UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, DC 20549

                                  FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended August 2, 2003

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______
                       Commission File Number 001-15059

                               Nordstrom, Inc.
            ______________________________________________________
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

              Washington                             91-0515058
      _______________________________            ___________________
      (State or other jurisdiction of              (IRS Employer
      incorporation or organization)              Identification No.)

                1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington  98101
            ____________________________________________________
            (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip code)

     Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (206) 628-2111


     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


                               YES   X       NO
                                   _____        _____


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES  X     NO
                                                   _____     _____


Common stock outstanding as of August 30, 2003: 136,065,954 shares of
common stock.









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                       NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       --------------------------------
                                    INDEX
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Page Number PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings Quarter and Year to Date ended August 2, 2003 and July 31, 2002 3 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets August 2, 2003, January 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Quarter and Year to Date ended August 2, 2003 and July 31, 2002 5 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 17 Item 4. Controls and Procedures 17 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings 17 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 18 SIGNATURES 20
2 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (dollars in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited)
Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended ---------------------- ---------------------- August 2, July 31, August 2, July 31, 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net sales $1,794,975 $1,655,528 $3,138,514 $2,901,289 Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy (1,192,195) (1,104,035) (2,080,653) (1,927,123) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Gross profit 602,780 551,493 1,057,861 974,166 Selling, general and administrative expenses (504,656) (496,915) (930,686) (882,999) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating income 98,124 54,578 127,175 91,167 Interest expense, net (26,134) (19,605) (46,362) (39,654) Minority interest purchase and reintegration costs - (11,121) - (53,168) Service charge income and other, net 36,081 35,341 71,713 68,645 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change 108,071 59,193 152,526 66,990 Income tax expense (42,200) (22,858) (59,500) (41,868) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change 65,871 36,335 93,026 25,122 Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of tax of $8,541) - - - (13,359) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net earnings $ 65,871 $ 36,335 $ 93,026 $ 11,763 ========== ========== ========== ========== Basic earnings per share $ .48 $ .27 $ .69 $ .09 ========== ========== ========== ========== Diluted earnings per share $ .48 $ .27 $ .68 $ .09 ========== ========== ========== ========== Cash dividends paid per share of common stock outstanding $ .10 $ .09 $ .20 $ .18 ========== ========== ========== ========== The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
3 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands)
August 2, January 31, July 31, 2003 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 298,779 $ 219,344 $ 244,544 Accounts receivable, net 665,177 639,630 685,465 Retained interest in accounts receivable 218,401 124,543 86,666 Merchandise inventories 1,019,467 953,112 1,039,365 Prepaid expenses 48,053 40,261 36,010 Other current assets 112,613 111,654 105,272 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current assets 2,362,490 2,088,544 2,197,322 Land, buildings and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $2,006,527, $1,882,976, and $1,770,885) 1,735,202 1,761,544 1,805,861 Goodwill, net 56,609 56,609 56,227 Tradename, net 84,000 84,000 84,000 Other assets 158,264 121,726 97,009 ---------- ---------- ---------- TOTAL ASSETS $4,396,565 $4,112,423 $4,240,419 ========== ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Notes payable $ 139 $ 244 $ 209 Accounts payable 634,762 429,808 688,842 Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits 258,041 260,562 233,279 Income taxes and other accruals 222,071 188,986 173,045 Current portion of long-term debt 6,084 5,545 4,769 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 1,121,097 885,145 1,100,144 Long-term debt 1,300,356 1,341,826 1,343,797 Deferred lease credits 374,782 383,100 389,526 Other liabilities 152,535 128,972 94,478 Shareholders' Equity: Common stock, no par: 500,000,000 shares authorized; 135,891,406, 135,444,041 and 135,089,518 shares issued and outstanding 362,293 358,069 351,587 Unearned stock compensation (746) (2,010) (2,345) Retained earnings 1,080,002 1,014,105 962,699 Accumulated other comprehensive earnings 6,246 3,216 533 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity 1,447,795 1,373,380 1,312,474 ---------- ---------- ---------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $4,396,565 $4,112,423 $4,240,419 ========== ========== ========== The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
4 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
Year to Date Ended ---------------------- August 2, July 31, 2003 2002 -------- -------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $93,026 $11,763 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 123,349 111,917 Amortization of deferred lease credits and other, net (12,988) (9,176) Stock-based compensation expense 1,815 2,087 Deferred income taxes, net 3,776 5,184 Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax - 13,359 Impairment of IT investment - 15,570 Minority interest purchase expense - 40,389 Change in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net (24,252) (40,264) Retained interest in accounts receivable (91,371) (29,760) Merchandise inventories (62,209) (183,976) Prepaid expenses (973) 2,745 Other assets (6,188) 2,787 Accounts payable 190,796 233,643 Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits (2,217) (5,064) Income taxes and other accruals 25,121 27,972 Other liabilities 9,387 4,098 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 247,072 203,274 -------- -------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures (131,874) (184,507) Additions to deferred lease credits 28,908 58,449 Minority interest purchase - (70,000) Other, net 106 (3,169) -------- -------- Net cash used for investing activities (102,860) (199,227) -------- -------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable (105) 61 Proceeds from long-term borrowings - 815 Principal payments on long-term debt (46,003) (84,053) Proceeds from sale of interest rate swap 2,341 - Proceeds from issuance of common stock 6,119 10,086 Cash dividends paid (27,129) (24,267) -------- -------- Net cash used by financing activities (64,777) (97,358) -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 79,435 (93,311) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 219,344 337,855 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $298,779 $244,544 ======== ======== The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
5 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation - --------------------- The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2002 Annual Report. The same accounting policies are followed for preparing quarterly and annual financial data. All adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature. Due to the seasonal nature of the retail industry, quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year. Reclassification - ---------------- We reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Change in Fiscal Year - --------------------- On February 1, 2003, our fiscal year-end changed from January 31 to the Saturday closest to January 31. Each fiscal year consists of four 13 week quarters, with an extra week added onto the fourth quarter every five to six years. A one-day transition period is included in our first quarter 2003 results. Stock Compensation - ------------------ We apply APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," in measuring compensation costs under our stock-based compensation programs, which are described more fully in our 2002 Annual Report. If we had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the fair value of the options and shares at grant date, net earnings and earnings per share would have been as follows:
Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended -------------------- -------------------- August 2, July 31, August 2, July 31, 2003 2002 2003 2002 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net earnings, as reported $65,871 $36,335 $93,026 $11,763 Incremental stock-based compensation expense under fair value, net of tax (3,396) (5,611) (9,620) (11,211) --------- --------- --------- --------- Pro forma net earnings $62,475 $30,724 $83,406 $552 ========= ========= ========= ========= Earnings per share: Basic - as reported $0.48 $ 0.27 $0.69 $ 0.09 Diluted - as reported $0.48 $ 0.27 $0.68 $ 0.09 Basic and Diluted - pro forma $0.46 $ 0.23 $0.61 $ 0.00
6 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Cont.) Recent Accounting Pronouncements - -------------------------------- In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 149 amends SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" for certain decisions made by the FASB as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group process. SFAS No. 149 also amends SFAS No. 133 to incorporate clarifications of the definition of a derivative. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and should be applied prospectively. Adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have an impact on our earnings or financial position. Note 2 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The carrying amounts of our intangible assets are as follows:
Catalog/ Retail Stores Internet segment segment Total --------------------- -------- --------- Goodwill Tradename Goodwill -------- --------- -------- Balance as of February 1, 2003 and August 2, 2003 $ 40,893 $ 84,000 $ 15,716 $ 140,609
The purchase of the minority interest of Nordstrom.com in the first quarter of 2002 resulted in additional goodwill of $24,178, of which $8,462 was allocated to the Retail Stores reporting unit and $15,716 to the Catalog/Internet reporting unit. Goodwill of $32,431 and Tradename of $84,000 are assigned to the Faconnable reporting unit. Note 3 - Earnings Per Share
Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended ------------------------ ------------------------ August 2, July 31, August 2, July 31, 2003 2002 2003 2002 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net earnings $65,871 $36,335 $93,026 $11,763 Basic shares 135,843,977 135,066,212 135,710,396 134,887,294 Basic earnings per share $0.48 $0.27 $0.69 $0.09 Dilutive effect of stock options and performance share units 494,171 753,673 305,907 878,448 Diluted shares 136,338,148 135,819,885 136,016,303 135,765,742 Diluted earnings per share $0.48 $0.27 $0.68 $0.09 Antidilutive stock options 8,224,504 6,764,220 9,686,838 6,542,883
7 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Note 4 - Accounts Receivable The components of accounts receivable are as follows:
August 2, January 31, July 31, 2003 2003 2002 ----------- ----------- ----------- Trade receivables: Unrestricted $19,675 $15,599 $18,393 Restricted 638,572 613,647 658,775 Allowance for doubtful accounts (21,146) (22,385) (22,131) ----------- ----------- ----------- Trade receivables, net 637,101 606,861 655,037 Other 28,076 32,769 30,428 ----------- ----------- ----------- Accounts receivable, net $665,177 $639,630 $685,465 =========== =========== ===========
The restricted private label receivables back the $300 million Class A notes and the $200 million variable funding note issued by us in November 2001. Other accounts receivable consist primarily of vendor receivables and cosmetic rebates receivable. As all vendor receivables are fully earned at period end, no allowance for doubtful vendor receivables has been recorded. Note 5 - Debt In the second quarter, we purchased $40,825 of our 8.95% senior notes and $2,500 of our 6.7% medium-term notes for a total cash payment of $50,054. Approximately $6,423 of expense was recognized in the second quarter of 2003 related to this purchase. In August 2003, we purchased an additional $14,500 of our 8.95% senior notes for a total cash payment of $16,397. Approximately $1,800 of expense will be recognized in the third quarter of 2003 related to this purchase. We entered into a variable interest rate swap agreement in the second quarter of 2003. The swap has a $250,000 notional amount and a 5.5-year term. Under the agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 5.63% and pay a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3% set at six-month intervals (3.55% at August 2, 2003). The swap agreement qualifies as a fair value hedge and is recorded at its market value of ($15,283) in other liabilities. 8 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Note 6 - Segment Reporting The following tables set forth the information for our reportable segments and a reconciliation to the consolidated totals:
Quarter ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate August 2, 2003 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $1,723,687 - $71,288 - - $1,794,975 Service charge income - $32,622 - - - 32,622 Intersegment revenues 8,270 10,390 - - $(18,660) - Interest expense, net 24 5,442 4 $20,664 - 26,134 Earnings before taxes 162,196 5,326 974 (60,425) - 108,071 Net earnings (loss) 98,833 3,242 597 (36,801) - 65,871 Quarter ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate July 31, 2002 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $1,592,131 - $63,397 - - $1,655,528 Service charge income - $33,041 - - - 33,041 Intersegment revenues 9,421 9,583 - - $(19,004) - Interest expense, net (183) 5,474 152 $14,162 - 19,605 Earnings before taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change 115,562 6,850 (13,506) (49,713) - 59,193 Net earnings (loss) 70,433 4,175 (8,238) (30,035) - 36,335 Year to date ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate August 2, 2003 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $3,001,085 - $137,429 - - $3,138,514 Service charge income - $66,554 - - - 66,554 Intersegment revenues 14,521 17,238 - - $(31,759) - Interest expense, net 118 10,815 (12) $35,441 - 46,362 Earnings before taxes 257,992 11,706 (1,485) (115,687) - 152,526 Net earnings (loss) 157,349 7,139 (905) (70,557) - 93,026 Assets 2,757,778 860,089 105,128 673,570 - 4,396,565 Year to date ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate July 31, 2002 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $2,779,258 - $122,031 - - $2,901,289 Service charge income - $62,462 - - - 62,462 Intersegment revenues 13,239 16,108 - - $(29,347) - Interest expense, net 1 11,913 337 $27,403 - 39,654 Earnings before taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change 214,399 13,468 (16,023) (144,854) - 66,990 Net earnings (loss) 117,444 8,217 (9,775) (104,123) - 11,763 Assets 2,756,360 759,929 76,183 647,947 - 4,240,419
Note 7 - Nordstrom.com During 2002, we purchased the outstanding shares of Nordstrom.com, Inc. series C preferred stock for $70,000. The excess of the purchase price over the fair market value of the preferred stock and professional fees resulted in a one- time charge of $42,736. No tax benefit was recognized on the share purchase, as we do not believe it is probable that this benefit will be realized. The impact of not recognizing this income tax benefit increased our prior year to date effective tax rate to 62.5% before the cumulative effect of accounting change. 9 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Note 7 - Nordstrom.com (Cont.) Also in 2002, $10,432 of expense was recognized related to the purchase of the outstanding Nordstrom.com options and warrants. The following table presents the charges resulting from the minority interest purchase and reintegration of Nordstrom.com.
July 31, 2002 --------------------------- Three Months Six Months Ended Ended ------------ ----------- Excess of the purchase price over the fair market value of the preferred stock $ (659) $40,389 Nordstrom.com option/warrant buyback expense 10,432 10,432 Professional fees incurred 1,348 2,347 ------------ ----------- $11,121 $53,168 ============ ===========
Note 8 - Litigation Cosmetics - --------- We were originally named as a defendant along with other department store and specialty retailers in nine separate but virtually identical class action lawsuits filed in various Superior Courts of the State of California in May, June and July 1998 that have now been consolidated in Marin County state court. In May 2000, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming a number of manufacturers of cosmetics and fragrances and two other retailers as additional defendants. Plaintiffs' amended complaint alleges that the retail price of the "prestige" cosmetics sold in department and specialty stores was collusively controlled by the retailer and manufacturer defendants in violation of the Cartwright Act and the California Unfair Competition Act. Plaintiffs seek treble damages and restitution in an unspecified amount, attorneys' fees and prejudgment interest, on behalf of a class of all California residents who purchased cosmetics and fragrances for personal use from any of the defendants during the period four years prior to the filing of the amended complaint. Defendants, including us, have answered the amended complaint denying the allegations. The defendants have produced documents and responded to plaintiffs' other discovery requests, including providing witnesses for depositions. We entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs and the other defendants on July 16, 2003. In connection with the settlement, the case is being refiled in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The settlement requires Court approval and, if approved by the Court, will result in the plaintiffs' claims being dismissed, with prejudice, in their entirety. In connection with the settlement agreement, the defendants will provide consumers with certain free products and pay the plaintiffs' attorneys' fees. Our share of the cost of the settlement will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. We have entered into the settlement agreement solely to avoid protracted and costly litigation. There has been no finding or admission of any wrongdoing by us in this lawsuit. 10 of 20 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Note 8 - Litigation (Cont.) Other - ----- We are subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. No material liability is expected. Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Dollars in Thousands The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the 2002 Annual Report. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: - ---------------------- Overview - -------- Earnings for the second quarter of 2003 increased to $65,871 or $0.48 per diluted share from $36,335 or $0.27 per diluted share for the same period in 2002. The 81% increase was partially due to two charges taken in 2002 to write-off an IT investment and acquire and reintegrate the minority interest of Nordstrom.com. Earnings for the year to date period ended August 2, 2003 increased to $93,026 or $0.68 per diluted share from $11,763 or $0.09 per diluted share for the same period in 2002. The increase for the year to date period was primarily attributable to three charges taken in 2002 to write-off an IT investment, acquire and reintegrate the minority interest of Nordstrom.com and to adopt a new accounting pronouncement. Excluding these nonrecurring and impairment charges, earnings increased $13,511 for the quarter and $10,221 year to date when compared to the same periods last year. This increase was the result of better than expected same store sales, expense leverage and overall expense control. 11 of 20 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) Year-over-year net income before and after nonrecurring and impairment charges are as follows:
