12.19.2000 ET

(CSRwire) Nordstrom, Inc., a Seattle-based fashion specialty retailer, was named to Fortune Magazine’s annual list of 100 Best Companies to Work For. Nordstrom, which this year ranked 68th out of 100 companies, also made Fortune’s 100 Best list in 1999, 1998 and 1997 ranking 94th, 98th and 71st respectively. Fortune noted that women outnumber men by more than two to one at Nordstrom and hold 70% of the managerial and supervisory positions. The 100 Best list may be viewed at http://www.fortune.com. A complete list of rankings and accompanying stories will appear in Fortune’s January 8, 2001 issue.

"We are honored to be included on Fortune’s list and believe our people are what make Nordstrom such a great place to work," said Blake Nordstrom, president, Nordstrom, Inc. "We don’t have a lot of rules at Nordstrom but we do empower our people to use their best judgment in taking care of our customers, one customer at a time."

The retailer offers its employees an extensive benefit program including a 401k with company matching funds, profit-sharing, a stock ownership plan, adoption assistance and domestic partner benefits to same sex couples. Nordstrom also has a long history of promoting from within—a fact that is best illustrated by the number of corporate employees, store and regional managers who began their careers on the selling floor.

Companies evaluated for Fortune’s 100 Best list were asked to randomly select employees to participate in a confidential survey about their employer. Employee responses were the most heavily weighted factor used to determine which companies made the list. Nordstrom was one of six companies based in Washington State to be selected for the magazine’s list.

Fortune also selected Nordstrom, Inc. as one of America’s Most Admired Companies in 1999 and 1998. During the same two years, Nordstrom, Inc. made the magazine’s 50 Best Companies for Asians, Blacks & Hispanics.

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 120 US stores located in 24 states, including 77 full-line stores, 37 Nordstrom Racks, three Façonnable boutiques, two free-standing shoe stores, and one clearance store. Nordstrom also operates 20 Façonnable boutiques throughout Europe. Additionally, Nordstrom serves customers through its online presence at http://www.nordstrom.com and through its direct mail catalogs. Nordstrom, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

For more information please contact: