line stores and 10 to 15 years for Nordstrom 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, referred to as "percentage rent."

Future minimum lease payments as of January 29, 2011 are as follows:


Fiscal year	Capital leases			Operating leases
2011		$2			$111
2012		2			108
2013		2			100
2014		2			96
2015		3			92
Thereafter		4			524
Total minimum lease payments		15			$1,031
Less: amount representing interest		(5	)
Present value of net minimum lease payments		$10

Rent expense for 2010, 2009 and 2008 was as follows:


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Minimum rent:
Store locations		$94		$76		$63
Offices, warehouses and equipment		19		13		13
Percentage rent		9		9		9
Property incentives		(60)		(55)		(48)
Total rent expense		$62		$43		$37

The rent expense above does not include common area charges, real estate taxes and other executory costs which were $65 in 2010, $60 in 2009 and $56 in 2008.

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	Jan. 29, 2011
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Our estimated total purchase obligations, capital expenditure contractual commitments and inventory purchase orders were $1,302 as of January 29, 2011. In connection with the purchase of foreign merchandise, we have outstanding trade letters of credit totaling $6 as of January 29, 2011. We are subject from time to time to various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business including lawsuits alleging violations of state and/or federal wage and hour laws. Some of these suits purport or may be determined to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages and some may remain unresolved for several years. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. While we cannot predict the outcome of these matters with certainty, we do not believe any currently identified claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in aggregate, will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity

NOTE 10: SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Share Repurchase Program

In August 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 of our outstanding common stock, through January 28, 2012. The following is a summary of the activity related to our share repurchase programs in 2008, 2009 and 2010:

Period

Shares

Average price
per share

Amount

Capacity at February 2, 2008

$1,364

Shares repurchased

6.9

$34.29

(238)

Capacity at January 31, 2009

$1,126

Shares repurchased

–

Unused capacity upon program expiration in August 2009

(1,126)

Capacity at January 30, 2010

–

August 2010 authorization

500

Shares repurchased

2.3

$39.12

(89)

Capacity at January 29, 2011

$411

The actual number and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be subject to market conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.

Dividends

We paid dividends of $0.76 per share in 2010 and $0.64 per share in each of 2009 and 2008.

Stock Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Stock Compensation Plan

Stock Compensation Plans

NOTE 11: STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

We currently have three stock-based compensation plans: the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan ("2010 Plan"), our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the 2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

In 2010, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2010 Plan, which replaced the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan ("2004 Plan"). The 2010 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, performance share units, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and both restricted and unrestricted shares of common stock to employees. The aggregate number of shares to be issued under the 2010 Plan may not exceed 11.6 plus any shares currently outstanding under the 2004 Plan, which are forfeited or which expire during the term of the 2010 Plan. No future grants will be made under the 2004 Plan. As of January 29, 2011, we have 54.4 shares authorized, 27.4 shares issued and outstanding and 11.8 shares available for grant.

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 29, 2011, we had 9.4 shares authorized and 1.3 shares available for issuance under the ESPP. We issued 0.4 shares under the ESPP during 2010. At the end of 2010 and 2009, we had current liabilities of $5 and $4, respectively, for future purchases of shares under the ESPP.

The 2002 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 29, 2011, we had 0.9 shares authorized and 0.6 remaining shares available for issuance. In 2010, we deferred shares with a total expense of $1.

The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense:


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Stock options		$35		$26		$24
Performance share units		3		3		–
Employee stock purchase plan		2		1		2
Other		2		2		2
Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		42		32		28
Income tax benefit		(16)		(12)		(10)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit		$26		$20		$18

The stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit was recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings as follows:


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs		$13		$10		$10
Selling, general and administrative expenses		29		22		18
Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		$42		$32		$28

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 compensation" 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	2010		2009		2008
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.		0.5% - 4.0%		0.7% - 3.3%		2.0% - 4.3%

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.		40.0%		61.0%		45.0%

Weighted average expected dividend yield: Our forecasted dividend yield for the next ten years.		1.3%		1.3%		1.3%

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.		5.7		5.3		5.5

The weighted average fair value per option at the grant date was $13, $7 and $15 in 2010, 2009 and 2008. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, stock option awards to employees were approved by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors and their exercise price was set at $36.94, $13.47 and $38.02, the closing price of our common stock on February 26, 2010, February 27, 2009 and February 28, 2008 (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 2010, we awarded stock options to 1,259 employees compared with 1,213 and 1,230 employees in 2009 and 2008.

As of January 29, 2011, we have 14.7 options outstanding under the 2010 Plan. Options vest over four years, and expire ten years after the date of grant. A summary of the stock option activity for 2010 is presented below:

Fiscal year

2010

Shares

Weighted-
average

exercise price

Weighted-average

remaining contractual
life (years)

Aggregate

intrinsic

value

Outstanding, beginning of year

14.5

$24

Granted

2.6

Exercised

(2.1

)

Cancelled

(0.3

)

Expired

–

Outstanding, end of year

14.7

$27

$218

Options exercisable at end of year

7.5

$28

$111

Options vested or expected to vest at end of year

13.8

$27

$204

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $51, $23 and $14. The total fair value of stock options vested during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $27, $25 and $24. As of January 29, 2011, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was $36, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 28 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 compounded 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	2010			2009			2008
Outstanding, beginning of year		209,446			117,389			113,743
Granted		70,530			144,891			79,504
Vested but unearned		–			(44,827	)		(57,006)
Vested and earned		(68,503	)		–			–
Cancelled		(12,287	)		(8,007	)		(18,852)
Outstanding, end of year		199,186			209,446			117,389

Total fair value of performance share units earned		$2			–			–
Total fair value of performance share units settled or to be settled in cash		$2			–			–

As of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, our other liabilities included $6 and $3 for performance share units. As of January 31, 2009, we had no liabilities related to performance share units. As of January 29, 2011, the remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for unvested performance share units was $2, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 12 months.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

NOTE 12: INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense consists of the following:


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Current income taxes:
Federal	$	324	$	275	$	244
State and local		52		38		39
Total current income tax expense		376		313		283
Deferred income taxes:
Current		2		(28)		(29)
Non-current		–		(30)		(7)
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)		2		(58)		(36)
Total income tax expense	$	378	$	255	$	247

A reconciliation of the statutory Federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate on earnings before income taxes is as follows:


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Statutory rate		35.0%			35.0%			35.0%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes		3.4			3.5			3.4
Deferred tax adjustment		–			(1.8	)		(3.2)
Permanent differences		(0.2	)		(0.6	)		2.0
Other, net		–			0.5			0.9
Effective tax rate		38.2%			36.6%			38.1%

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:


	January 29, 2011			January 30, 2010
Compensation and benefits accruals		$146			$123
Accrued expenses		75			67
Merchandise inventories		25			24
Land, buildings and equipment basis and depreciation differences		–			13
Gift cards and gift certificates		18			18
Loyalty reward certificates		17			12
Allowance for credit losses		56			74
Federal benefit of state taxes		9			11
Other		14			11
Total deferred tax assets		360			353
Land, buildings and equipment basis and depreciation differences		(4	)		–
Total deferred tax liabilities		(4	)		–
Net deferred tax assets		$356			$353

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year		$43			$28			$27
Gross increase to tax positions in prior periods		3			18			2
Gross decrease to tax positions in prior periods		(3	)		(3	)		(1	)
Gross increase to tax positions in current period		3			3			4
Lapse of statute		–			–			(1	)
Settlements		(3	)		(3	)		(3	)
Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year		$43			$43			$28

At the end of 2010, 2009 and 2008, $22, $25 and $10 of the ending gross unrecognized tax benefit balance relates to deferred items which, if recognized, would not impact the effective tax rate.

Our income tax expense included $5 in 2010 and $2 in each of 2009 and 2008 of tax-related interest and penalties. At the end of 2010, 2009 and 2008, our liability for interest and penalties was $11, $7 and $6.

We file income tax returns in federal and various state and local 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 return for 2008 is under concurrent year processing (accelerated audits), which is expected to be completed in 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 $15 by January 28, 2012, subject to the completion of examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitations.

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

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.