Quarter Ended ------------------------------------------- August 2, 2003 July 31, 2002 -------------------- -------------------- Diluted Diluted Dollars EPS Dollars EPS --------- --------- --------- --------- Reported net income $65,871 $0.48 $36,335 $0.27 Nonrecurring and impairment charges, net of tax: Minority interest purchase and reintegration costs - - 6,527 0.05 Write-off of IT investment - - 9,498 0.07 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income before nonrecurring and impairment charges $65,871 $0.48 $52,360 $0.39 ========= ========= ========= ========= Year to Date Ended ------------------------------------------- August 2, 2003 July 31, 2002 -------------------- -------------------- Diluted Diluted Dollars EPS Dollars EPS --------- --------- --------- --------- Reported net income $93,026 $0.68 $11,763 $0.09 Nonrecurring and impairment charges, net of tax: Minority interest purchase and reintegration costs - - 48,185 0.35 Cumulative effect of accounting change - - 13,359 0.10 Write-off of IT investment - - 9,498 0.07 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income before nonrecurring and impairment charges $93,026 $0.68 $82,805 $0.61 ========= ========= ========= =========
Sales - ----- Total sales for the quarter and year to date on a 4-5-4 comparable basis increased 7.9% and 6.0% due to same store sales increases and store openings. Same store sales on a 4-5-4 comparable basis increased 3.9% for the quarter and 1.6% year to date due to several factors, including better merchandising, strong sales events and an improving retail climate. In addition, for the twelve months ended August 2, 2003, we have opened six full-line stores and one Nordstrom Rack store. Our strongest performing merchandise divisions for the quarter were cosmetics, accessories, men's wear and women's designer apparel, followed by shoes, women's bridge, women's better, women's active wear, junior women's, and intimate apparel. Our weakest divisions were women's special sizes and children's apparel. 12 of 20 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) Gross Profit - ------------
QTD 2003 QTD 2002 YTD 2003 YTD 2002 -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross profit as a percent of sales 33.6% 33.3% 33.7% 33.6%
Gross profit as a percentage of sales improved 27 basis points for the quarter and 13 basis points for the year to date period ended August 2, 2003, compared to the same periods last year primarily due to better than expected same store sales which allowed us to leverage buying and occupancy expenses. For the quarter, markdowns as a percent of sales were flat with last year. On a year to date basis, markdowns were higher than the prior year due to slow sales in the first quarter. Higher than expected sales volume and overall inventory control in the second quarter resulted in an 8% decrease in our inventory per square foot. Selling, General and Administrative - -----------------------------------
QTD 2003 QTD 2002 YTD 2003 YTD 2002 -------- -------- -------- -------- Selling, general and administrative expense as a percent of sales 28.1% 30.0% 29.6% 30.5%
For the second quarter of 2002, selling, general and administrative expense includes an impairment charge of $15,570 related to the write-down of an information technology investment in a supply chain tool at our manufacturing division. Excluding this charge, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the quarter decreased to 28.1% from 29.1% in the prior year. Excluding this charge on a year to date basis, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 29.6% from 29.9% in the prior year. These decreases resulted from leverage on better than expected same store sales and overall expense control. We saw the most significant improvements in direct selling labor, information technology expenses and distribution costs. Interest Expense - ---------------- Interest expense, net increased for the quarter and year to date periods ended August 2, 2003 when compared to the same periods in 2002 due to approximately $6,423 in additional expense resulting from the repurchase of $43,325 in debt. Service Charge Income and Other - ------------------------------- Service charge income and other, net increased for the quarter and year to date periods ended August 2, 2003 primarily due to gains recorded from our VISA securitization. Securitization gains continued as increased sales on our VISA cards have led to higher receivable balances and related revenues, while the cost of funds declined and bad debt write-offs stabilized. 13 of 20 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) Minority Interest Purchase and Reintegration Costs - -------------------------------------------------- During 2002, we purchased the outstanding shares of Nordstrom.com, Inc. series C preferred stock for $70,000. The excess of the purchase price over the fair market value of the preferred stock and professional fees resulted in a one- time charge of $42,736. No tax benefit was recognized on the share purchase, as we do not believe it is probable that this benefit will be realized. The impact of not recognizing this income tax benefit increased our prior year to date effective tax rate to 62.5% before the cumulative effect of accounting change. Also in 2002, $10,432 of expense was recognized related to the purchase of the outstanding Nordstrom.com options and warrants. The following table presents the charges resulting from the minority interest purchase and reintegration of Nordstrom.com:
July 31, 2002 --------------------------- Three Months Six Months Ended Ended ------------ ----------- Excess of the purchase price over the fair market value of the preferred stock $ (659) $40,389 Nordstrom.com option/warrant buyback expense 10,432 10,432 Professional fees incurred 1,348 2,347 ------------ ----------- $11,121 $53,168 ============ ===========
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change - -------------------------------------- During the first quarter of 2002, we completed the initial review required by SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." As a result of our review, we recorded a cumulative effect of accounting change of $13,359, net of tax, or $0.10 per share on a diluted basis. Seasonality - ------------ Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Our anniversary sale in July and the holidays in December result in higher sales in the second and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. Accordingly, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. GAAP Sales Reconciliation (Dollars in millions) - ----------------------------------------------- We converted to a 4-5-4 Retail Calendar at the beginning of 2003. This change in our fiscal calendar has resulted in one less day of sales being included in our second quarter versus the same period in the prior year and two additional days of sales for the current year to date versus the same period last year. Sales performance numbers included in this document have been calculated on a comparative 4-5-4 basis. We believe that adjusting for the difference in days provides a more comparable basis (4-5-4 vs 4-5-4) from which to evaluate sales performance. The following reconciliation bridges the reported GAAP sales to the 4-5-4 comparable sales. 14 of 20 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.)
% Change % Change Dollar Total Comp Sales Reconciliation ($M) QTD 2003 QTD 2002 Increase Sales Sales - ---------------------------- --------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Number of Days Reported GAAP 91 92 Reported GAAP Sales $1,795.0 $1,655.6 $139.4 8.4% 4.5% Less May 1-4, 2002 sales - ($65.2) Plus August 1-3, 2002 sales - $73.0 --------- --------- Reported 4-5-4 sales $1,795.0 $1,663.4 $131.6 7.9% 3.9% --------- --------- 4-5-4 Adjusted Days 91 91 % Change % Change Dollar Total Comp Sales Reconciliation ($M) YTD 2003 YTD 2002 Increase Sales Sales - ---------------------------- --------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Number of Days Reported GAAP 183 181 Reported GAAP Sales $3,138.5 $2,901.3 $237.2 8.2% 3.1% Less Feb. 1, 2003 ($18.2) - Less Feb. 1-2, 2002 sales - ($30.4) Plus August 1-3, 2002 sales - $73.0 --------- --------- Reported 4-5-4 sales $3,120.3 $2,943.9 $176.4 6.0% 1.6% --------- --------- 4-5-4 Adjusted Days 182 182
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: - -------------------------------- We finance our working capital needs and capital expenditures with cash provided by operations and borrowings. Cash Flow from Operations - ------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities for the year to date period ended August 2, 2003 increased compared to the same period last year. This increase was primarily a result of a decrease in inventory from better than expected same store sales and overall inventory control, partially offset by an increase in the retained interest of our VISA securitization and a reduction in our accounts payable balance. The increase in the retained interest was a result of increased sales on our VISA card while the change in accounts payable resulted from timing differences. Capital Expenditures - -------------------- For the year to date period ended August 2, 2003, net cash used in investing activities decreased primarily due to the $70,000 payment for the acquisition of the outstanding shares of Nordstrom.com, Inc. series C preferred stock in 2002. In addition, net capital expenditures decreased from a planned reduction in new store openings. 15 of 20 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) We opened one full-line store in Houston, TX during the first quarter of 2003. In August 2003, we also opened a full-line store in Austin, TX and two Nordstrom Rack stores in Chicago, IL and Sunrise, FL. Throughout the remainder of the year, we expect to open two full-line stores in Richmond, VA and Wellington Green, FL and relocate our Lynnwood, WA full-line store. Gross square footage for the year is expected to increase approximately 4% from 18,428,000 to 19,109,000. Financing - --------- For the year to date period ended August 2, 2003, cash used by financing activities decreased primarily due to the scheduled retirement of $76,750 in medium-term notes in the prior year partially offset by our current year debt buyback of $43,325. Debt Buyback - ------------ In the second quarter, we purchased $40,825 of our 8.95% senior notes and $2,500 of our 6.7% medium-term notes for a total cash payment of $50,054. Approximately $6,423 of expense was recognized in the second quarter of 2003 related to this purchase. In August 2003, we purchased an additional $14,500 of our 8.95% senior notes for a total cash payment of $16,397. Approximately $1,800 of expense will be recognized in the third quarter of 2003 related to this purchase. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES: - ----------------------------- The preparation of our financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We regularly evaluate our estimates including those related to doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, intangible assets, sales return, income taxes, self-insurance liabilities, post-retirement benefits, contingent liabilities and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. No changes to our methodologies have occurred since our disclosures in the 2002 Annual Report. In January 2003, we sold our Denver Credit facility generating a capital gain for tax purposes of $15,367. This amount was previously used to offset a portion of our existing capital loss carryforwards. However, we have now determined that the gain does not offset our existing capital loss carryforwards. Capital loss carryforwards of $34,357 now remain available to offset capital gain income in the next three years. No valuation allowance reserve has been provided because we believe it is probable that the full benefit of these carryforwards will be realized. Recent Accounting Pronouncements - -------------------------------- In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 149 amends SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" for certain decisions made by the FASB as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group process. SFAS No. 149 also amends SFAS No. 133 to incorporate clarifications of the definition of a derivative. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and should be applied prospectively. Adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have an impact on our earnings or financial position. 16 of 20 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: - ------------------------------------------------- The preceding disclosures included forward-looking statements regarding our performance, liquidity and adequacy of capital resources. These statements are based on our current assumptions and expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are qualified by the risks and challenges posed by increased competition, shifting consumer demand, changing consumer credit markets, changing capital markets, changing interest rates and general economic conditions, hiring and retaining effective team members, sourcing merchandise from domestic and international vendors, investing in new business strategies, achieving our growth objectives and the impact of economic and competitive market forces, including the impact of terrorist activity or the impact of war. As a result, while we believe there is a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on those statements. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements. Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK We entered into a variable interest rate swap agreement in the second quarter of 2003. The swap has a $250,000 notional amount and a 5.5-year term. Under the agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 5.63% and pay a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3% set at six-month intervals (3.55% at August 2, 2003). The swap agreement qualifies as a fair value hedge and is recorded at its market value of ($15,283) in other liabilities. Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")). Based upon that evaluation, the President and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in the timely recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of material financial and non-financial information. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings - ------------------------- The information required under this item is included in the following section of Part I, Item 1 of this report: Note 8 in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 17 of 20 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - ----------------------------------------------------------- We held our Annual Shareholders Meeting on May 20, 2003, at which time the shareholders voted on the following proposals: (1) Election of nine directors for a one-year term each. Name of Candidate For Withheld ---------------------- ----------- ----------- D. Wayne Gittinger 107,940,890 5,459,227 Enrique Hernandez, Jr. 110,233,575 3,166,542 Jeanne P. Jackson 111,808,631 1,591,486 John A. McMillan 112,242,469 1,157,648 Bruce A. Nordstrom 111,808,900 1,591,217 John N. Nordstrom 111,808,220 1,591,897 Alfred E. Osborne, Jr. 105,941,325 7,458,792 William D. Ruckelshaus 105,888,526 7,511,591 Stephanie M. Shern 111,804,582 1,595,535 Alison A. Winter 111,801,990 1,598,127 There were no abstentions and no broker non-votes. (2) Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte and Touche LLP as auditors. The vote was 109,915,286 for, 2,761,957 against, and there were 722,874 abstentions. There were no broker non-votes. (3) Shareholder proposal regarding expensing stock options The vote was 41,181,941 for, 57,215,120 against, and there were 1,957,745 abstentions and 13,045,311 broker non-votes. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K - ----------------------------------------- (a) Exhibits -------- 10.1 1997 Stock Option Plan, amended and restated as of February 16, 2000. 10.2 Nordstrom Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (2003 Restatement). 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer regarding periodic report containing financial statements as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer regarding periodic report containing financial statements as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 18 of 20 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (Cont.) - ------------------------------------------------- (b) Reports on Form 8-K ------------------- We filed a Form 8-K on May 7, 2003 attaching a press release to announce our preliminary April 2003 sales results and earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2003. We filed a Form 8-K on May 19, 2003 attaching a press release to announce our results of operations for the quarter ending May 3, 2003. We filed a Form 8-K on June 5, 2003 attaching a press release to announce our preliminary May 2003 sales results. We filed a Form 8-K on July 10, 2003 attaching a press release to announce our preliminary June 2003 sales results. 19 of 20 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. NORDSTROM, INC. (Registrant) /s/ Michael G. Koppel ---------------------------------------------------- Michael G. Koppel Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) Date: September 9, 2003 ------------------ 20 of 20 NORDSTROM INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Exhibit Index
Exhibit Method of Filing - ------- ---------------- 10.1 1997 Stock Option Plan, amended Filed herewith electronically and restated as of February 16, 2000 10.2 Nordstrom Executive Deferred Filed herewith electronically Compensation Plan (2003 Restatement) 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Filed herewith electronically Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Filed herewith electronically Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Filed herewith electronically Officer regarding periodic report containing financial statements as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Filed herewith electronically Officer regarding periodic report containing financial statements as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

