Upscale Retailer Still Has Room To Grow

Article Excerpt

NORDSTROM INC. $38 (New York symbol JWN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 244.2 million; Market cap: $9.3 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) operates 160 upscale retail stores in 28 states, including 100 full-service department stores. Nordstrom’s smaller stores sell shoes and clearance merchandise. The company’s focus on more affluent shoppers continues to pay off. In the past four years, households with income over $75,000 a year have grown faster than the overall population. Upscale shoppers are also less likely to cut spending in the face of rising fuel costs and interest rates. Good service is a hidden asset Another big reason for Nordstrom’s success is its close attention to customer service. The company spends more time and money training employees than most other retailers, which helps build customer loyalty and spurs repeat visits. Sales associates also receive commissions in addition to a salary, so there’s more incentive for them to increase sales. Nordstrom’s sales rose from $6.0 billion in 2003 (fiscal years end…