The computation of earnings per share is as follows:


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Net earnings		$613		$441		$401

Basic shares		218.8		216.8		216.6
Dilutive effect of stock options		3.8		2.9		2.6
Diluted shares		222.6		219.7		219.2

Earnings per basic share		$2.80		$2.03		$1.85
Earnings per diluted share		$2.75		$2.01		$1.83

Options and other equity instruments totaling 6.1 shares in 2010, 7.2 shares in 2009 and 4.9 shares in 2008 were excluded from earnings per diluted share because their impact was anti-dilutive.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

NOTE 14: SEGMENT REPORTING

Through 2009, our reportable segments consisted of Retail Stores, Direct and Credit. Our Retail Stores segment included our Nordstrom full-line stores and our Nordstrom Rack off-price stores. Our Direct segment consisted of our online store, nordstrom.com.

Effective with the first quarter of 2010, we now view our Nordstrom full-line stores and our Nordstrom online store as a single 'Nordstrom' operating segment. Through our multi-channel initiatives, we have substantially integrated the operations, merchandising and technology of our Nordstrom full-line and online stores, consistent with our customers' expectations of a seamless shopping experience regardless of channel. As a result, we have also realigned our internal reporting to our president, who is our chief operating decision maker, to be consistent with these multi-channel initiatives. We aggregate our Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack operating segments into a single reportable segment, which we refer to as Retail, based on their similar economic and other qualitative characteristics.

Through our Credit segment, we provide our customers with 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 credit and debit card products also include a loyalty program that provides benefits to our cardholders based on their level of spending.

Amounts in the Corporate/Other column include unallocated corporate expenses and assets, inter-segment eliminations and other adjustments to segment results necessary for the presentation of consolidated financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

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 segment. The sales amount in our Corporate/Other column 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 Corporate/Other column. Other than as 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.

The following tables set forth information for our reportable segments. The segment information for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 presented below has been adjusted to reflect our 2010 reportable segments.


Fiscal year 2010	Retail			Credit			Corporate/Other			Total
Net sales		$9,420			–			$(110	)		$9,310
Net sales increase		12.6%			N/A			N/A			12.7%
Credit card revenues		–			$390			–			390
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		1,406			51			(339	)		1,118
Interest expense, net		–			(21	)		(106	)		(127)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		1,406			30			(445	)		991
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales		14.9%			N/A			N/A			10.6%
Capital expenditures		361			1			37			399
Depreciation and amortization		295			2			30			327
Goodwill		53			–			–			53
Assets¹		3,234			2,060			2,168			7,462

Fiscal year 2009	Retail			Credit			Corporate/Other			Total
Net sales		$8,363			–			$(105	)		$8,258
Net sales decrease		(0.1%	)		N/A			N/A			(0.2%)
Credit card revenues		–			$370			(1	)		369
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		1,191			(41	)		(316	)		834
Interest expense, net		–			(41	)		(97	)		(138)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		1,191			(82	)		(413	)		696
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales		14.2%			N/A			N/A			8.4%
Capital expenditures		341			7			12			360
Depreciation and amortization		281			2			30			313
Goodwill		53			–			–			53
Assets¹		2,929			2,070			1,580			6,579

Fiscal year 2008	Retail			Credit			Corporate/Other			Total
Net sales		$8,372			–			$(100	)		$8,272
Net sales decrease		(4.9%	)		N/A			N/A			(6.3%)
Credit card revenues		–			$302			(1	)		301
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		1,071			(22	)		(270	)		779
Interest expense, net		–			(50	)		(81	)		(131)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		1,071			(72	)		(351	)		648
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales		12.8%			N/A			N/A			7.8%
Capital expenditures		544			2			17			563
Depreciation and amortization		267			1			34			302
Goodwill		53			–			–			53
Assets¹		2,863			1,963			835			5,661

¹Assets in Corporate/Other include unallocated assets in corporate headquarters, consisting primarily of cash, land, buildings and equipment and deferred tax assets.

Within our reportable segments we also monitor sales by channel, as we believe sales are an important measure of our performance. Net sales by channel were as follows:


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Nordstrom full-line stores		$6,995			$6,360			$6,630
Direct		705			563			501
Nordstrom		7,700			6,923			7,131
Nordstrom Rack and other		1,720			1,440			1,241
Total Retail segment sales		9,420			8,363			8,372
Corporate/Other		(110	)		(105	)		(100)
Total net sales		$9,310			$8,258			$8,272

Online orders fulfilled from our Nordstrom full-line stores are included in Direct sales. Items purchased online and picked up in our Nordstrom full-line stores are included in Nordstrom full-line store sales. Prior to February 2010, merchandise purchased from our online store that was later returned to our Nordstrom full-line stores was reported as a deduction from Nordstrom full-line store sales. Beginning in February 2010, we now deduct these returns from Direct sales instead of from Nordstrom full-line store sales in order to better align sales and sales returns within each channel. For purposes of comparison, 2009 and 2008 net sales results for both Nordstrom full-line stores and Direct have been revised to reflect this realignment of returns. This realignment of sales returns between channels had no effect on total Retail segment sales.

The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category:


Fiscal year	2010				2009				2008
	Net sales		% of total		Net sales		% of total		Net sales		% of total
Women's apparel		$3,184		34%		$2,845		34%		$2,812		34%
Shoes		2,094		23%		1,787		22%		1,721		21%
Men's apparel		1,415		15%		1,262		15%		1,362		16%
Women's accessories		1,101		12%		970		12%		963		12%
Cosmetics		972		10%		895		11%		921		11%
Children's apparel		303		3%		283		3%		269		3%
Other		241		3%		216		3%		224		3%
Total net sales		$9,310		100%		$8,258		100%		$8,272		100%

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

NOTE 15: SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)


Fiscal year 2010	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter		Total
Net sales		$1,990			$2,417			$2,087			$2,816		$9,310
Same-store sales percentage change		12.0%			8.4%			5.8%			6.7%		8.1%
Credit card revenues		97			98			95			100		390
Gross profit¹		747			852			756			1,058		3,413
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Retail		533			613			569			697		2,412
Credit		92			65			61			55		273
Earnings before income taxes		188			240			190			373		991
Net earnings		116			146			119			232		613
Net earnings as a percentage of total revenues		5.6%			5.8%			5.4%			8.0%		6.3%
Earnings per basic share		$0.53			$0.67			$0.54			$1.06		$2.80
Earnings per diluted share		$0.52			$0.66			$0.53			$1.04		$2.75

Fiscal year 2009	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter		Total
Net sales		$1,706			$2,145			$1,868			$2,539		$8,258
Same-store sales percentage change		(13.2%	)		(9.8%	)		(1.2%	)		6.9%		(4.2%)
Credit card revenues		86			87			95			101		369
Gross profit¹		599			727			658			946		2,930
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Retail		447			531			500			631		2,109
Credit		92			77			81			106		356
Earnings before income taxes		115			170			134			277		696
Net earnings		81			105			83			172		441
Net earnings as a percentage of total revenues		4.5%			4.7%			4.2%			6.5%		5.1%
Earnings per basic share		$0.38			$0.49			$0.38			$0.79		$2.03
Earnings per diluted share		$0.37			$0.48			$0.38			$0.77		$2.01

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

- Definition

This element can be used to disclose the entire quarterly financial data disclosure in the annual financial statements as a single block of text. The disclosure includes a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished. Alternatively, the details of this disclosure can be reported using the elements in this group, or by using other taxonomy elements and applying the appropriate quarterly date and period contexts when creating an instance document. For example, the element for "Interest and Dividend Income, Operating" may be used by financial institutions from the Statement of Income, applying the appropriate quarterly date and period context when creating an instance document.

+ References+ Details

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Event	Jan. 29, 2011
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event	NOTE 16: SUBSEQUENT EVENT In February 2011, we entered into an agreement to acquire HauteLook, Inc., an online private sale retailer, for $180 in Nordstrom stock, with a portion subject to ongoing vesting requirements. In addition, the agreement provides for additional payments of up to $90 in Nordstrom stock under a three-year earn-out provision which is subject to HauteLook's performance and vesting requirements for HauteLook's existing management team. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and HauteLook shareholder approvals.