                                                                Exhibit 10.1
                                NORDSTROM, INC.
                           1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN*
                      (As amended on February 17, 1998,
                   February 15, 1999 and February 16, 2000)


     1.  Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this 1997 Nordstrom Stock
Option Plan (the "Plan") are to attract and retain the best available
personnel for positions of substantial responsibility with Nordstrom, Inc.
(the "Company"), to provide additional incentive in the form of options to
purchase the Company's shares of common stock, no par value per share (the
"Common Stock"), shares of restricted Common Stock or performance shares based
on the value of Common Stock (the "Benefits") to employees of the Company or
any parent or subsidiary of the Company which now exists or hereafter is
organized or acquired by or acquires the Company, and to promote the success
of the business.

     2.  Eligibility.  Any employee of the Company or any parent or subsidiary
of the Company may receive Benefits under the Plan.

     3.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or a subcommittee thereof
(the "Committee").  The Committee shall either (i) consist solely of two or
more directors of the Company who are "non-employee directors" as defined
under Section 16 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and
"outside directors" as defined under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, or (ii) cause any director who is not a non-employee
or outside director to abstain from any action by the Committee related to
granting Benefits to executive officers of the Company.  The Board of
Directors may also appoint one or more separate committees of the Board of
Directors who may administer the Plan with respect to employees who are not
executive officers of the Company.

     4.  Effective Date and Termination of Plan.  Subject to shareholder
approval, the effective date of the Plan is May 20, 1997.  The Plan shall
terminate when all shares of stock subject to Benefits granted under the Plan
shall have been acquired or on May 19, 2007, whichever is earlier, or at such
earlier time as the Board of Directors may determine.  Termination of the Plan
will not affect the rights and obligations arising under Benefits granted
under the Plan and then in effect.

     5.  Shares Subject to the Plan.  The Common Stock subject to Benefits
authorized to be granted under the Plan shall consist of 18,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, no par value, or the number and kind of shares of Common Stock
or other securities which shall be substituted or adjusted for such shares as
provided in Section 8.  All or any shares of Common Stock subject to Benefits
which for any reason terminate may again be made subject to Benefits under the
Plan.

     6.  Grant, Terms and Conditions of Options.  The Committee may grant
incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended and non-qualified stock options at any time and from time
to time prior to the termination of the Plan to


those employees of the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company who,
in the Committee's judgment, are largely responsible through their judgment,
interest, ability and special efforts for the successful conduct of the
Company's operations.  However, no participant shall be granted options in any
year to purchase more than 400,000 shares of Common Stock as adjusted as
provided in Section 9.

