UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K /X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 / / 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 0-6074 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 office) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 206-628-2111 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, without par value ____________________________________ (Title of class) 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. / / 1 of 19 On March 17, 1999, 142,080,328 shares of common stock were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of those shares (based upon the closing price as reported by NASDAQ) held by non-affiliates was approximately $3.3 billion. Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of Nordstrom, Inc. 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders (Parts I, II and IV) Portions of Proxy Statement for 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Part III) 2 of 19 PART I Item 1. Business. - ------------------ Nordstrom, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in the State of Washington in 1946 as successor to a retail shoe business started in 1901. As of January 31, 1999, the Company operated 67 large specialty stores in Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, selling a wide selection of apparel, shoes and accessories for women, men and children. The Company also operated 24 stores under the name "Nordstrom Rack" and one clearance store which serve as outlets for clearance merchandise from the Company's large specialty stores. The Racks also purchase merchandise directly from manufacturers. The Racks are located in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. The Company also operated three specialty boutiques in New York and California under the name "Faconnable", and two free-standing shoe stores located in Hawaii. In addition, the Company operated a Direct Sales Division which commenced operations in January 1994 with the mailing of its first catalog, and an internet shopping site, www.nordstrom.com, which was launched in October, 1998. In February 1999, the Company opened a new Rack store in Sacramento, California, and in March 1999, a large specialty store in Norfolk, Virginia. In August 1999, the Company plans to open a large specialty store in Providence, Rhode Island and replace an existing store in Spokane, Washington. In September 1999, the Company is scheduled to open large specialty stores in Mission Viejo, California and in Columbia, Maryland. In addition, the Company intends to open a new Rack store in Brea, California, in September 1999, and replace a Rack store in Lynnwood, Washington, in November 1999. The west coast of the United States, and the east coast, from southern New York to Virginia, are the markets in which the Company has the largest presence. An economic downturn or other significant event within one of those markets may have a material effect on the Company's operating results. The Company purchases merchandise from many suppliers, no one of which accounted for more than 3% of 1998 net purchases. The Company believes that it is not dependent on any one supplier, and considers its relations with its suppliers to be satisfactory. 3 of 19 Item 1. Business (continued) - ----------------------------- The Company has approximately 85 trademarks. With the exception of the Federally registered names "Nordstrom", "Classiques Entier", "Evergreen", "Preview Collection" and "Preview International", the loss or abandonment of any particular trademark would not have a significant impact on the operations of the Company. Due to the Company's anniversary sale in July and holidays in December, sales are higher in the second and fourth quarters of the fiscal year than in the first and third quarters. The Company regularly employs on a full or part-time basis an average of approximately 42,000 employees. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, the number increased to approximately 50,000 employees in July, and approximately 46,000 employees in December. The Company's business is highly competitive. Its stores compete with other national, regional and local retail establishments within its operating areas which carry similar lines of merchandise, including department stores, specialty stores, boutiques, mail order and internet businesses. The Company believes the principal methods of competing in its industry include customer service, value, fashion, advertising, store location and depth of selection. Certain other information required under Item 1 is contained within the following sections of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which sections are incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Management's Discussion and Analysis Note 1 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 14 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Retail Store Facilities Executive Officers of the Registrant - ------------------------------------ Officer Name Age Title Since Family Relationship - -------------------- --- ------------------ ------- ------------------- Jammie Baugh 45 Executive Vice 1990 None President Gail A. Cottle 47 Executive Vice 1985 None President Darren R. Jackson 34 Vice President and 1998 None Treasurer 4 of 19 Executive Officers of the Registrant (continued) - ------------------------------------------------ Officer Name Age Title Since Family Relationship - -------------------- --- ------------------ ------- ------------------- Kevin T. Knight 43 President of 1998 None Nordstrom National Credit Bank and Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Robert J. Middlemas 42 Executive Vice 1993 None President Blake W. Nordstrom 38 Co-President 1991 Brother of Erik B. and Peter E. Nordstrom Erik B. Nordstrom 35 Co-President 1995 Brother of Blake W. and Peter E. Nordstrom J. Daniel Nordstrom 36 Co-President 1995 Brother of William E. Nordstrom and cousin of James A. Nordstrom James A. Nordstrom 37 Co-President 1991 Cousin of J. Daniel and William E. Nordstrom Peter E. Nordstrom 36 Co-President 1995 Brother of Blake W. and Erik B. Nordstrom William E. Nordstrom 35 Co-President 1995 Brother of J. Daniel Nordstrom and cousin of James A. Nordstrom James R. O'Neal 40 Executive Vice 1997 None President Michael A. Stein 49 Executive Vice 1998 None President Susan A. Wilson 53 Executive Vice 1997 None Tabor President John J. Whitacre 46 Chairman of the 1989 None Board of Directors Martha S. Wikstrom 42 Executive Vice 1991 None President </table? 