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company

The Company

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year

Principles of Consolidation

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

Use of Estimates

Net Sales

Net Sales


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008

Allowance at beginning of year		$76			$70			$56
Additions		1,180			1,030			1,051
Returns, net¹		(1,171	)		(1,024	)		(1,037)

Allowance at end of year		$85			$76			$70

¹Returns, net consists of actual returns offset by the value of the merchandise returned and the sales commission reversed.

Credit Card Revenues

Cost of Sales

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 and Occupancy Costs

Rent

Rent

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Advertising

Advertising

Vendor Allowances

Vendor Allowances


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Cosmetic selling expenses		$118		$106		$112
Purchase price adjustments		96		91		96
Cooperative advertising and promotion		67		63		65
Other		2		2		3
Total vendor allowances		$283		$262		$276

Shipping and Handling Cost

Shipping and Handling Costs

Loyalty Program

Loyalty Program

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

New Store Opening Costs

New Store Opening Costs

Gift Cards

Gift Cards

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

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

Comprehensive Net Earnings

Comprehensive Net Earnings

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Merchandise Inventories

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, Buildings and Equipment

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


Asset	Life (in years)
Buildings and improvements		5–40
Store fixtures and equipment		3–15
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of initial lease term or asset life
Capitalized software		3–7

Goodwill

Goodwill

Self Insurance

Self Insurance

Derivatives

Derivatives

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Activity in the Allowance of Sales Returns, Net


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008

Allowance at beginning of year		$76			$70			$56
Additions		1,180			1,030			1,051
Returns, net¹		(1,171	)		(1,024	)		(1,037)

Allowance at end of year		$85			$76			$70

¹Returns, net consists of actual returns offset by the value of the merchandise returned and the sales commission reversed.

Vendor Allowances


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Cosmetic selling expenses		$118		$106		$112
Purchase price adjustments		96		91		96
Cooperative advertising and promotion		67		63		65
Other		2		2		3
Total vendor allowances		$283		$262		$276

Estimated Useful Life of Land, Buildings and Equipment by Asset Category


Asset	Life (in years)
Buildings and improvements		5–40
Store fixtures and equipment		3–15
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of initial lease term or asset life
Capitalized software		3–7

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Accounts Receivable

Components of Accounts Receivable


	January 29, 2011			January 30, 2010
Credit card receivables:
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables		$1,431			$1,477
Nordstrom private label card receivables		672			685
Total credit card receivables		2,103			2,162
Allowance for credit losses		(145	)		(190	)
Credit card receivables, net		1,958			1,972
Other accounts receivable		68			63
Accounts receivable, net		$2,026			$2,035

Allowance for Credit Losses Activity


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Allowance at beginning of year		$190			$138			$73
Bad debt provision		149			251			173
Write-offs		(211	)		(209	)		(116)
Recoveries		17			10			8
Allowance at end of year		$145			$190			$138

Aging and Delinquency Status of Credit Card Receivables


	January 29, 2011				January 30, 2010
	Balance		% of Total		Balance		% of Total
Current		$1,942		92.4%		$1,901		87.9%
1 – 29 days delinquent		97		4.6%		147		6.8%
30+ days delinquent:
30 – 59 days delinquent		24		1.1%		35		1.6%
60 – 89 days delinquent		17		0.8%		27		1.3%
Greater than 90 days delinquent		23		1.1%		52		2.4%
Total 30+ days delinquent		$64		3.0%		$114		5.3%
Total credit card receivables		$2,103		100.0%		$2,162		100.0%


Receivables not accruing finance charges		$14				$38
Receivables greater than 90 days delinquent and still accruing finance charges		$21				$45

Distributions of Credit Card Receivables Across FICO Score Ranges

January 29, 2011¹

January 30, 2010¹

FICO Score Range

Balance

% of Total

Balance

% of Total

801+

$314

14.9%

$128

5.9%

720 – 800

731

34.8%

806

37.3%

660 – 719

558

26.5%

606

28.0%

600 – 659

274

13.0%

281

13.0%

001 – 599

155

7.4%

284

13.2%

Other²

3.4%

2.6%

Total credit card receivables

$2,103

100.0%

$2,162

100.0%

¹Credit scores for our cardholders are updated at least every 60 days. Amounts listed in the table reflect the most recently obtained credit scores as of the dates indicated.

²Other consists of amounts not yet posted to customers' accounts and receivables from customers for whom FICO scores are temporarily unavailable.

Land, Buildings and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Land, Buildings and Equipment

Schedule of Land, Buildings and Equipment


	January 29, 2011			January 30, 2010
Land and land improvements		$72			$70
Buildings and building improvements		919			924
Leasehold improvements		1,914			1,735
Store fixtures and equipment		2,341			2,267
Capitalized software		404			382
Construction in progress		188			180
		5,838			5,558
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(3,520	)		(3,316)
Land, buildings and equipment, net		$2,318			$2,242

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Postretirement Benefits

Benefit Obligations and Funded Status


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$102		$85
Participant service cost		2		2
Interest cost		6		6
Benefits paid		(4)		(4)
Actuarial loss		16		13
Benefit obligation at end of year		$122		$102
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		–		–
Employer contribution		$4		$4
Benefits paid		(4)		(4)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		–		–
Underfunded status at end of year		$(122)		$(102)

Amounts Recognized as Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Current liabilities		$5		$5
Noncurrent liabilities		117		97
Net amount recognized		$122		$102

Components of SERP Expense Recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Participant service cost		$2		$2		$2
Interest cost		6		6		6
Amortization of net loss		2		–		2
Amortization of prior service cost		–		–		1
Total SERP expense		$10		$8		$11

Amounts Not Yet Reflected in SERP Expense and Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Pre-tax)


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Accumulated loss		$(36)		$(22)
Prior service cost		(2)		(2)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss		$(38)		$(24)

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and SERP Expense

Fiscal year

2010

2009

2008

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:

Discount rate

5.60%

5.95%

6.95%

Rate of compensation increase

3.00%

3.00%

Assumptions used to determine SERP expense:

Discount rate

5.95%

6.95%

6.35%

Rate of compensation increase

3.00%

3.00%

Expected Future Benefit Payments Including Benefits Attributable to Estimated Future Employee Service


Fiscal year
2011			$5
2012			6
2013			6
2014			7
2015			8
2016-2020			44

Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Debt and Credit Facilities

Summary of Long-Term Debt


	January 29, 2011		January 30, 2010
Secured
Series 2007-1 Class A Notes, 4.92%, retired April 2010		–		$326
Series 2007-1 Class B Notes, 5.02%, retired April 2010		–		24
Series 2007-2 Class A Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.06% per year, due April 2012		$454		454
Series 2007-2 Class B Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.18% per year, due April 2012		46		46
Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020		55		60
Other		14		15
		569		925
Unsecured
Senior notes, 6.75%, due June 2014, net of unamortized discount		399		399
Senior notes, 6.25%, due January 2018, net of unamortized discount		647		647
Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020, net of unamortized discount		498		–
Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028		300		300
Senior notes, 7.00%, due January 2038, net of unamortized discount		343		343
Other		25		(1)
		2,212		1,688

Total long-term debt		2,781		2,613
Less: current portion		(6)		(356)
Total due beyond one year		$2,775		$2,257

Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt


Fiscal year
2011			$5
2012			505
2013			5
2014			405
2015			6
Thereafter			1,820

Components of interest expense, net

Fiscal year

2010

2009

2008

Interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings

$133

$148

$145

Less:

Interest income

(1)

(3)

Capitalized interest

(5)

(7)

(11)

Interest expense, net

$127

$138

$131

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Leases

Future Minimum Lease Payments


Fiscal year	Capital leases			Operating leases
2011		$2			$111
2012		2			108
2013		2			100
2014		2			96
2015		3			92
Thereafter		4			524
Total minimum lease payments		15			$1,031
Less: amount representing interest		(5	)
Present value of net minimum lease payments		$10

Schedule of Rent Expense


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Minimum rent:
Store locations		$94		$76		$63
Offices, warehouses and equipment		19		13		13
Percentage rent		9		9		9
Property incentives		(60)		(55)		(48)
Total rent expense		$62		$43		$37