          No participant shall have any rights as a shareholder of the Company
with respect to any Common Stock underlying any option granted hereunder until
those shares have been issued.  Each option shall be evidenced by a written
stock option agreement which will expressly identify the option as an
incentive stock option or as a non-qualified stock option.  Furthermore, the
grant of an incentive option pursuant to the Plan shall in no way be construed
as an alternative to the right of an optionee to purchase stock pursuant to
any present or future grant of a non-qualified option under any of the
Company's current or future stock option plans.  Options granted pursuant to
the Plan need not be identical but each option is subject to the terms of the
Plan and is subject to the following terms and conditions:

          6.1  Price.  The exercise price of each option granted under the
Plan shall be at least equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on
the date of grant, as determined by the Committee.  The exercise price may be
paid as determined by the Committee.

          6.2  Duration and Exercise or Termination of Option.  Each option
granted under the Plan shall be exercisable in such manner and at such times
as the Committee shall determine.  Each option granted must expire within a
period of ten (10) years from the grant date.

          6.3  Transferability of Options.  Each option shall be transferable
only by will or the laws of descent and distribution except and unless the
option provides for additional rights to transfer.

          6.4  Other Terms and Conditions.  Options may also contain such
other provisions, which shall not be inconsistent with any of the foregoing
terms, as the Committee shall deem appropriate.  No option, however, shall be
repriced, and nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any participant
any right to continue in the Company's employ or service nor limit in any way
the Company's right to terminate his or her employment or service at any time.

     7.  Grant, Terms and Conditions of Restricted Common Stock.  The
Committee may grant shares of Common Stock with such restrictions, terms and
conditions as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee;
provided, however, that if the only restriction attached to the grant is
vesting based on the lapse of time, the minimum period for full vesting of the
grant shall be three years.  Grants of shares of restricted Common Stock shall
be made at such cost as the Committee shall determine and may be issued for no
monetary consideration, subject to applicable state law.  Shares of restricted
Common Stock shall be issued and delivered at the time of the grant or as
otherwise determined by the Committee, but may be subject to forfeiture until
provided otherwise in the applicable restricted stock agreement.  Each
certificate representing shares of restricted

                                       2


Common Stock shall bear a legend referring to the risk of forfeiture of the
shares and stating that such shares are nontransferable until all restrictions
have been satisfied and the legend has been removed.  At the discretion of the
Committee, the grantee may or may not be entitled to full voting and dividend
rights with respect to all shares of restricted stock from the date of grant.
No participant shall be granted more than 400,000 shares of restricted Common
Stock in any year, as adjusted as provided in Section 9.

     8.  Grant, Terms and Conditions of Performance Share Units.  The
Committee may grant performance share units which shall entitle the
participant to shares of Common Stock or cash in lieu thereof (the
"Performance Shares") upon the achievement of such performance goals as may be
established by the Committee at the time of grant based on any one or
combination of the following performance criteria:  (a) achievement of a
specified percentage increase or quantitative level in the Company's
shareholder return as compared to the S&P Retail Store Composite or other
comparator group, (b) achievement of a specified percentage increase or
quantitative level in the trading price of the Company's Common Stock, (c)
achievement of a specified percentage increase or quantitative level in the
results of operations, such as sales, earnings, cash flow, economic profit or
return on investment (including return on equity, return on capital employed
or return on assets) of the Company or of a subsidiary or division or other
segment of the Company for which the participant has responsibilities, (d)
achievement of a specified percentage increase or quantitative level in the
other financial results, such as profit margins, expense reduction or asset
management goals of the Company or of a subsidiary or division or other
segment of the Company for which the participant has responsibilities, or (e)
achievement of a specified percentage increase or quantitative level in the
internal or external market share of a product or line of products.  At such
time as it is certified by the Committee that the performance goals
established by the Committee have been attained or otherwise satisfied, the
Committee shall authorize the payment of cash in lieu of Performance Shares or
the issuance of Performance Shares registered in the name of the participant,
or both.

     If the participant's employment with the Company or any parent or
subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, is terminated before the end of
the period of time, designated by the Committee, over which Performance Shares
may be earned (a "Performance Cycle") for any reason other than retirement,
disability, or death, the participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to
any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle.
The Committee, in its sole discretion, may establish guidelines providing that
if a participant's employment is terminated before the end of a Performance
Cycle by reason of retirement, disability, or death, the participant shall be
entitled to a prorated payment with respect to any Performance Shares that
were being earned during the Performance Cycle.  No participant shall be
granted Performance Shares for more than 400,000 shares of Common Stock in any
year, as adjusted as provided in Section 9.

     9.  Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization/Change in Control.  The
number and kind of shares of Common Stock subject to Benefits under the Plan
shall be appropriately adjusted along with a corresponding adjustment in the
option exercise price, if applicable, to reflect any stock dividend, stock
split, split-up or any combination or exchange of shares, however
accomplished.   An appropriate adjustment shall also be made with respect to
the aggregate number and kind of

                                       3


shares available for grant under the Plan.  If the Company or the shareholders
of the Company enter into an agreement to dispose of all or substantially all
of the assets or shares by means of a sale, a reorganization, a liquidation,
or otherwise, all options shall become immediately exercisable with respect to
the full number of shares subject to those options, all restrictions on any
shares of restricted stock granted under the Plan shall be immediately removed
and all Performance Shares shall be earned as if the applicable performance
goals had been attained or otherwise satisfied.

     10.  Withholding.  To the extent required by applicable federal, state,
local or foreign law, a participant shall make arrangements satisfactory to
the Company for the satisfaction of any withholding tax obligations that arise
pursuant to Benefits granted under the Plan.  The Company shall not be
required to issue shares until such obligations are satisfied.  The Committee
may (but shall not be required to) permit these obligations to be satisfied by
having the Company withhold a portion of the shares of stock that otherwise
would be issued to the participant or by delivering shares previously owned by
the participant.

     11.  Amendment and Termination.  The Board of Directors may amend or
terminate the Plan as desired, without further action by the Company's
shareholders, except to the extent required by applicable law.

* NOTE:  As restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split of the Company's
common stock declared on May 19, 1998 in the form of a share dividend, payable
on June 30, 1998 to all shareholders of record on June 8, 1998.


                                       4





                                                                Exhibit 10.2





                                   NORDSTROM

                     EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

                              (2003 Restatement)






           Consolidates all Plan Provisions Approved by the Company
                           including the following:

                         January 1, 1999 Restatement;
                               Amendment 1999-1;
                            Amendment 2001-1; and
                               Amendment 2001-2









                        Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP
                      601 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 2100
                            Portland, Oregon 97204
                          Telephone:  (503) 778-2100
                          Facsimile:  (503) 778-2200


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I TITLE, PURPOSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE.................................1
 1.01   Title...............................................................1
 1.02   Purpose.............................................................1
 1.03   Effective Date......................................................1

ARTICLE II  ELIGIBILITY.....................................................1
 2.01   Eligible Employee...................................................1
 2.02   Entry Date..........................................................1
 2.03   Time of Participation...............................................1
 2.04   Subsequent Ineligibility............................................2

ARTICLE III  DEFERRAL OF COMPENSATION.......................................2
 3.01   Deferral Elections..................................................2
 3.02   Amount of Deferral..................................................3
 3.03   Minimum Deferral....................................................4
 3.04   Company Contribution Allocations....................................4
 3.05   Deferral of Retention Bonus Prohibited..............................5
 3.06   Requirement for Deferral Agreement..................................5
 3.07   Applicability of Deferral Agreement.................................5

ARTICLE IV  DEFERRAL ACCOUNT AND CREDITING..................................5
 4.01   Bookkeeping Account.................................................5
 4.02   Time of Crediting Accounts..........................................6
 4.03   Participant Deemed Investments......................................6
 4.04   Investments by the Company..........................................7
 4.05   Limited Effect of Allocation........................................7
 4.06   Report of Account...................................................8

ARTICLE V  RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANT IN PLAN                                    8
 5.01   Ownership Rights in Bookkeeping Account.............................8
 5.02   Rights in Plan are Unfunded and Unsecured...........................8
 5.03   No Transfer of Interest in Plan Allowed.............................8
 5.04   Plan Binding upon Parties...........................................9

ARTICLE VI  DISTRIBUTIONS...................................................9
 6.01   Retirement..........................................................9
 6.02   In-Service Distributions...........................................10
 6.03   Distribution Following Termination.................................11
 6.04   Retirement Distributions...........................................11
 6.05   Cash and Stock Distributions.......................................12
 6.06   Distributions Following Change of Control..........................12
 6.07   Discretionary Distributions........................................12


                                      i



ARTICLE VII  DEATH BENEFITS................................................13
 7.01   Designation of Beneficiary.........................................13
 7.02   Determination of Account Balance at Death..........................13
 7.03   Distribution of Bookkeeping Account Balance at Death...............14
 7.04   Determination of Beneficiary.......................................14
 7.05   Payments to Minor or Incapacitated Beneficiaries...................14
 7.06   Acceleration of Death Benefits.....................................14
 7.07   Effect of Divorce..................................................14

ARTICLE VIII  ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN...................................15
 8.01   Plan Sponsor and Administrator.....................................15
 8.02   Authority of Committee.............................................15
 8.03   Exercise of Authority..............................................15
 8.04   Delegation of Authority............................................15
 8.05   Reliance on Opinions...............................................16
 8.06   Information........................................................16
 8.07   Indemnification....................................................16

ARTICLE IX  CLAIMS PROCEDURE                                               16
 9.01   Submittal of Claim.................................................16
 9.02   Denial of Claim....................................................16
 9.03   Review of Denied Claim.............................................16
 9.04   Decision upon Review of Denied Claim...............................17

ARTICLE X  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.......................................17

ARTICLE XI  MISCELLANEOUS..................................................17
 11.01   No Employment Contract............................................17
 11.02   Employee Cooperation..............................................17
 11.03   Illegality and Invalidity.........................................17
 11.04   Required Notice...................................................18
 11.05   Interest of Participant's Spouse..................................18
 11.06   Tax Liabilities from Plan.........................................18
 11.07   Benefits Nonexclusive.............................................18
 11.08   Discharge of Company Obligation...................................18
 11.09   Costs of Enforcement..............................................19
 11.10   Gender and Case...................................................19
 11.11   Titles and Headings...............................................19
 11.12   Applicable Law....................................................19
 11.13   Counterparts......................................................19
 11.14   Definitions.......................................................19

                                      ii


                                  ARTICLE I
                      TITLE, PURPOSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE

     1.01   Title.  This plan shall be known as the Nordstrom Executive
Deferred Compensation Plan, and any reference in this instrument to the "Plan"
shall include the plan as described herein and as amended from time to time.

