Nordstrom began as a shoe store called Wallin & Nordstrom in 1901 in Seattle, Washington, founded by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. Over the years, it grew into a department store empire, evolving from a shoe store to a fashion specialty chain with global reach. Nordstrom's success is attributed to its commitment to exceptional customer service, selection, quality, and value, a philosophy established by John W. Nordstrom. 

Nordstrom opened the Spokane downtown store in 1974 Serving the Spokane Region for 50-plus years 

Here's a more detailed timeline:

• 1901: John W. Nordstrom and Carl Wallin open the first Wallin & Nordstrom shoe store in Seattle. 
• 1923: A second store opens in Seattle's University District. 
• 1928: John W. Nordstrom retires, selling his shares to his sons, Everett and Elmer. 
• 1929: Carl Wallin retires and sells his shares to the Nordstrom brothers. 
• 1930: The grand opening of the remodeled Second Avenue store marks the change of the company name to Nordstrom. 
• 1963: Nordstrom ventures into women's clothing by acquiring Seattle-based Best Apparel. 
• 1968: The third generation of Nordstrom family members take over the company. 
• 1971: Nordstrom goes public and is formally renamed Nordstrom, Inc. 
• 1973: The first Nordstrom Rack opens as a clearance center. 
• 1995: Nordstrom opens its 46th full-line department store. 
• 2000-2007: Nordstrom owns Façonnable, an upscale European apparel collection. 
• 2005: Nordstrom purchases a majority interest in Jeffrey, a luxury specialty store. 
• 2024: Nordstrom begins to exit a sales slump, with a rise in total sales and significant growth in the Nordstrom Rack division. 
• May 20, 2025: Nordstrom, Inc. is acquired by the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool.

• An incredible eye for what's next in fashion. A passionate drive to exceed expectations. For more than 100 years, we've worked to deliver the best possible shopping experience, helping our customers express their style—not just buy fashion.

  Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion retailer offering compelling clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and kids. Since 1901, we've been committed to providing our customers with the best possible service—and to improving it every day.

  This commitment has taken us from a small Seattle shoe shop to major department store.