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Shareholders' Equity

Summary of Share Repurchase Activity

Period

Shares

Average price
per share

Amount

Capacity at February 2, 2008

$1,364

Shares repurchased

6.9

$34.29

(238)

Capacity at January 31, 2009

$1,126

Shares repurchased

–

Unused capacity upon program expiration in August 2009

(1,126)

Capacity at January 30, 2010

–

August 2010 authorization

500

Shares repurchased

2.3

$39.12

(89)

Capacity at January 29, 2011

$411

Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Stock Compensation Plan

Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Stock options		$35		$26		$24
Performance share units		3		3		–
Employee stock purchase plan		2		1		2
Other		2		2		2
Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		42		32		28
Income tax benefit		(16)		(12)		(10)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit		$26		$20		$18

Stock-Based Compensation Expense Before Income Tax Benefit


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs		$13		$10		$10
Selling, general and administrative expenses		29		22		18
Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		$42		$32		$28

Assumptions to Estimate the Fair Value for Stock Options at Grant Date


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
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.		0.5% - 4.0%		0.7% - 3.3%		2.0% - 4.3%

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.		40.0%		61.0%		45.0%

Weighted average expected dividend yield: Our forecasted dividend yield for the next ten years.		1.3%		1.3%		1.3%

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.		5.7		5.3		5.5

Summary of Stock Option Activity

Fiscal year

2010

Shares

Weighted-
average

exercise price

Weighted-average

remaining contractual
life (years)

Aggregate

intrinsic

value

Outstanding, beginning of year

14.5

$24

Granted

2.6

Exercised

(2.1

)

Cancelled

(0.3

)

Expired

–

Outstanding, end of year

14.7

$27

$218

Options exercisable at end of year

7.5

$28

$111

Options vested or expected to vest at end of year

13.8

$27

$204

Summary of Performance Share Unit Activity


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Outstanding, beginning of year		209,446			117,389			113,743
Granted		70,530			144,891			79,504
Vested but unearned		–			(44,827	)		(57,006)
Vested and earned		(68,503	)		–			–
Cancelled		(12,287	)		(8,007	)		(18,852)
Outstanding, end of year		199,186			209,446			117,389

Total fair value of performance share units earned		$2			–			–
Total fair value of performance share units settled or to be settled in cash		$2			–			–

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Income Taxes

Components of Income Tax Expense


Fiscal year	2010		2009		2008
Current income taxes:
Federal	$	324	$	275	$	244
State and local		52		38		39
Total current income tax expense		376		313		283
Deferred income taxes:
Current		2		(28)		(29)
Non-current		–		(30)		(7)
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)		2		(58)		(36)
Total income tax expense	$	378	$	255	$	247

Reconciliation of statutory to effective tax rate


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Statutory rate		35.0%			35.0%			35.0%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes		3.4			3.5			3.4
Deferred tax adjustment		–			(1.8	)		(3.2)
Permanent differences		(0.2	)		(0.6	)		2.0
Other, net		–			0.5			0.9
Effective tax rate		38.2%			36.6%			38.1%

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities


	January 29, 2011			January 30, 2010
Compensation and benefits accruals		$146			$123
Accrued expenses		75			67
Merchandise inventories		25			24
Land, buildings and equipment basis and depreciation differences		–			13
Gift cards and gift certificates		18			18
Loyalty reward certificates		17			12
Allowance for credit losses		56			74
Federal benefit of state taxes		9			11
Other		14			11
Total deferred tax assets		360			353
Land, buildings and equipment basis and depreciation differences		(4	)		–
Total deferred tax liabilities		(4	)		–
Net deferred tax assets		$356			$353

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year		$43			$28			$27
Gross increase to tax positions in prior periods		3			18			2
Gross decrease to tax positions in prior periods		(3	)		(3	)		(1	)
Gross increase to tax positions in current period		3			3			4
Lapse of statute		–			–			(1	)
Settlements		(3	)		(3	)		(3	)
Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year		$43			$43			$28

- Definition

The disclosure required for tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References+ Details

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Segment Reporting

Schedule of Information by Reportable Segment


Fiscal year 2010	Retail			Credit			Corporate/Other			Total
Net sales		$9,420			–			$(110	)		$9,310
Net sales increase		12.6%			N/A			N/A			12.7%
Credit card revenues		–			$390			–			390
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		1,406			51			(339	)		1,118
Interest expense, net		–			(21	)		(106	)		(127)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		1,406			30			(445	)		991
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales		14.9%			N/A			N/A			10.6%
Capital expenditures		361			1			37			399
Depreciation and amortization		295			2			30			327
Goodwill		53			–			–			53
Assets¹		3,234			2,060			2,168			7,462

Fiscal year 2009	Retail			Credit			Corporate/Other			Total
Net sales		$8,363			–			$(105	)		$8,258
Net sales decrease		(0.1%	)		N/A			N/A			(0.2%)
Credit card revenues		–			$370			(1	)		369
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		1,191			(41	)		(316	)		834
Interest expense, net		–			(41	)		(97	)		(138)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		1,191			(82	)		(413	)		696
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales		14.2%			N/A			N/A			8.4%
Capital expenditures		341			7			12			360
Depreciation and amortization		281			2			30			313
Goodwill		53			–			–			53
Assets¹		2,929			2,070			1,580			6,579

Fiscal year 2008	Retail			Credit			Corporate/Other			Total
Net sales		$8,372			–			$(100	)		$8,272
Net sales decrease		(4.9%	)		N/A			N/A			(6.3%)
Credit card revenues		–			$302			(1	)		301
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes		1,071			(22	)		(270	)		779
Interest expense, net		–			(50	)		(81	)		(131)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		1,071			(72	)		(351	)		648
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales		12.8%			N/A			N/A			7.8%
Capital expenditures		544			2			17			563
Depreciation and amortization		267			1			34			302
Goodwill		53			–			–			53
Assets¹		2,863			1,963			835			5,661

¹Assets in Corporate/Other include unallocated assets in corporate headquarters, consisting primarily of cash, land, buildings and equipment and deferred tax assets.

Net Sales by Channel


Fiscal year	2010			2009			2008
Nordstrom full-line stores		$6,995			$6,360			$6,630
Direct		705			563			501
Nordstrom		7,700			6,923			7,131
Nordstrom Rack and other		1,720			1,440			1,241
Total Retail segment sales		9,420			8,363			8,372
Corporate/Other		(110	)		(105	)		(100)
Total net sales		$9,310			$8,258			$8,272

Summary of Net Sales by Merchandise Category


Fiscal year	2010				2009				2008
	Net sales		% of total		Net sales		% of total		Net sales		% of total
Women's apparel		$3,184		34%		$2,845		34%		$2,812		34%
Shoes		2,094		23%		1,787		22%		1,721		21%
Men's apparel		1,415		15%		1,262		15%		1,362		16%
Women's accessories		1,101		12%		970		12%		963		12%
Cosmetics		972		10%		895		11%		921		11%
Children's apparel		303		3%		283		3%		269		3%
Other		241		3%		216		3%		224		3%
Total net sales		$9,310		100%		$8,258		100%		$8,272		100%

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)


Fiscal year 2010	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter		Total
Net sales		$1,990			$2,417			$2,087			$2,816		$9,310
Same-store sales percentage change		12.0%			8.4%			5.8%			6.7%		8.1%
Credit card revenues		97			98			95			100		390
Gross profit¹		747			852			756			1,058		3,413
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Retail		533			613			569			697		2,412
Credit		92			65			61			55		273
Earnings before income taxes		188			240			190			373		991
Net earnings		116			146			119			232		613
Net earnings as a percentage of total revenues		5.6%			5.8%			5.4%			8.0%		6.3%
Earnings per basic share		$0.53			$0.67			$0.54			$1.06		$2.80
Earnings per diluted share		$0.52			$0.66			$0.53			$1.04		$2.75