     1.02   Purpose.  The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan
maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a
select group of management or highly compensated employees of Nordstrom, Inc.,
a Washington corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Company"), within
the meaning of Section 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(4) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").

     1.03   Effective Date.  The Plan was originally effective as of January
1, 1994.  The Plan was subsequently amended on a number of occasions and, in
order to provide a number of Plan design changes, to make changes in Plan
administration and to otherwise clarify certain Plan provisions, the Company
adopts this Restatement of the Plan, effective January 1, 2003.


                                  ARTICLE II
                                 ELIGIBILITY

     2.01   Eligible Employee.  An "Eligible Employee" means, for any Plan
Year, any employee of the Company who:  (a) is employed in a "Leadership"
capacity as defined by the Company's Human Resources Department; and (b) has
current annualized Base Compensation (as defined in 3.01(b)(i)) of not less
than eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000).  Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, all Eligible Employees will be eligible to defer compensation and
receive benefits at the time and in the manner provided hereunder.

     2.02   Entry Date.  An Eligible Employee shall be eligible to Participate
in the Plan on the earlier of: (1) January 1 of the year following the year in
which he or she became an Eligible Employee (to allow Eligible Employees who
are new Participants, and continuing Participants, the opportunity to enroll
during the Plan Year open enrollment under 2.03(a)); or (2) March 1, June 1 or
September 1 following the date he or she first becomes an Eligible Employee
(allowing such Participants to enroll as New Participants effective April 1,
July 1 and October 1 under 2.03(b)).

     2.03   Time of Participation.  An Eligible Employee becomes a
"Participant" in the Plan for the Plan Year when he or she elects to defer a
portion of Eligible Compensation (defined in 3.01(b)) prior to the applicable
Election Date pursuant to the terms of the Plan and Article III. The "Election
Date" is the date by which an Eligible Employee must submit a valid Deferral
Agreement to the Company, determined as follows:


                                      1


     a.  Plan Year Open Enrollment.  The applicable Election Date for any
given Plan Year is the preceding December 31 or such other date as the Company
may determine, provided that the Election Date for any given Plan Year must be
a date prior to the commencement of such year.

     b. New Participants.  The applicable Election Date for any employee who
first becomes an Eligible Employee during the Plan Year is thirty (30) days
after his or her first Entry Date under 2.02.

An individual remains a Participant as long as he or she has an account
balance that has not yet been entirely distributed; provided, however, that
Participants who are no longer Eligible Employees may no longer elect to defer
any amounts under this Plan.

     2.04   Subsequent Ineligibility.  If, prior to a Participant's
Retirement, the Committee determines, based upon a judicial or administrative
determination or an opinion of counsel, that the Participant has ceased to be
a member of a "select group of management or highly compensated employees" of
the Company within the meaning of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(4) of
ERISA, such Participant shall cease participating in the Plan and become
ineligible to accrue benefits hereunder (until such time as the individual
once again becomes a member of such "select group").


                                  ARTICLE III
                           DEFERRAL OF COMPENSATION

     3.01   Deferral Elections.  Upon becoming eligible to be a Participant
under Section 2.02, and for any Plan Year thereafter (subject to Section
2.04), an Eligible Employee must properly execute a Deferral Agreement on or
before the applicable Election Date.

     a.   Deferral Agreement.   As used in this Plan, the term "Deferral
Agreement" means the form prescribed by the Committee, and developed in
conjunction with the Company's Compensation & Leadership Benefits Department
("Compensation & Leadership Benefits"), and by which the Participant indicates
and agrees to the portion of Participant's Eligible Compensation he or she
elects to defer for any Plan Year.  For this purpose, an Eligible Employee
will be considered to have "properly executed" such Deferral Agreement when
they have either enrolled via an online system, or completed, signed and
returned the appropriate form of Deferral Agreement, each in a manner
designated by Compensation & Leadership Benefits.  Such Deferral Agreement
shall apply only with respect to compensation to be earned in periods after
the date of such election.  In the case of an initial Deferral Agreement, such
agreement shall also indicate directions with respect to distribution options
and in-service withdrawals.  No Deferral Agreement shall be effective until
approved by the Company.

                                      2



     b.   Eligible Compensation.  For purposes of this Plan, the following
items of a Participant's remuneration shall be considered "Eligible
Compensation":

          (i)    Base Compensation.  Such Participant's Base Compensation,
which means a Participant's base salary scheduled to be paid in the normal
course through the Company's regular payroll cycles (including amounts
characterized by the Company as International Premium Pay), without regard to
any reimbursements, deferrals or contributions hereunder or under either the
Nordstrom Profit Sharing Retirement Plan (the "Profit Sharing Plan"), or the
Nordstrom Employee Deferral Retirement Plan (the "401(k) Plan"), the Company's
125 Plan or the Company's Dependent Care Spending Account Plan

          (ii)   Bonus Compensation.  Such Participant's bonus compensation,
schedule to be paid to the Participant in cash;

          (iii)  Signing Bonus.  Such Participant's contingent signing bonus,
but only if the payment by the Company of such signing bonus is subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture for a period of at least one year; and

          (iv)   Performance Share Units.  Such Participant's Performance
Share Units as defined in and governed by the separately stated 1997 Nordstrom
Stock Option Plan (as it may be amended from time to time), provided, however,
that such Units may be deferred if a valid Deferral Agreement pertaining to
such Units is executed by the Participant by an Election Date which is at
least 12 months prior to the vesting of such Units.

     3.02   Amount of Deferral.  A Participant may, for any Plan Year,
irrevocably elect to have the following amounts of Eligible Compensation
deferred and credited to the Participant's Bookkeeping Account in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Plan:

     a.   Base Compensation.  All or a portion of the Participant's Base
Compensation expressed as either a percentage or a flat dollar amount; for
Participant's enrolling during the Plan Year open enrollment, such
Participant's Base Compensation shall not be reduced below fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000.00) for the Plan Year by reason of deferrals under this Plan;

     b.   Bonus Compensation.  For Participants electing deferrals during a
Plan Year open enrollment under 2.03(a), all or a portion of the Participant's
bonus compensation payable for a Plan Year, other than a signing bonus
(provided, however, that a bonus payable for a Plan Year may not actually be
paid, and any elected deferral deducted therefrom, may not be made, until a
subsequent Plan Year, for which this

                                      3



election shall remain irrevocable).  Current Employees who become new
Participants and who elect to enroll under 2.03(b) shall not be eligible to
defer Bonus Compensation payable for the Plan Year during which their
enrollment occurs.  Individuals who are Eligible Employees at the time of
their employment commencement date shall be eligible to defer bonus
compensation when enrolling under 2.03(b);

     c.   Signing Bonus.  All or a portion of the Participant's contingent
signing bonus (provided, however, that any deferred signing bonus shall be
credited to the Participant's Bookkeeping Account as of the date Participant
is hired by the Company, but Participant's rights to the portion of such
Bookkeeping Account attributable to such deferred signing bonus shall not vest
in Participant until one (1) year after the date Participant is hired by the
Company); and

     d.   Performance Share Units.  All or a portion of a Participant's
unvested Performance Share Units awarded by the Company, provided such Units
are scheduled to vest no earlier than the Plan Year following the Plan Year
for which the election is made.

     3.03   Minimum Deferral.  Each Participant must agree to defer a minimum
of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per Plan Year; provided, however, that this
minimum need not be met if Eligible Compensation actually paid is insufficient
to yield such minimum deferral in accordance with the Participant's Deferral
Election.

     3.04   Company Contribution Allocations.  The following Company
contributions are permitted under the Plan:

     a.   Make-up Contribution. Each Plan Year, the Company shall allocate to
each Participant an amount corresponding to the Participant's lost share of
Company contributions to its Profit Sharing Plan at the time the Company's
Profit Sharing Plan contribution for such year is made, determined as follows:
(i) an amount, if any, equal to such Participant's lost share of contributions
and forfeitures under the Company's Profit Sharing Plan; and (ii) an amount,
if any, equal to such Participant's lost share of matching contributions (but
not salary deferral contributions) under the 401(k) Plan.  For purposes of
this allocation, a Participant's "lost share" of contribution, forfeitures and
match is the amount of contributions not made to the Profit Sharing and 401(k)
Plans that are attributable to (a) the reduction in the Participant's
compensation (as defined by those plans) by reason of deferrals hereunder, and
(b) the Participant's exclusion under those plans' provisions as a highly
compensated employee in his or her first or second year of participation, as
applicable.

     b.   Company Discretionary Contributions. In addition to any Company
contributions made in accordance with 3.04(a), the Company may, in its sole
discretion, make discretionary contributions to the Accounts of one or more
Participants at such times, in such amounts, and vested in such manner, as the
Board or the Committee may determine.  Such discretionary contributions shall
be credited to the applicable

                                      4



Participant's Deemed Investment Sub-Account and distributed in accordance with
the provisions of the Plan and such Participant's elections.

     3.05   Deferral of Retention Bonus or Separation Payments Prohibited.   A
Participant may not defer any amounts paid to the Participant that are
designated by the Company as either Separation or retention bonus payments.
For this purpose, a "retention bonus" is any amount paid to the Participant
specifically in exchange for their remaining an Employee of the Company for a
specified period. A "Separation payment" is any amount paid to a Participant
as a result of their termination of employment with the Company; provided,
however, that nothing in this Section 3.05 shall prevent the Company from
negotiating a separation agreement, the provisions of which include a Company
Discretionary Contribution under Section 3.04(b).

     3.06   Requirement for Deferral Agreement.  A Participant who has not
timely submitted a valid Deferral Agreement may not defer any Eligible
Compensation (or receive the corresponding Company contribution allocation
under 3.04) for the applicable Plan Year under the Plan.

     3.07   Applicability of Deferral Agreement. A Deferral Agreement remains
in effect for the Plan Year to which it applies; provided that deferrals may,
in the sole and absolute discretion of the Committee, be suspended during any
period in which the Participant is suffering from an unforeseen financial
emergency, as described in Section 6.02(a)(i), or is considered disabled for
purposes of the Company's Long-Term Disability Program.  A Participant must
file a new Deferral Agreement for each Plan Year.  The terms of any Deferral
Agreement may, but need not be, similar to the terms of any prior Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE IV
                        DEFERRAL ACCOUNT AND CREDITING

     4.01   Bookkeeping Account.  A "Bookkeeping Account" is the account
established on the books of the Company as a record of each Participant's Plan
balance.  A Bookkeeping Account may, at the discretion of the Committee,
include one or more sub?accounts to reflect amounts credited to a Participant
under the various terms of the Plan.  As of the effective date of this
Restatement, the Committee has established the following sub-accounts:

     a.   Deemed Investment Sub-Account:  A Deemed Investment sub-account,
reflecting the Participant's account balance resulting from the deferral of
Eligible Compensation (other than Performance Share Units or other stock-based
compensation), Company Contribution Allocations under Section 3.04, and the
Participant's deemed investment of such amount under Section 4.03.  The
balance in such sub-account shall be expressed as a dollar amount.