5 of 19 Executive Officers of the Registrant (continued) - ------------------------------------------------ Jammie Baugh has been Executive Vice President - Northwest General Manager since 1997. Prior thereto, she served as Executive Vice President - General Manager Southern California since 1991, and General Manager Southern California since 1990. Gail A. Cottle has been Executive Vice President - Nordstrom Product Group General Manager since 1996, when men's clothing, footwear and cosmetics were added to this group. The Faconnable business unit was added to this group in 1999. Prior to 1996, she was Executive Vice President of women's apparel, kid's apparel, and accessories product development since 1992. Darren R. Jackson has been Vice President and Treasurer since January 31, 1999. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President - Strategic Planning since August 1998, and as Planning Manager from February through August 1998. Prior to joining Nordstrom, he was the Chief Financial Officer for Carson Pirie Scott & Co. since 1994. Kevin T. Knight has been President of Nordstrom National Credit Bank, President of Nordstrom Credit, Inc., and General Manager of the credit business unit since April 1998. Prior to joining Nordstrom, he was Senior Vice President of Retailer Financial Services, a unit of General Electric Capital Corporation, since 1995. Prior thereto, he held various positions with General Electric since 1977. Robert J. Middlemas has been Executive Vice President - Central States General Manager since 1997. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President - Central States General Manager since 1993. Blake W. Nordstrom has been Co-President since 1995 and is currently responsible for credit, operations, and Rack business unit. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President - General Manager Washington/Alaska since 1991. Erik B. Nordstrom has been Co-President since 1995 and is currently responsible for Nordstrom Product Group. Prior thereto, he served as Store/Regional Manager - Minnesota since 1992. J. Daniel Nordstrom has been Co-President since 1995 and is currently responsible for direct sales division. Prior thereto, he served as General Manager direct sales division since 1993. James A. Nordstrom has been Co-President since 1995 and is currently responsible for the full-line store business units. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President - General Manager Northern California Region since 1991. Peter E. Nordstrom has been Co-President since 1995 and is currently responsible for Nordstrom brand development, human resources, and diversity affairs. Prior thereto, he served as Regional Manager Orange County since 1991. 6 of 19 Executive Officers of the Registrant (continued) - ------------------------------------------------ William E. Nordstrom has been Co-President since 1995 and is currently responsible for cross-business unit strategies and center integration, organizational communication, and new projects. He served as Corporate Merchandise Manager Accessories in 1995. Prior thereto, he served as Corporate Merchandise Manager Nordstrom Rack from 1992 to 1995. James R. O'Neal has been Executive Vice President - Southwest General Manager since 1997 and served as Vice President - Northern California in 1997. Prior thereto, he served as General Manager Northern California from 1995 to 1997, and served as City Regional Manager from 1993 to 1995. Michael A. Stein was hired as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on October 15, 1998. He is responsible for the Company's treasury, corporate finance, business information technology services, real estate and store planning, investor relations, controllership, tax, legal, and internal audit functions. Prior to joining Nordstrom, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Marriott International, Inc. since October 1993; as Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller of Marriott Corporation since 1991; and as Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer since 1989. Prior to joining Marriott, he spent 18 years with Arthur Andersen LLP (formerly Arthur Andersen & Co.) where, since 1982, he was a partner. Susan A. Wilson Tabor has been Executive Vice President - Rack General Manager since 1998. Prior thereto, she served as Vice President - Rack General Manager from 1997 to 1998, and served as Rack General Manager from 1993 to 1997. John J. Whitacre has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1996, and served as Co-Chairman from 1995 to 1996. Prior thereto, he served as Co-President - Shoes, Men's Wear, Operations, Finance, Product Development, Restaurant, Credit, Inventory Management Systems and Direct Sales since 1991. Martha S. Wikstrom has been Executive Vice President - East Coast General Manager since 1997. Prior thereto, she served as Vice President - General Manager Capital since 1991. The officers are re-elected annually by the Board of Directors following each year's Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Item 