Fiscal year 2009	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter		Total
Net sales		$1,706			$2,145			$1,868			$2,539		$8,258
Same-store sales percentage change		(13.2%	)		(9.8%	)		(1.2%	)		6.9%		(4.2%)
Credit card revenues		86			87			95			101		369
Gross profit¹		599			727			658			946		2,930
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Retail		447			531			500			631		2,109
Credit		92			77			81			106		356
Earnings before income taxes		115			170			134			277		696
Net earnings		81			105			83			172		441
Net earnings as a percentage of total revenues		4.5%			4.7%			4.2%			6.5%		5.1%
Earnings per basic share		$0.38			$0.49			$0.38			$0.79		$2.03
Earnings per diluted share		$0.37			$0.48			$0.38			$0.77		$2.01

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

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Development incentive deferred rent credit	$ 553	$ 518
Advertising expense, net of vendor allowances	114	85	98
Shipping and handling cost, excluding inbound freight	133	103	106
Period at which unused gift card balance redemptions are deemed remote	five years
Gift card breakage income	9	8	7
Gift card breakage rate	3.10%
Outstanding gift card liability	188	174
Amount recognized in uncertain tax positions	cumulatively greater than 50%
Checks not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of bank deposit balances	111	74
Period in which delinquent accounts receivable are determined uncollectable	150 days
Period until which finance charges are recognized on delinquent accounts	120 days
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0
Estimated fair value of long-term debt	3,010	2,810
Carrying value of long-term debt	2,757	2,613
Fair value asset of swaps	25
Fair value liability of swaps		$ 1
Nordstrom [Member]
Number of retail channels	115
Nordstrom Rack [Member]
Number of retail channels	86
Jeffrey [Member]
Number of retail channels	2
Clearance Store [Member]
Number of retail channels	1

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Activity in the Allowance of Sales Returns, Net) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

Jan. 31, 2009

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Allowance at beginning of year

$ 76

$ 70

$ 56

Additions

1,180

1,030

1,051

Returns, net

(1,171)

^[1]

(1,024)

^[1]

(1,037)

^[1]

Allowance at end of year

$ 85

$ 76

$ 70

[1]	Returns, net consists of actual returns offset by the value of the merchandise returned and the sales commission reversed.

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated Useful Life of Land, Buildings and Equipment by Asset Category) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Minimum estimated useful life (in years)	5
Maximum estimated useful life (in years)	40
Store Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Minimum estimated useful life (in years)	3
Maximum estimated useful life (in years)	15
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Estimated useful life	Shorter of initial lease term or asset life
Capitalized Software [Member]
Minimum estimated useful life (in years)	3
Maximum estimated useful life (in years)	7

Accounts Receivable (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

Percent of credit card receivables classified as TDRs

2.70%

4.30%

Total credit card receivables [Member]

Accounts receivable, gross

$ 2,103

^[1]

$ 2,162

^[1]

Total credit card receivables [Member] | Restricted [Member]

Accounts receivable, gross

2,061

2,136

Description of company interest in credit card receivables not used as collateral to secure debt instrument

a portion of our restricted receivables were unencumbered by outstanding borrowings and credit facilities

Nordstrom VISA Credit Card Receivables [Member]

Accounts receivable, gross

1,431

1,477

Nordstrom Private Label Card Receivables [Member]

Accounts receivable, gross

$ 672

$ 685

Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes [Member] | Nordstrom VISA Credit Card Receivables [Member] | Restricted [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

90.00%

Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes [Member] | Nordstrom Private Label Card Receivables [Member] | Restricted [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

100.00%

Nordstrom Federal Savings Bank Variable Funding Facility [Member] | Nordstrom VISA Credit Card Receivables [Member] | Restricted [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

10.00%

2007-A Variable Funding Note Facility [Member] | Nordstrom VISA Credit Card Receivables [Member] | Restricted [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

90.00%

2007-A Variable Funding Note Facility [Member] | Nordstrom Private Label Card Receivables [Member] | Restricted [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

100.00%

[1]	Credit scores for our cardholders are updated at least every 60 days. Amounts listed in the table reflect the most recently obtained credit scores as of the dates indicated.

Accounts Receivable (Components of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

Jan. 31, 2009

Feb. 02, 2008

Allowance for credit losses

$ (145)

$ (190)

$ (138)

$ (73)

Other accounts receivable

Accounts receivable, net

2,026

2,035

Nordstrom VISA Credit Card Receivables [Member]

Credit card receivables

1,431

1,477

Nordstrom Private Label Card Receivables [Member]

Credit card receivables

672

685

Total credit card receivables [Member]

Credit card receivables

2,103

^[1]

2,162

^[1]

Credit card receivables, net

1,958

1,972

Other Accounts Receivable [Member]

Credit card receivables

$ 71

^[1],[2]

$ 57

^[1],[2]

[1]	Credit scores for our cardholders are updated at least every 60 days. Amounts listed in the table reflect the most recently obtained credit scores as of the dates indicated.
[2]	Other consists of amounts not yet posted to customers' accounts and receivables from customers for whom FICO scores are temporarily unavailable.

- Definition

The allowance for loan and lease losses represents the reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans and leases, as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. For banks, include currently required allocated transfer risk reserves. Include carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations determined to be appropriate.

+ References+ Details

Accounts Receivable (Activity in the Allowance for Credit Losses) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Accounts Receivable
Allowance at beginning of year	$ 190	$ 138	$ 73
Bad debt provision	149	251	173
Write-offs	(211)	(209)	(116)
Recoveries	17	10	8
Allowance at ending of year	$ 145	$ 190	$ 138

- Definition

+ References+ Details

Accounts Receivable (Aging and Delinquency Status of Credit Card Receivables) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

Receivables not accruing finance charges

$ 14

$ 38

Receivables greater than 90 days delinquent and still accruing finance charges

Current [Member]

Credit card receivables

1,942

1,901

Credit card receivables, % of total

92.40%

87.90%

1 - 29 Days Delinquent [Member]

Credit card receivables

147

Credit card receivables, % of total

4.60%

6.80%

30 - 59 Days Delinquent [Member]

Credit card receivables

Credit card receivables, % of total

1.10%

1.60%

60 - 89 Days Delinquent [Member]

Credit card receivables

Credit card receivables, % of total

0.80%

1.30%

Greater Than 90 Days Delinquent [Member]

Credit card receivables

Credit card receivables, % of total

1.10%

2.40%

Total 30+ Days Delinquent [Member]

Credit card receivables

114

Credit card receivables, % of total

3.00%

5.30%

Total credit card receivables [Member]

Credit card receivables

$ 2,103

^[1]

$ 2,162

^[1]

Credit card receivables, % of total

100.00%

^[1]

100.00%

^[1]

[1]	Credit scores for our cardholders are updated at least every 60 days. Amounts listed in the table reflect the most recently obtained credit scores as of the dates indicated.

Accounts Receivable (Distributions of Credit Card Receivables Across FICO Score Ranges) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

801+ [Member]

Credit card receivables

$ 314

^[1]

$ 128

^[1]

Credit card receivables, % of total

14.90%

^[1]

5.90%

^[1]

720 - 800 [Member]

Credit card receivables

731

^[1]

806

^[1]

Credit card receivables, % of total

34.80%

^[1]

37.30%

^[1]

660 - 719 [Member]

Credit card receivables

558

^[1]

606

^[1]

Credit card receivables, % of total

26.50%

^[1]

28.00%

^[1]

600 - 659 [Member]

Credit card receivables

274

^[1]

281

^[1]

Credit card receivables, % of total

13.00%

^[1]

13.00%

^[1]

001 - 599 [Member]

Credit card receivables

155

^[1]

284

^[1]

Credit card receivables, % of total

7.40%

^[1]

13.20%

^[1]

Other Accounts Receivable [Member]

Credit card receivables

^[1],[2]

Credit card receivables, % of total

3.40%

^[1],[2]

2.60%

^[1],[2]

Total credit card receivables [Member]

Credit card receivables

$ 2,103

^[1]

$ 2,162

^[1]

Credit card receivables, % of total

100.00%

^[1]

100.00%

^[1]

[1]	Credit scores for our cardholders are updated at least every 60 days. Amounts listed in the table reflect the most recently obtained credit scores as of the dates indicated.
[2]	Other consists of amounts not yet posted to customers' accounts and receivables from customers for whom FICO scores are temporarily unavailable.