                                      5



     b.   Share Unit Sub-Account.  A Share Unit Sub-Account reflecting the
number of Performance Share Units or other stock-based compensation in which
the Participant is vested and has deferred under the Plan.  The balance in
such sub-account shall be expressed in Units (denominated in units of shares
of the Company's Common Stock).

     4.02   Time of Crediting Accounts.  Amounts deferred by a Participant
under the Plan and any Company contribution allocations made on behalf of that
Participant shall be credited to the Participant's Bookkeeping Account as soon
as administratively practicable after the date deferred amounts would
otherwise have been received (or beneficially received in the case of Company
contributions) by the Participant.  Subject to 4.04(c)(ii) regarding the
underwriting of the Plan's investment vehicles, Earnings shall be credited to
a Participant's Bookkeeping Account on the date determined by the Company, but
no later than the month following the month in which deferrals and Company
contributions were credited to the Bookkeeping Account in accordance with the
preceding sentence.  Earnings are based on the performance of the investment
options selected by Participants in accordance with Section 4.03.

     4.03   Participant Deemed Investments.  Subject to Section 4.03(b), each
Participant may, from time to time, select from the various indices provided
by the Committee (under Section 4.04(b)) in which his or her Bookkeeping
Account will be deemed invested; provided, however, that the Committee is
under no obligation to acquire or provide any of the investments designated by
the Participant.

     a.   Deemed Investment Sub-Account Valuation.  A Participant's Deemed
Investment Sub-Account shall be credited or debited on a monthly basis with
additional amounts equal to the appreciation (or loss) such accounts would
have experienced had they actually been invested in the specified fund indices
at the relevant times.  This crediting and debiting will take into account the
date that a Participant's Bookkeeping Account transactions (such as deferrals,
contributions, distributions and transfers among funds) are actually reflected
by the Plan's record-keeping system.

      b.   Share Unit Sub-Account Valuation.  The number of Units in a
Participant's Share Unit Sub-Account shall be appropriately adjusted
periodically to reflect any dividend, split, split-up or any combination or
exchange, however accomplished, with respect to the shares of the Company's
Common Stock represented by such Units.

     4.04   Investments by the Company.  In order to provide funds to satisfy
its obligations under the Plan, the Company may, but shall not be required to,
keep cash or invest and reinvest in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, securities or
any other assets as may be reasonably selected by the Committee in its
discretion.  Such investments may, but need not, follow the investment indices
chosen by the Participants.

     a.   Investment Advice.  In the exercise of the foregoing investment
powers, the Committee may engage investment counsel and, if the Committee so
desires, may

                                      6



delegate to such counsel full or limited authority to select the assets in
which the funds are to be selected.  Such investment counsel may be an Officer
and Employee of the Company.

     b.   Choice of Investment Indices.  The Committee, or its investment
counsel, may specify one or more investment funds to serve as indices for the
investment performance of amounts credited under the Bookkeeping Accounts.
The Committee has the authority to expand or limit the type or number of fund
indices and to prescribe, in conjunction with the Company, the frequency with
which Participants may change their deemed investment elections.

     c.   Insurance.  In the event that, in its discretion, the Company
purchases an insurance policy or policies insuring the life of the Participant
to allow the Company to recover the cost of providing the benefits hereunder,
neither the Participant, Participant's Beneficiary, nor any other person shall
have or acquire any rights whatsoever in such policy or policies or in the
proceeds therefrom.  If the Company elects to purchase a life insurance or
annuity policy on the life of the participant:

     (i)   The Participant shall, as a condition to continued participation,
sign any papers and undergo any medical examinations or tests that may be
necessary or required for such purpose; and

     (ii)  Notwithstanding the Participant's election or direction or any
provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Participant's Bookkeeping Account
will be deemed invested in a money market fund or instrument or other liquid
asset selected by the Committee or its delegate, pending the underwriting and
delivery of such policy or annuity.

     4.05   Limited Effect of Allocation.  The fact that any allocation shall
be made and credited to a Bookkeeping Account shall not vest in a Participant
any right, title or interest in or to any assets of the Company, or in any
right to payment, except at the time(s) and upon the conditions elsewhere set
forth in the Plan.

     4.06   Report of Account.  A Participant shall be provided information
regarding Participant's Bookkeeping Account balance within a reasonable time
after requesting such information from Compensation & Leadership Benefits.
The Company shall furnish each Participant with statements on a periodic
basis, no less frequently than annually, as soon as administratively
practicable after the allocations for the end of the Plan Year have been
completed.  The Company may, in its discretion, provide Participants with
account balance statements more frequently than provided in the preceding
sentence.

                                      7



                                  ARTICLE V
                        RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANT IN PLAN

     5.01   Ownership Rights in Bookkeeping Account.  Subject to the
restrictions provided in this Article and in Section 3.02(c) and (d), each
Participant shall at all times have a vested right to the value of such
Participant's Bookkeeping Account.

     5.02   Rights in Plan are Unfunded and Unsecured.  The Company's
obligation under the Plan shall in every case be an unfunded and unsecured
promise to pay.  A Participant's right to Plan distributions shall be no
greater than those of general, unsecured creditors of the Company.  The
Company may establish one or more grantor trusts (as defined in Code Section
671 et seq.) to facilitate the payment of benefits hereunder; however, the
Company shall not be obligated under any circumstances to fund its financial
obligations under the Plan.  Any assets which the Company may acquire or set
aside to defray its financial liabilities shall be general assets of the
Company, and such assets, as well as any assets set aside in a grantor trust,
shall be subject to the claims of its general creditors.

     5.03   No Transfer of Interest in Plan Allowed.  Except as permitted by
applicable law, no sale, transfer, alienation, assignment, pledge,
collateralization or attachment of any benefits under the Plan shall be valid
or recognized by the Company.  Neither the Participant, Participant's spouse
or a designated Beneficiary shall have any power to hypothecate, mortgage,
commute, modify or otherwise encumber in advance of any of the benefits
payable hereunder.  Said benefits shall not be subject to seizure for the
payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, maintenance owed by the Participant
or a Beneficiary, or be transferable by operation of law in the event of
bankruptcy, insolvency, or otherwise.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Company may, if the Committee so determines in its sole discretion, follow the
terms of any court order issued in connection with any domestic relations
proceeding including but not limited to marital dissolution or child support.

     5.04   Plan Binding upon Parties.  The Plan shall be binding upon the
Company, its assigns, and any successor company that acquires substantially
all of its assets and business through merger, acquisition or consolidation;
and upon all Participants and any Participant's Beneficiaries, assigns, heirs,
executors and administrators.

                                 ARTICLE VI
                                DISTRIBUTIONS

     6.01   Retirement.  A Participant's "Retirement" shall mean the
Participant's Early Retirement, if applicable, or if not applicable, the later
of the Participant's Normal Retirement Date or the date of the Participant's
Termination Event, each as defined below.

     a.   Early Retirement. Early Retirement shall mean (i), (ii), or (iii),
as applicable:

                                      8



          (i)    Eligible August 19, 2003.  For Participants who had attained
the age of at least fifty (50) years of age and had completed at least ten
(10) years of service on August 19, 2003, Early Retirement shall mean such
Participant's Termination Event.

          (ii)   SERP Executives.  For Participants who are also designated as
an Executive under the Company's "Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan"
("SERP"), Early Retirement shall mean such Participant's Termination Event on
or after such Participant's Early Retirement Date under Section 2.02(a)(ii) of
the SERP.

          (iii)  All Other Participants. For Participants who were not
eligible for Early Retirement on August 19, 2003, and who also are not SERP
Executives, Early Retirement shall mean the date of the Participant's
Termination Event provided that such Participant is at least fifty-three (53)
but less than fifty-eight (58) years of age on such date and has at least ten
(10) years of service with the Company.

     b.   Normal Retirement Date.  A Participant's Normal Retirement Date
under this Plan shall be his or her 58th birthday; provided, however, that the
Normal Retirement Date for Participants who also are designated as Executives
under the SERP shall be their Normal Retirement Date under Section 2.02(a)(i)
of the SERP.

     c.   Termination Event. For purposes of the Plan, the term "Termination
Event" shall mean the termination of a Participant's employment with any of
the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

     d.   Years of Service.  For this purpose, years of service are measured
in consecutive full years (i.e., 12 months), based on service from
Participant's most recent date of hire.

     e.   Transfer Between Entities. Notwithstanding subparagraph (c) of this
Section, a termination of a Participant's employment as a result of such
Participant's transfer to a subsidiary or affiliate (whether or not
participating) shall not constitute a Termination Event.

     6.02   In-Service Distributions.  While a Participant is employed by the
Company, a subsidiary or affiliate, the Participant may receive Plan
distributions as provided in this Section 6.02.

     a.   Hardship Distributions.  At the request of a Participant, before
such Participant incurs a Termination Event, or at the request of any of the
Participant's Beneficiaries after the Participant's death, the Committee may,
in its sole discretion, pay all or part of the value of the Participant's
Bookkeeping Account in the event of an

                                      9



unforeseen financial emergency beyond the requesting party's control.  Such
hardship distributions may be allowed only as follows:

          (i.)    Financial Emergency.  In this context, an "unforeseen
financial emergency" is defined as (1) a severe financial hardship, (2) the
loss of a Participant's or Beneficiary's property due to casualty, or (3)
other similar extraordinary, unforeseeable and unforeseen circumstances
arising as a result of events beyond the control of the requesting party.