2. Properties. - -------------------- The following table summarizes the number of stores owned or operated by the Company and the percentage of total store area represented by each listed category at January 31, 1999: Number of % of total store stores square footage --------- ---------------- Owned stores 21 25% Leased stores 45 29 Owned on leased land 29 44 Partly owned & partly leased 2 2 --------- ---------------- 97 100% ========= ================ 7 of 19 Item 2. Properties. (continued) - -------------------------------- The Company also operates seven merchandise distribution centers, five which are owned, one which is leased, and one which is owned on leased land. The Company owns its principal offices in Seattle, Washington, and an office building in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area which serves as the principal offices of Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and Nordstrom National Credit Bank. Certain other information required under this item is included in the following sections of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which sections are incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Note 7 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 11 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Retail Store Facilities Item 3. Legal Proceedings. - --------------------------- The information required under this item is included in the following section of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which section is incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Note 15 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. - ------------------------------------------------------------- None PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company's Common Stock, without par value, is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "NOBE." The approximate number of holders of Common Stock as of March 17, 1999 was 82,500. 8 of 19 Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. (continued) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Certain other information required under this item with respect to stock prices and dividends is included in the following sections of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which sections are incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Financial Highlights Stock Prices Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Note 16 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 6. Selected Financial Data. - --------------------------------- The information required under this item is included in the following section of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which section is incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Ten-Year Statistical Summary Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The information required under this item is included in the following section of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which section is incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Management's Discussion and Analysis Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. - --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business, primarily as a result of its short-term borrowing and investment activities which generally bear interest at variable rates. Because the short-term borrowings and investments have maturities of three months or less, the Company believes that the risk of material loss is low. 9 of 19 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. (continued) - --------------------------------------------------------------------- The table below presents pricipal amounts, at book value, by year of maturity, and related weighted average interest rates. Total at Fair Value January 31, January 31, In thousands 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Thereafter 1999 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST RATE RISK ASSETS Short-term investments $231,829 $231,829 $231,829 $ 15,690 Average interest rate 5.0% 5.0% LIABILITIES Notes payable & commercial paper 78,783 78,783 78,783 263,767 Average interest rate 5.2% 5.2% Long-term debt - Fixed $ 62,963 $57,776 $11,000 $76,750 - $650,000 858,489 893,872 419,027 Average interest rate 6.9% 7.6% 8.7% 7.3% - 6.4% 6.6% Certain other information required under this item is included in the following section of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which section is incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Note 1 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. - ----------------------------------------------------- The information required under this item is included in the following sections of the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which sections are incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Consolidated Statements of Earnings Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Independent Auditors' Report Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ None 10 of 19 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. - ------------------------------------------------------------ The information required under this item with respect to the Company's Directors and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is included in the following sections of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which sections are incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year: Election of Directors Compliance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act of 1934 The information required under this item with respect to the Company's Executive Officers is incorporated by reference from Part I, Item 1 of this report under "Executive Officers of the Registrant." Item 11. Executive Compensation. - -------------------------------- The information