Land, Buildings and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (Buildings and equipment [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Buildings and equipment [Member]
Capital lease obligations	$ 28	$ 28
Accumulated amortization on capital lease obligations	23	22
Amortization of capitalized leased buildings and equipment	$ 1	$ 1

Land, Buildings and Equipment (Schedule of Land, Buildings and Equipment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Land and land improvements	$ 72	$ 70
Buildings and building improvements	919	924
Leasehold improvements	1,914	1,735
Store fixtures and equipment	2,341	2,267
Capitalized software	404	382
Construction in progress	188	180
Land, buildings and equipment, gross	5,838	5,558
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,520)	(3,316)
Land, buildings and equipment, net	$ 2,318	$ 2,242

Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Postretirement Benefits
Number of officers and select employees eligible for SERP benefits	36	35
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 116	$ 96
Cost currently in accumulated other comprehensive earnings expected to be recognized as components of SERP expense	4
Expected contributions to the plan	$ 5

Postretirement Benefits (Benefit Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Underfunded status at end of year	$ (122)	$ (102)
Change in Benefit Obligation [Member]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	102	85
Participant service cost	2	2
Interest cost	6	6
Benefits paid	(4)	(4)
Actuarial loss (gain)	16	13
Benefit obligation at end of year	122	102
Change in Plan Assets [Member]
Benefits paid	(4)	(4)
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	4	4
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0	$ 0

- Definition

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. The projected benefit obligation is measured using assumptions as to future compensation levels if the pension benefit formula is based on those future compensation levels (pay-related, final-pay, final-average-pay, or career-average-pay plans). For plans with flat-benefit or nonpay-related pension benefit formulas, the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation are the same. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date. Prior to an employee's full eligibility date, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of a particular date for an employee is the portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to that employee's service rendered to that date; on and after the full eligibility date, the accumulated and expected postretirement benefit obligations for an employee are the same.

+ References+ Details

Postretirement Benefits (Amounts Recognized as Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Postretirement Benefits
Current liabilities	$ 5	$ 5
Noncurrent liabilities	117	97
Net amount recognized	$ 122	$ 102

Postretirement Benefits (Components of SERP Expense Recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings) (Details) (Components of SERP Expense [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Components of SERP Expense [Member]
Participant service cost	$ 2	$ 2	$ 2
Interest cost	6	6	6
Amortization of net loss	2	0	2
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	1
Total SERP expense	$ 10	$ 8	$ 11

Postretirement Benefits (Amounts Not Yet Reflected in SERP Expense and Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Pre-tax)) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated loss	$ (36)	$ (22)
Prior service cost	(2)	(2)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (38)	$ (24)

Postretirement Benefits (Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and SERP Expense) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
Discount rate	5.60%	5.95%	6.95%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Assumptions used to determine SERP expense:
Discount rate	5.95%	6.95%	6.35%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Postretirement Benefits (Expected Future Benefit Payments Including Benefits Attributable to Estimated Future Employee Service) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011
Postretirement Benefits
2011	$ 5
2012	6
2013	6
2014	7
2015	8
2016-2020	$ 44

Debt and Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

Jan. 31, 2009

Book value of office building used to secure mortgage payable

$ 75

Net proceeds from the offering

498

399

150

Series 2007-1 Class A & B Notes [Member]

Notes retired

350

Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes [Member] | Nordstrom Private Label Card Receivables [Member]

Description of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt instrument

substantially all

Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes [Member] | Nordstrom VISA Card Receivables [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

90.00%

Series 2007-A Variable Funding Note Facility [Member]

Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiration date

January 2012

Series 2007-2 Class A Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.06% per year, due April 2012 [Member]

Maturity date

April 2012

Series 2007 2 Class B Notes, one-month LIBOR Plus 0.18% per year due April 2012 [Member]

Maturity date

April 2012

2007-A Variable Funding Note Facility [Member]

Current borrowing capacity

300

Outstanding borrowings or issuances

2007-A Variable Funding Note Facility [Member] | Nordstrom Private Label Card Receivables [Member]

Description of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt instrument

substantially all

2007-A Variable Funding Note Facility [Member] | Nordstrom VISA Card Receivables [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

90.00%

Nordstrom Federal Savings Bank Variable Funding Facility [Member]

Current borrowing capacity

100

Outstanding borrowings or issuances

Nordstrom Federal Savings Bank Variable Funding Facility [Member] | Nordstrom VISA Card Receivables [Member]

Percentage of company interest in credit card receivables used as collateral to secure debt

10.00%

Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020, net of unamortized discount [Member]

Senior unsecured notes issued

500

Debt instrument interest rate

4.75%

Maturity date

May 2020

Original issue discount

Net proceeds from the offering

498

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiration date

August 2012

Maximum borrowing capacity

750

Current borrowing capacity

650

Covenant terms of credit facility agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, we pay a variable rate of interest and a facility fee based on our debt rating. The revolver requires that we maintain a leverage ratio of not greater than four times Adjusted Debt to Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent ("EBITDAR"). The revolver also requires that we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least two times, defined as:

EBITDAR less gross capital expenditures

Interest expense, net + rent expense

Option to increase the maximum capacity of revolving credit facility

100

Outstanding borrowings or issuances

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Derivative maturity date

Jan. 15, 2018

Notional amount of interest rate swap agreements

650

Fixed interest rate

6.25%

Type of interest rate paid on swap

variable

Variable rate basis

one-month LIBOR

Variable interest rate on interest rate swap as of balance sheet date

3.10%

Basis spread on variable rate

2.90%

Commercial Paper Program [Member]

Current borrowing capacity

650

Outstanding borrowings or issuances

Short-term Borrowings [Member]

Total short-term borrowing capacity

$ 950

Debt and Credit Facilities (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Total secured debt	$ 569	$ 925
Total unsecured debt	2,212	1,688
Total long-term debt	2,781	2,613
Less: current portion	(6)	(356)
Total due beyond one year	2,775	2,257
Series 2007-1 Class A Notes, 4.92%, retired April 2010 [Member]
Total secured debt		326
Debt instrument interest rate	4.92%	4.92%
Maturity date	April 2010	April 2010
Series 2007-1 Class B Notes, 5.02%, retired April 2010 [Member]
Total secured debt		24
Debt instrument interest rate	5.02%	5.02%
Maturity date	April 2010	April 2010
Series 2007-2 Class A Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.06% per year, due April 2012 [Member]
Total secured debt	454	454
Interest rate for debt instruments	one-month LIBOR plus 0.06% per year	one-month LIBOR plus 0.06% per year
Maturity date	April 2012	April 2012
Series 2007 2 Class B Notes, one-month LIBOR Plus 0.18% per year due April 2012 [Member]
Total secured debt	46	46
Interest rate for debt instruments	one-month LIBOR plus 0.18% per year	one-month LIBOR plus 0.18% per year
Maturity date	April 2012	April 2012
Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020 [Member]
Total secured debt	55	60
Debt instrument interest rate	7.68%	7.68%
Maturity date	April 2020	April 2020
Senior notes, 6.75%, due June 2014, net of unamortized discount [Member]
Total unsecured debt	399	399
Debt instrument interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
Maturity date	June 2014	June 2014
Senior notes, 6.25%, due January 2018, net of unamortized discount [Member]
Total unsecured debt	647	647
Debt instrument interest rate	6.25%	6.25%
Maturity date	January 2018	Janurary 2018
Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020, net of unamortized discount [Member]
Total unsecured debt	498
Debt instrument interest rate	4.75%	4.75%
Maturity date	May 2020	May 2020
Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028 [Member]
Total unsecured debt	300	300
Debt instrument interest rate	6.95%	6.95%
Maturity date	March 2028	March 2028
Senior notes, 7.00%, due January 2038, net of unamortized discount [Member]
Total unsecured debt	343	343
Debt instrument interest rate	7.00%	7.00%
Maturity date	January 2038	January 2038
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Total secured debt	14	15
Total unsecured debt	$ 25	$ (1)

Debt and Credit Facilities (Principal Payments On Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011
Debt and Credit Facilities
2011	$ 5
2012	505
2013	5
2014	405
2015	6
Thereafter	$ 1,820