          (ii.)   Amount.  The amount of an accelerated distribution shall be
limited to an amount necessary to relieve such emergency.

     b.   Scheduled Distributions.  Prior to Retirement, a Participant may
elect, in his or her initial Deferral Agreement, to receive a specified
percentage of Participant's Bookkeeping Account in one or more annual
installments commencing not earlier than his or her sixth (6th) year of
participation, whether or not the Participant has incurred a Termination
Event; provided that such designation may be canceled or the distribution
extended to a later date as long as such cancellation or extension is made at
least one year prior to the beginning of the Plan Year in which such
distribution would otherwise commence.

     c.   In-Service Distributions - With Penalty.  A Participant may, before
Retirement, request to withdraw the balance of such Participant's Bookkeeping
Account prior to the time such balance is otherwise due and payable under the
Plan and for reasons other than those described in the Hardship or Scheduled
Distributions under Sections 6.02(a) and (b).  In such a case, no partial
withdrawals of that balance shall be allowed.  The Participant shall make this
request by giving the Committee advance written notice of the election in a
form determined from time to time by the Committee.  Any such withdrawal
request granted by the Committee or its delegate shall be subject to a penalty
equal to ten percent (10%) of the portion of the Participant's Bookkeeping
Account balance determined immediately prior to such withdrawal that is not
otherwise due and payable.  The Company shall distribute the balance of such
Participant's Bookkeeping Account, reduced by the penalty amount, as soon as
administratively practicable after the Participant's request.  Once such
distribution is made, the Participant shall cease to be an Eligible Employee
for the remainder of the Plan Year of the distribution and for the next
following Plan Year.

     6.03   Distribution Following Termination.  If a Participant's
Termination Event occurs prior to Retirement, such Participant shall receive
the value of his or her Bookkeeping Account in a single payment as soon as
administratively practicable after such Termination Event, or if determined
appropriate in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Committee (or its
delegate), payment shall be made in equal annual installments over a specified
period of years.

                                      10



     6.04   Retirement Distributions.  Upon Retirement, a Participant may
receive Plan distributions as provided in this Section 6.04.

     a.   Distribution Options.  Distribution of a Participant's Bookkeeping
Account balance shall be made as soon as administratively practicable after a
Participant's Retirement, and according to the distribution options specified
on the Participant's initial Deferral Agreement. Bookkeeping Accounts subject
to installment payment shall continue to be valued as provided in Section
4.03.  A Participant may modify any distribution format election at any time
prior to the date that is three (3) years before his Retirement.  The
distribution options available to a Participant are: (i) Lump sum payment; or
(ii) five (5), ten (10) or fifteen (15) year installment payments.

     b.   Early Withdrawal.  A Participant not receiving a Lump Sum Payment
may, at or after Retirement, elect to withdraw the balance of such
Participant's Bookkeeping Account prior to the time such balance is otherwise
due and payable under the Plan.  No partial withdrawals of that balance shall
be allowed.  The Participant shall make this request by giving the Committee
advance written notice in a form determined from time to time by the
Committee.  Any such withdrawal approved by the Committee shall be subject to
a penalty equal to ten percent (10%) of the portion of the Participant's
Bookkeeping Account balance determined immediately prior to such withdrawal
that is not otherwise due and payable.  The Company shall distribute the
balance of such Participant's Bookkeeping Account, reduced by the penalty
amount, as soon as administratively practicable following the Participant's
request.  Once distribution is made, the Participant shall cease to
participate in the Plan and shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan
in the future.

     6.05   Cash and Stock Distributions.  Distributions of a Participant's
Deemed Investment Sub-Account Account shall be made in cash only.
Distributions of a Participant's Share Unit Sub-Account shall be made in
Common Stock of the Company.

     6.06   Distributions Following Change of Control.  If the Committee
determines in good faith prior to a Change in Control that there is a
reasonable likelihood that any compensation paid to a Participant for a
taxable year of the company would not be deductible by the Company solely by
reason of the limitation under Code section 162(m), then to the extent deemed
necessary by the Company to ensure that the entire amount of any distribution
to the Participant pursuant to this Plan prior to the Change in Control is
deductible, the Company may defer all or any portion of the distribution.

     a.   Continued Crediting of Interest.  Any amounts deferred pursuant to
this limitation shall continue to be credited with interest or earnings
pursuant to the terms hereof.  The amounts so deferred and interest thereon
shall be distributed to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary (in the
event of a death benefit required hereunder) at the earliest possible date, as
determined by the Committee in good faith, on which the deductibility of
compensation paid or payable to the Participant for the taxable year of the

                                      11



Company during which the distribution is made will not be limited by Code
section 162(m), or if earlier, the effective date of a Change in Control.

     b.   "Change in Control" Defined.  The term "Change in Control" means the
purchase or other acquisition by any person, entity or group of persons,
within the meaning of section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act"), or any comparable successor provisions, of beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d?3 promulgated under the Act) of thirty
percent (30%) or more of either the outstanding shares of common stock or the
combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities
entitled to vote generally, or the approval by the stockholders of the Company
of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation, in each case, with respect to
which persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such
reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own
more than fifty  percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or
consolidated Company's then outstanding securities, or a liquidation or
dissolution of the Company or of the sale of all or substantially all of the
Company's assets.

     6.07   Discretionary Distributions.  The Committee may, in its sole and
absolute discretion, accelerate the distribution of the balance of such
Participant's Bookkeeping Account prior to the time such balance is otherwise
due and payable under the Plan if the Committee determines either that such
balance is below a minimum amount, or under such other circumstances as
determined by the Committee from time to time.  A distribution pursuant to
this section shall not be subject to a penalty.  The Company shall distribute
the balance of such Participant's Bookkeeping Account as soon as
administratively practicable following the Committee's determination.


                                 ARTICLE VII
                                DEATH BENEFITS

     7.01   Designation of Beneficiary.  A Participant shall designate a
Beneficiary to receive death benefits under the Plan by completing the
beneficiary designation form specified by the Committee.  A Participant shall
have the right to change the Beneficiary by submitting to Compensation &
Leadership Benefits a form designating the Participant's change of
Beneficiary.  No beneficiary designation or change of beneficiary shall be
effective until approved by the Company.

     a.   Deemed Beneficiary.  If no designation has been made, or if the
Beneficiary has predeceased the Participant, then the Participant will be
deemed to have designated the following as his or her surviving beneficiaries
and contingent beneficiaries with priority in the order named below:

          (i)    first, to his widow or her widower, as the case may be;

                                      12



          (ii)   next, to his or her children, in equal shares;

          (iii)  next, to his or her parents, in equal shares;

          (iv)   next, to his or her brothers and sisters, in equal shares; or

          (v)    next, to his or her estate.

     b.   Surviving Beneficiary.  For purposes of determining the appropriate
named or deemed beneficiary or contingent beneficiary, an individual is
considered to survive the Participant if that individual is alive seven (7)
days after the date of the Participant's death.

     7.02   Determination of Account Balance at Death.  The remaining value of
Participant's Bookkeeping Account shall be determined as of the later of: (a)
the date of the Participant's death; or (b) the date the Committee approves
the distribution under Section 7.03.  The amounts in such Account shall be
maintained in the Sub-Accounts under Section 4.03 unless the Participant's
Beneficiary elects in writing to invest such amounts in a separate interest-
bearing account and earn interest under such account.  At such time as such
instructions can be implemented, such amounts shall cease being credited with
earnings or losses as deemed invested under Section 4.03(a).

     7.03   Distribution of Bookkeeping Account Balance at Death.  Upon a
Participant's death, the value of Participant's Bookkeeping Account shall be
distributed as follows:

     a.   Death Prior to Retirement.  If a Participant dies before Retirement,
the Participant's Beneficiary shall receive the balance of the Participant's
Bookkeeping Account.  Additionally, if such Participant's death is not
attributable to suicide committed within two (2) years of becoming a
Participant, such Beneficiary shall receive an amount equal to twice the
Participant's actual deferrals under Section 3.02 (exclusive of any earnings
thereon).  This 7.03.a. pre-retirement death benefit shall be paid in three
(3) substantially equal annual cash payments of principal plus amounts
credited under Section 7.02.

     b.   Death After Retirement.  If a Participant dies after Retirement, the
Participant's Beneficiary shall receive the Participant's remaining Account
Balance in a manner consistent with the Participant's distribution election
under Section 6.04 together with amounts credited under Section 7.02.

     7.04   Determination of Beneficiary.  If the Committee has any doubt as
to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments hereunder, the Committee shall
have the right to direct the Company to withhold such payments until the
matter is finally adjudicated.  However, as provided in Section 11.08, any
payment made by the Company, in good faith and in accordance

                                      13



with the Plan and the directions of the Committee shall fully discharge the
Company, the Board and the Committee from all further obligations with respect
to that payment.

     7.05   Payments to Minor or Incapacitated Beneficiaries.  In distributing
property hereunder to or for the benefit of any minor or incapacitated
Beneficiary, the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may direct
the Company to make such distribution to a legal or natural guardian of such
Beneficiary, or to any adult with whom the minor or incompetent temporarily or
permanently resides.  The receipt by such guardian or other adult shall be a
complete discharge of liability to the Company, the Board, and the Committee.
Neither the Board, the Committee, nor the Company shall have any
responsibility to see to the proper application of any payments so made.

     7.06   Acceleration of Death Benefits.  Anything in this Article to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Committee may, in its sole and absolute
discretion, accelerate any death benefit payments hereunder.

     7.07   Effect of Divorce.  If a Participant and his or her named
beneficiary are or become married and thereafter their marriage is dissolved
by entry of a decree of dissolution or other court order having the effect of
dissolving the marriage, then any such pre-divorce beneficiary designation
shall be deemed automatically revoked as to such beneficiary spouse as of the
date of such dissolution unless the death benefit rights of such former spouse
are subsequently reaffirmed by a qualified domestic relations order or the
Participant's subsequent written designation.


                                 ARTICLE VIII
                          ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

     8.01   Plan Sponsor and Administrator.  The Company is the "Plan
Sponsor," and its address is:  Nordstrom, Inc., 1700 Seventh Avenue, Seattle,
Washington 98101-4407.  The Committee is the "Plan Administrator."  The
Company's senior officer with responsibility for Human Resources, along with
its Compensation & Leadership Benefits Department, have been selected to
assist the Committee in its day to day responsibilities with respect to the
Plan.  The Committee is the named fiduciary charged with responsibility for
administering the Plan.  The Committee, with the advice of the Company, will
make such rules and computations and will take such other actions to
administer the Plan as the Committee may deem appropriate.

     8.02   Authority of Committee.  As Plan Administrator, the Committee has
the sole and exclusive discretion, authority and responsibility to construe
and interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan, to remedy and resolve
ambiguities, to grant or deny any and all claims for benefits and to determine
all issues relating to eligibility for benefits.  All actions taken by the
Committee as Plan Administrator, or its delegate, will be conclusive and
binding on all person having any interest under the Plan, subject only to the
provisions of Article IX.  All findings,

                                      14



decisions and determinations of any kind made by the Committee or its delegate
shall not be disturbed unless the Committee has acted in an arbitrary and
capricious manner.

     8.03   Exercise of Authority.  All resolutions or other actions taken by
the Committee shall be either:  (a) by vote of a majority of those present at
a meeting at which a majority of the members are present; or (b) in writing by
a majority of all the members at the time in office if they act without a
meeting.