required under this item is included in the following sections of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which sections are incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year: Compensation of Executive Officers in the Year Ended January 31, 1999 Compensation and Stock Option Committee Report on the 1998 Fiscal Year Executive Compensation Stock Price Performance Compensation of Directors Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The information required under this item is included in the following section of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which section is incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 11 of 19 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. - -------------------------------------------------------- The information required under this item is included in the following sections of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which sections are incorporated by reference herein and will be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year: Election of Directors Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation Certain Relationships and Related Transactions PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a)1. Financial Statements -------------------- The following consolidated financial information and statements of Nordstrom, Inc. and its subsidiaries and the Independent Auditors' Report are incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report: Consolidated Statements of Earnings Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Independent Auditors' Report (a)2. Financial Statement Schedules ----------------------------- Page ---- Independent Auditors' Consent and Report on Schedule 18 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 19 Other schedules for which provision is made in Regulation S-X are not required, are inapplicable, or the information is included in the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders as incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 13.1 of this report. (a)3. Exhibits -------- (3.1) Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant are hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1989, Exhibit A. 12 of 19 (a)3. Exhibits (continued) -------------------- (3.2) By-laws of the Registrant, as amended, are hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998, Exhibit 3.2. (4.1) Indenture between Registrant and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated March 11, 1998 is hereby incorporated by reference from Registration No. 333-47035, Exhibit 4.1. (4.2) Senior indenture between Registrant and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated January 13, 1999 is hereby incorporated by reference from Registration No. 333-69281, Exhibit 4.3. (4.3) Form of Subordinated Indenture between Registrant and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated January 13, 1999 is hereby incorporated by reference from Registration No. 333-69281, Exhibit 4.4. (10.1) Operating Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and Nordstrom National Credit Bank is hereby incorporated by reference from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 0-12994) for the quarter ended July 31, 1991, Exhibit 10.1, as amended. (10.2) Merchant Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1991, Exhibit 10.1. (10.3) The Nordstrom Supplemental Retirement Plan is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1993, Exhibit 10.3. (10.4) The 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1994, Exhibit 10.4. (10.5) Investment Agreement dated October 8, 1984 between the Registrant and Nordstrom Credit, Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Form 10, Exhibit 10.1. (10.6) Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Nordstrom National Credit Bank and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.1. 13 of 19 (a)3. Exhibits (continued) -------------------- (10.7) Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Nordstrom National Credit Bank, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.2. (10.8) Transfer and Administration Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Nordstrom National Credit Bank, Enterprise Funding Corporation and Nationsbank, N.A. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.3. (10.9) Receivables Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant and Nordstrom Credit, Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.12. (10.10) The Nordstrom, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Report on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-63403 filed on September 15, 1998. (10.11) Credit Agreement dated July 24, 1997 between Registrant and a group of commercial banks is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1. (10.12) Credit Agreement dated July 24, 1997 between Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and a group of commercial banks is hereby incorporated by reference from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1. (10.13) Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant and Bancamerica Securities, Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1. (10.14) Commercial Paper Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.2. (10.15) Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement dated October 2, 1997 between Registrant and First Trust of New York, N.A. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.3. 