Debt and Credit Facilities (Components of Interest Expense, Net) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Debt and Credit Facilities
Interest expense on long-term debt and short-term borrowings	$ 133	$ 148	$ 145
Interest income	(1)	(3)	(3)
Capitalized interest	(5)	(7)	(11)
Interest expense, net	$ 127	$ 138	$ 131

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011
Capital Leases
2011	$ 2
2012	2
2013	2
2014	2
2015	3
Thereafter	4
Total minimum lease payments	15
Less: amount representing interest	(5)
Present value of net minimum lease payments	10
Operating Leases
2011	111
2012	108
2013	100
2014	96
2015	92
Thereafter	524
Total minimum lease payments	$ 1,031

Leases (Rent Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Minimum rent:
Store locations	$ 94	$ 76	$ 63
Offices, warehouses and equipment	19	13	13
Percentage rent	9	9	9
Property incentives	(60)	(55)	(48)
Total rent expense	$ 62	$ 43	$ 37

- Definition

The increases or decreases in lease payments that result from changes occurring after the inception of the lease in the factors (other than the passage of time) on which lease payments are based, except that any escalation of minimum lease payments relating to increases in construction or acquisition cost of the leased property or for increases in some measure of cost or value during the construction or preconstruction period, shall be excluded from contingent rentals. Contingent rentals also may include amounts for which the triggering events have not yet occurred or the specified targets for which have not yet been achieved (such as sales based percentage rent), but which events are considered probable of occurring or which specified targets are considered probable of being achieved.

+ References+ Details

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Purchase obligations, capital expenditure contractual commitments and inventory purchase orders	$ 1,302
Trade letters of credit outstanding	$ 6

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References+ Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Shareholders' Equity
Capacity beginning balance	$ 0	$ 1,126.0	$ 1,364.0
August 2010 authorization	500
Shares repurchased, total	(89)		(238)
Unused capacity upon program expiration in August 2009		(1,126)
Capacity ending balance	$ 411.0	$ 0	$ 1,126.0
Shares repurchased, shares	2.3		6.9
Shares repurchased, average price per share	$ 39.12		$ 34.29
Dividends paid	$ 0.76	$ 0.64	$ 0.64

Stock Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Aggregate number of shares to be issued under the 2010 Plan	may not exceed 11.6 plus any shares currently outstanding under the 2004 Plan
Shares authorized under equity incentive plan	54.4
Shares issued under compensation plan	27.4
Shares available for grant under equity incentive plan	11.8
Maximum percentage of employee payroll deductions under ESPP	10.00%
Percentage of fair market value for purchase of shares of common stock in ESPP	90.00%
Shares authorized under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	9.4
Shares available for issuance under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	1.3
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	0.4
Current liability for future purchases of shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 5,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Shares authorized under nonemployee director stock incentive plan	0.9
Remaining shares available for issuance under nonemployee director stock incentive plan	0.6
Expense recognized on deferred shares awarded under the nonemployee director stock incentive plan	1,000,000
Other liabilities	292,000,000	267,000,000
Performance Share Units [Member]
Vesting period, in years	three
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options	2,000,000
Unrecognized stock based compensation expense related to nonvested stock option period of recognition, months	12
Other liabilities	6,000,000	3,000,000
Stock Option [Member]
Weighted average fair value per option at the grant date	$ 13	$ 7	$ 15
Exercise price	$ 36.94	$ 13.47	$ 38.02
Number of employees awarded stock options	1,259	1,213	1,230
Options outstanding under equity incentive plan	14.7
Vesting period, in years	four
Option expiration period, in years	ten
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	51,000,000	23,000,000	14,000,000
Total fair value of stock options vested	27,000,000	25,000,000	24,000,000
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options	$ 36,000,000
Unrecognized stock based compensation expense related to nonvested stock option period of recognition, months	28
Minimum [Member] \| Performance Share Units [Member]
Percentage of units that are earned	0.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Performance Share Units [Member]
Percentage of units that are earned	125.00%

Stock Compensation Plans (Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Stock Compensation Plan
Stock options	$ 35	$ 26	$ 24
Performance share units	3	3
Employee stock purchase plan	2	1	2
Other	2	2	2
Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	42	32	28
Income tax benefit	(16)	(12)	(10)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit	$ 26	$ 20	$ 18

Stock Compensation Plans (Assumptions To Estimate the Fair Value for Stock Options at Grant Date) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Weighted average volatility	40.00%	61.00%	45.00%
Weighted average expected dividend yield	1.30%	1.30%	1.30%
Expected life in years	5.7	5.3	5.5
Minimum [Member]
Risk-free interest rate	0.50%	0.70%	2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Risk-free interest rate	4.00%	3.30%	4.30%

Stock Compensation Plans (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (Stock Option [Member], USD $) Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011
Stock Option [Member]
Outstanding, beginning of year, shares	14.5
Outstanding, beginning of year, weighted-average exercise price	$ 24
Granted, shares	2.6
Granted, weighted-average exercise price	$ 37
Exercised, shares	(2.1)
Exercised, weighted-average exercise price	$ 17
Cancelled, shares	(0.3)
Cancelled, weighted-average exercise price	$ 30
Expired, shares	0
Expired, weighted-average exercise price	$ 11
Outstanding, end of year, shares	14.7
Outstanding, end of year, weighted-average exercise price	$ 27
Outstanding, end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	6
Outstanding, end of year, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 218
Options exercisable at end of year, shares	7.5
Options exercisable at end of year, weighted-average exercise price	$ 28
Options exercisable at end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	5
Options exercisable at end of year, aggregate intrinsic value	111
Options vested or expected to vest at end of year, shares	13.8
Options vested or expected to vest at end of year, weighted-average exercise price	$ 27
Options vested or expected to vest at end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	6
Options vested or expected to vest at end of year, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 204

Stock Compensation Plans (Summary of Performance Share Unit Activity) (Details) (Performance Share Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Performance Share Units [Member]
Outstanding performance share units, beginning of year	209,446	117,389	113,743
Granted, performance share units	70,530	144,891	79,504
Vested but unearned, performance share units	0	(44,827)	(57,006)
Vested and earned, performance share units	(68,503)	0	0
Cancelled, performance share units	(12,287)	(8,007)	(18,852)
Outstanding performance share units, end of year	199,186	209,446	117,389
Total fair value of performance share units earned	$ 2	$ 0	$ 0
Total fair value of performance share units settled or to be settled in cash	$ 2	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Income Taxes
Unrecognized tax benefits that would not impact the effective tax rate	$ 22	$ 25	$ 10
Tax-related interest and penalties	5	2	2
Liability for interest and penalties	11	7	6
Estimated unrecognized tax benefits, decrease in tax position	$ 15

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Income Taxes
Federal	$ 324	$ 275	$ 244
State and local	52	38	39
Total current income tax expense	376	313	283
Deferred income taxes, current	2	(28)	(29)
Deferred income taxes, non-current	0	(30)	(7)
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	2	(58)	(36)
Total income tax expense	$ 378	$ 255	$ 247

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Statutory Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Income Taxes
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes	3.40%	3.50%	3.40%
Deferred tax adjustment	0.00%	(1.80%)	(3.20%)
Permanent differences	(0.20%)	(0.60%)	2.00%
Other, net	0.00%	0.50%	0.90%
Effective tax rate	38.20%	36.60%	38.10%

Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Income Taxes
Compensation and benefits accruals	$ 146	$ 123
Accrued expenses	75	67
Merchandise inventories	25	24
Land, buildings and equipment basis and depreciation differences	0	13
Gift cards and gift certificates	18	18
Loyalty reward certificates	17	12
Allowance for credit losses	56	74
Federal benefit of state taxes	9	11
Other	14	11
Total deferred tax assets	360	353
Land, buildings and equipment basis and depreciation differences	(4)	0
Total deferred tax liabilities	(4)	0
Net deferred tax assets	$ 356	$ 353

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Income Taxes
Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year	$ 43	$ 28	$ 27
Gross increase to tax positions in prior periods	3	18	2
Gross decrease to tax positions in prior periods	(3)	(3)	(1)
Gross increase to tax positions in current period	3	3	4
Lapse of statute	0	0	(1)
Settlements	(3)	(3)	(3)
Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year	$ 43	$ 43	$ 28