     8.04   Delegation of Authority.  The Committee may delegate all or part
of its responsibilities, authority and discretion under the Plan to other
persons.  The duties of the Committee under the Plan will be carried out in
its name by the officers, directors and employees of the Company.  Any such
delegation shall carry with it the full discretion and authority vested in the
Committee under Section 8.02.  As of the effective date of the Restated Plan,
the Committee has delegated the day-to-day administration of the Plan to
Compensation & Leadership Benefits, under the direction of the senior
corporate officer with responsibility for Human Resources.

     8.05   Reliance on Opinions.  The members of the Committee and the
officers and directors of the Company shall be entitled to rely on all
certificates and reports made by any duly appointed accountants, and on all
opinions given by any duly appointed legal counsel, including legal counsel
for the Company.

     8.06   Information.  The Company shall supply full and timely information
to the Committee on all matters relating to the compensation of Participants,
the date and circumstances of the termination of employment or death of a
Participant and such other pertinent information as the Committee may
reasonably require.

     8.07   Indemnification.  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless
each Committee or Board member, and Company Employee performing services or
acting in any capacity with respect to the Plan, from and against any and all
expenses and liabilities arising in connection with services performed in
regard to this Plan.  Expenses against which such individual shall be
indemnified hereunder shall include, without limitation, the amount of any
settlement or judgment, costs, counsel fees and related charges reasonably
incurred in connection with a claim asserted, or a proceeding brought or
settlement thereof.  The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in
addition to any other rights to which any such individual may be entitled as a
matter of law or other agreement.


                                  ARTICLE IX
                               CLAIMS PROCEDURE

     9.01   Submittal of Claim.  Benefits shall be paid in accordance with the
provisions of this Plan.  The Participant, or any person claiming through the
Participant

                                      15



("Claiming Party"), shall make a written request for benefits under this Plan,
mailed or delivered to the Committee.  Such claim shall be reviewed by the
Committee or its delegate.

     9.02   Denial of Claim.  If a claim for payment of benefits is denied in
full or in part, the Committee or its delegate shall provide a written notice
to the Claiming Party within ninety (90) days setting forth:  (a) the specific
reasons for denial; (b) any additional material or information necessary to
perfect the claim; (c) an explanation of why such material or information is
necessary; and (d) an explanation of the steps to be taken for a review of the
denial.  A claim shall be deemed denied if the Committee or its delegate does
not take any action within the aforesaid ninety (90) day period).

     9.03   Review of Denied Claim.  If the Claiming Party desires Committee
review of a denied claim, the Claiming Party shall notify the Committee or its
delegate in writing within sixty (60) days after receipt of the written notice
of denial.  As part of such written request, the Claiming Party may request a
review of the Plan document or other pertinent documents, may submit any
written issues and comments, and may request an extension of time for such
written submission of issues and comments.

     9.04   Decision upon Review of Denied Claim.  The decision on the review
of the denied claim shall be rendered by the Committee within sixty (60) days
after receipt of the request for review (if no hearing is held) or within
sixty (60) days after the hearing if one is held.  The decision shall be in
writing and shall state the specific reasons for the decision, including
reference to specific provisions of the Plan on which the decision is based.


                                  ARTICLE X
                          AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

     The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the Plan at any time.  Such
amendment or termination may modify or eliminate any benefit hereunder,
provided that no such amendment or termination shall in any way reduce the
vested portion of the affected Participants' or Beneficiaries' Bookkeeping
Accounts.  In addition, the Committee has the authority on behalf of the
Board, to review, finalize, approve and adopt amendments to the Plan, other
than amendments relating to benefit amounts and Plan eligibility.


                                  ARTICLE XI
                                MISCELLANEOUS

     11.01   No Employment Contract.  The terms and conditions of the Plan
shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between the Company
and an Eligible Employee.  Nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give an
Eligible Employee the right to be retained in the service of the Company, its
subsidiaries or affiliates or to interfere with any right

                                      16



of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates to discipline or discharge the
Eligible Employee at any time.

     11.02   Employee Cooperation.  An Eligible Employee will cooperate with
the Company by furnishing any and all information reasonably requested by any
of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, and take such other actions as
may be requested to facilitate Plan administration and the payment of benefits
hereunder.

     11.03   Illegality and Invalidity.  If any provision of this Plan is
found illegal or invalid, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the
remaining parts hereof, but the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if
such illegal and invalid provision had not been included herein.

     11.04   Required Notice.  Any notice which shall be or may be given under
the Plan or a Deferral Agreement shall be in writing and shall be mailed by
United States mail, postage prepaid, or in such other manner as the Company
determines is appropriate.  If notice is to be given to the Company, such
notice shall be addressed to the Company c/o Compensation & Leadership
Benefits Department, at 1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 900, Seattle Washington
98101-4407.  The appeal from a denied claim must be in writing and sent
physically by mail or courier to the Company.  If notice is to be given to a
Participant, such notice shall be addressed to the last known address, either
geographic or electronic, on the Company's Human Resources records.  Any
notice or filing required or permitted to be given to a Participant under this
Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand?delivered, or sent by mail
(either physical or electronic), to the last known address of the Participant.
Any party may, from time to time, change the address to which notices shall be
mailed by giving written notice of such new address.

     11.05   Interest of Participant's Spouse.  The interest in the benefits
hereunder of a spouse of a Participant who has predeceased the Participant
shall automatically pass to the Participant and shall not be transferable by
such spouse in any manner, including but not limited to such spouse's will,
nor shall such interest pass under the laws of intestate succession.

     11.06   Tax Liabilities from Plan.  If all or any portion of a
Participant's benefit under this Plan generates a state or federal income tax
liability to the Participant prior to receipt, that Participant may petition
the Committee for a distribution of funds sufficient to meet such liability
(including additions to tax, penalties and interest).  Upon the grant of such
a petition, which grant shall not be unreasonably withheld, the Company shall
distribute to the Participant immediately available funds in an amount equal
to that Participant's federal, state and local tax liability associated with
such taxation, which liability shall be measured by using that Participant's
then current highest federal, state and local marginal tax rate, plus the
rates or amounts for the applicable additions to tax, penalties and interest.
This distribution shall include an additional amount to "gross up" the tax
liability distribution to include all applicable taxes on the tax liability
distribution and the grossed up amount.  If the petition is granted, the tax
liability distribution (including gross?up) shall be made within 90 days of
the date when the Participant's petition is granted.  Such a distribution
shall affect and reduce the benefits to be paid under Articles VI and VII
hereof.

                                      17



     11.07   Benefits Nonexclusive.  The benefits provided for a Participant
and Participant's Beneficiary under the Plan are in addition to any other
benefits available to such Participant under any other plan or program for
employees of the Company.  The Plan shall supplement and shall not supersede,
modify or amend any other such plan or program except as may otherwise be
expressly provided.

     11.08   Discharge of Company Obligation.  The payment of benefits under
the Plan to a Participant or Beneficiary shall fully and completely discharge
the Company, the Board, and the Committee from all further obligations under
this Plan with respect to a Participant, and that Participant's Deferral
Agreement shall terminate upon such full payment of benefits.

     11.09   Costs of Enforcement.  If any action at law or in equity is
necessary by the Committee or the Company to enforce the terms of the Plan,
the Committee or the Company shall be entitled to recover reasonable
attorneys' fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other
relief to which that party may be entitled.

     11.10   Gender and Case.  Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise,
masculine pronouns shall include the feminine and singular words shall include
the plural and vice versa.

     11.11   Titles and Headings.  Titles and headings of the Articles and
Sections of the Plan are included for ease of reference only and are not to be
used for the purpose of construing any portion or provision of the Plan
document.

     11.12   Applicable Law.  To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the
Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

     11.13   Counterparts.  This instrument and any Deferral Agreement may be
executed in one or more counterparts, each of which is legally binding and
enforceable.

     11.14   Definitions:

     a.   "Board" means the board of directors of Nordstrom, Inc.

     b.   "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     c.   "Committee" means the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the
Board.

     d.   The "Plan Year" means the calendar year.


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument setting forth the terms and
conditions of this amendment and restatement to the NORDSTROM EXECUTIVE
DEFERRED

                                      18



COMPENSATION PLAN is executed this 19th day of August, 2003, effective January
1, 2003, except as otherwise provided herein.

                                          Nordstrom, Inc.

                                          By:    /s/ David L. Mackie
                                                 ----------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President-Real Estate
                                                 and Corporate Secretary

ATTEST:

By:    /s/ Leslie R. Thornton
       -----------------------------------------
Title: Divisional Vice President of Compensation
       and Leadership Benefits



                                                              Exhibit 31.1

Certification required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Blake W. Nordstrom, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nordstrom, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting.


Date:  September 9, 2003                  /s/ Blake W. Nordstrom
       ------------------                 ----------------------
                                          Blake W. Nordstrom
                                          President



                                                              Exhibit 31.2

Certification required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Michael G. Koppel, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nordstrom, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting.

Date:  September 9, 2003                  /s/ Michael G. Koppel
       ------------------                 ----------------------
                                          Michael G. Koppel
                                          Executive Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer



                                                           Exhibit 32.1
                            NORDSTROM, INC.

                           1617 SIXTH AVENUE

                       SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE
              OFFICER REGARDING PERIODIC REPORT CONTAINING
                          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I, Blake W. Nordstrom, the President of Nordstrom, Inc. (the "Company")
in compliance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, hereby certify that the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 2,
2003 (the "Report") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

     -  fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the
        Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     -  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
        material respects, the financial condition and results of
        operations of the Company.


                                                /s/ Blake W. Nordstrom
                                                ----------------------
                                                Blake W. Nordstrom
                                                President
                                                September 9, 2003

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has
been provided to Nordstrom, Inc. and will be retained by Nordstrom,
Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its
staff upon request.


                                                          Exhibit 32.2
                            NORDSTROM, INC.

                           1617 SIXTH AVENUE

                        SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101

                  CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL
              OFFICER REGARDING PERIODIC REPORT CONTAINING
                          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I, Michael G. Koppel, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Nordstrom, Inc. (the "Company") in compliance with 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, hereby certify that the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ended August 2, 2003 (the "Report") filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission:

     - fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the
       Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     - the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
       material respects, the financial condition and results of
       operations of the Company.


                                           /s/ Michael G. Koppel
                                           ---------------------
                                           Michael G. Koppel
                                           Executive Vice President and
                                           Chief Financial Officer
                                           September 9, 2003

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has
been provided to Nordstrom, Inc. and will be retained by Nordstrom,
Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its
staff upon request.