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	May 01, 2010	Jan. 30, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009	Aug. 01, 2009	May 02, 2009	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Earnings Per Share
Net earnings	$ 232	$ 119	$ 146	$ 116	$ 172	$ 83	$ 105	$ 81	$ 613	$ 441	$ 401
Basic shares									218.8	216.8	216.6
Dilutive effect of stock options									3.8	2.9	2.6
Diluted shares									222.6	219.7	219.2
Earnings per basic share	$ 1.06	$ 0.54	$ 0.67	$ 0.53	$ 0.79	$ 0.38	$ 0.49	$ 0.38	$ 2.80	$ 2.03	$ 1.85
Earnings per diluted share	$ 1.04	$ 0.53	$ 0.66	$ 0.52	$ 0.77	$ 0.38	$ 0.48	$ 0.37	$ 2.75	$ 2.01	$ 1.83
Anti-dilutive options and other equity instruments									6.1	7.2	4.9

- Definition

Aggregate awards of share options and nonvested shares to be issued to an employee under a share-based compensation arrangement are considered options for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. Such share-based awards shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon vesting. Those share-based awards are included in the diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) computation even if the employee may not receive (or be able to sell) the stock until some future date. Accordingly, all shares to be issued shall be included in computing diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based compensation arrangements shall be computed using the treasury stock method. If the equity share options or other equity instruments are outstanding for only part of a period, the shares issuable shall be weighted to reflect the portion of the period during which the equity instruments were outstanding.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes.

+ References+ Details

Segment Reporting (Reportable Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Oct. 30, 2010

Jul. 31, 2010

May 01, 2010

Jan. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2009

Aug. 01, 2009

May 02, 2009

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

Jan. 31, 2009

Net sales

$ 2,816

$ 2,087

$ 2,417

$ 1,990

$ 2,539

$ 1,868

$ 2,145

$ 1,706

$ 9,310

$ 8,258

$ 8,272

Net sales increase (decrease)

12.70%

(0.20%)

(6.30%)

Credit card revenue (loss)

100

101

390

369

301

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes

1,118

834

779

Interest expense, net

(127)

(138)

(131)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

373

190

240

188

277

134

170

115

991

696

648

Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales

10.60%

8.40%

7.80%

Capital expenditures

399

360

563

Depreciation and amortization

327

313

302

Goodwill

Assets

7,462

^[1]

6,579

^[1]

7,462

^[1]

6,579

^[1]

5,661

^[1]

Retail [Member]

Net sales

9,420

8,363

8,372

Net sales increase (decrease)

12.60%

(0.10%)

(4.90%)

Credit card revenue (loss)

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes

1,406

1,191

1,071

Interest expense, net

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

1,406

1,191

1,071

Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales

14.90%

14.20%

12.80%

Capital expenditures

361

341

544

Depreciation and amortization

295

281

267

Goodwill

Assets

3,234

^[1]

2,929

^[1]

3,234

^[1]

2,929

^[1]

2,863

^[1]

Credit [Member]

Net sales

Net sales increase (decrease)

Credit card revenue (loss)

390

370

302

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes

(41)

(22)

Interest expense, net

(21)

(41)

(50)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

(82)

(72)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

Goodwill

Assets

2,060

^[1]

2,070

^[1]

2,060

^[1]

2,070

^[1]

1,963

^[1]

Corporate/Other [Member]

Net sales

(110)

(105)

(100)

Net sales increase (decrease)

Credit card revenue (loss)

(1)

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes

(339)

(316)

(270)

Interest expense, net

(106)

(97)

(81)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

(445)

(413)

(351)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes as a % of net sales

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

Goodwill

Assets

$ 2,168

^[1]

$ 1,580

^[1]

$ 2,168

^[1]

$ 1,580

^[1]

$ 835

^[1]

[1]	Assets in Corporate/Other include unallocated assets in corporate headquarters, consisting primarily of cash, land, buildings and equipment and deferred tax assets.

Segment Reporting (Net Sales by Merchandise Category) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	May 01, 2010	Jan. 30, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009	Aug. 01, 2009	May 02, 2009	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Total net sales	$ 2,816	$ 2,087	$ 2,417	$ 1,990	$ 2,539	$ 1,868	$ 2,145	$ 1,706	$ 9,310	$ 8,258	$ 8,272
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Women's Apparel [Member]
Total net sales									3,184	2,845	2,812
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Shoes [Member]
Total net sales									2,094	1,787	1,721
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									23.00%	22.00%	21.00%
Men's Apparel [Member]
Total net sales									1,415	1,262	1,362
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									15.00%	15.00%	16.00%
Women's Accessories [Member]
Total net sales									1,101	970	963
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									12.00%	12.00%	12.00%
Cosmetics [Member]
Total net sales									972	895	921
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									10.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Children's Apparel [Member]
Total net sales									303	283	269
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Other Products and Services [Member]
Total net sales									$ 241	$ 216	$ 224
Merchandise category as a percentage of net sales									3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2011

Oct. 30, 2010

Jul. 31, 2010

May 01, 2010

Jan. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2009

Aug. 01, 2009

May 02, 2009

Jan. 29, 2011

Jan. 30, 2010

Jan. 31, 2009

Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Net sales

$ 2,816

$ 2,087

$ 2,417

$ 1,990

$ 2,539

$ 1,868

$ 2,145

$ 1,706

$ 9,310

$ 8,258

$ 8,272

Same-store sales percentage change

6.70%

5.80%

8.40%

12.00%

6.90%

(1.20%)

(9.80%)

(13.20%)

8.10%

(4.20%)

Credit card revenues

100

101

390

369

301

Gross profit

1,058

^[1]

756

^[1]

852

^[1]

747

^[1]

946

^[1]

658

^[1]

727

^[1]

599

^[1]

3,413

^[1]

2,930

^[1]

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

Retail

697

569

613

533

631

500

531

447

2,412

2,109

2,103

Credit

106

273

356

274

Earnings before income taxes

373

190

240

188

277

134

170

115

991

696

648

Net earnings

$ 232

$ 119

$ 146

$ 116

$ 172

$ 83

$ 105

$ 81

$ 613

$ 441

$ 401

Net earnings as a percentage of total revenues

8.00%

5.40%

5.80%

5.60%

6.50%

4.20%

4.70%

4.50%

6.30%

5.10%

Earnings per basic share

$ 1.06

$ 0.54

$ 0.67

$ 0.53

$ 0.79

$ 0.38

$ 0.49

$ 0.38

$ 2.80

$ 2.03

$ 1.85

Earnings per diluted share

$ 1.04

$ 0.53

$ 0.66

$ 0.52

$ 0.77

$ 0.38

$ 0.48

$ 0.37

$ 2.75

$ 2.01

$ 1.83

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

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011
Subsequent Event
Date of agreement to acquire HauteLook, Inc.	Feb. 17, 2011
Value of Nordstrom stock to be issued to acquire HauteLook, Inc.	$ 180
Value of stock for additional earn-out provision	$ 90

401(k) and Profit Sharing	12 Months Ended
401(k) and Profit Sharing	Jan. 29, 2011
401(k) and Profit Sharing
401(k) and Profit Sharing	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 the matching contributions of the 401(k) component totaled $86, $74 and $39 in 2010, 2009 and 2008.

Self Insurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Self insurance policy retention per claim	$1 or less
Workers' compensation policy limit	no policy limits
General Liability [Member]
Self insurance policy retention per claim	$1 or less
General Liability [Member] \| Employment Practices Liability [Member]
Self insurance policy limit, maximum	$ 25
General Liability [Member] \| Commercial General Liability [Member]
Self insurance policy limit, maximum	$ 150

Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Lease expiration date	various dates through 2080
Charges not included in rent expense	$ 65	$ 60	$ 56
Nordstrom Store Leases [Member]
Non-cancelable lease terms (in years)	15 to 30 years
Nordstrom Rack Leases [Member]
Non-cancelable lease terms (in years)	10 to 15 years

Self Insurance (Summary of Self Insurance Reserves) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Self insurance reserve	$ 79	$ 80
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Self insurance reserve	50	50
Employee Health and Welfare [Member]
Self insurance reserve	18	20
General Liability [Member]
Self insurance reserve	$ 11	$ 10