14 of 19 (a)3. Exhibits (continued) -------------------- (10.16) Amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Nordstrom National Credit Bank, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated December 10, 1997 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998, Exhibit 10.13. (10.17) Second Amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Nordstrom National Credit Bank, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated July 23, 1998 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1999, Exhibit 10.12. (10.18) First Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated July 24, 1997 between Registrant and a group of commercial banks, dated September 16, 1998 is filed herein as an Exhibit. (13.1) The Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders is filed herein as an Exhibit. (21.1) List of the Registrant's Subsidiaries is filed herein as an Exhibit. (23.1) Independent Auditors' Consent and Report on Schedule is on page 18 of this report. (27.1) Financial Data Schedule is filed herein as an Exhibit. All other exhibits are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or because the required information is included in the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders. (b) Reports on Form 8-K ------------------- No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the period for which this report is filed. 15 of 19 Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 A. Stein ---------------------------------------------------- Michael A. Stein Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) Date: March 22, 1999 -------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. Principal Accounting and Principal Executive Officer: Financial Officer: /s/ Michael A. Stein /s/ John J. Whitacre ------------------------------- -------------------------------- Michael A. Stein John J. Whitacre Executive Vice President Chairman and Director and Chief Financial Officer Directors: /s/ D. Wayne Gittinger /s/ Alfred E. Osborne, Jr. ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- D. Wayne Gittinger Alfred E. Osborne, Jr. Director Director /s/ Enrique Hernandez, Jr. /s/ William D. Ruckelshaus ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Enrique Hernandez, Jr. William D. Ruckelshaus Director Director 16 of 19 Directors (continued): /s/ Ann D. McLaughlin /s/ Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Ann D. McLaughlin Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan Director Director /s/ John A. McMillan /s/ John J. Whitacre ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- John A. McMillan John J. Whitacre Director Chairman of the Board of Directors /s/ Bruce A. Nordstrom /s/ Bruce G. Willison ------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Bruce A. Nordstrom Bruce G. Willison Director Director /s/ John N. Nordstrom ------------------------------- John N. Nordstrom Director Date: March 22, 1999 -------------- 17 of 19 Exhibit 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON SCHEDULE Shareholders and Board of Directors Nordstrom, Inc. We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements Nos. 33-18321, 33-28882, and 333-63403 on Form S-8 and in Registration Statement 333-69281 on Form S-3 of Nordstrom, Inc. of our reports dated March 12, 1999 appearing in and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended January 31, 1999. We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1999 and 1998, and for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 1999, and have issued our report thereon dated March 12, 1999; such financial statements and report are included in your 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated herein by reference. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries, listed in Item 14(a)2. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. Deloitte & Touche LLP March 22, 1999 Seattle, Washington 18 of 19 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Dollars in thousands) Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Additions Deductions ---------- ---------- Account Balance at Charged to write-offs Balance beginning costs and net of at end of Description of period expenses recoveries period - ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year ended: January 31, 1997 $29,393 $51,352 $53,952 $26,793 January 31, 1998 $26,793 $40,440 $36,849 $30,384 January 31, 1999 $30,384 $23,827 $29,668 $24,543 19 of 19 NORDSTROM INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Exhibit Index Exhibit Method of Filing - ------- ---------------- 3.1 Articles of Incorporation Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1989, Exhibit A. 3.2 By-laws, as amended Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998, Exhibit 3.2. 4.1 Indenture between Registrant and Incorporated by reference Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as from Registration No. 333- trustee, dated March 11, 1998 47035, Exhibit 4.1. 4.2 Senior indenture between Registrant Incorporated by reference and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., from Registration No. 333- as trustee, dated January 13, 1999 69281, Exhibit 4.3. 4.3 Form of Subordinated Indenture Incorporated by reference between Registrant and Norwest from Registration No. 333- Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, 69281, Exhibit 4.4. dated January 13, 1999 10.1 Operating Agreement dated August 30, Incorporated by reference 1991 between Nordstrom Credit, Inc from the Nordstrom Credit, and Nordstrom National Credit Bank Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 0-12994) for the quarter ended July 31, 1991, Exhibit 10.1, as amended. 10.2 Merchant Agreement dated August 30, Incorporated by reference 1991 between Registrant and from the Registrant's Nordstrom National Credit Bank Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1991, Exhibit 10.1. 10.3 Nordstrom Supplemental Retirement Plan Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1993, Exhibit 10.3. 10.4 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Incorporated by reference Incentive Plan from the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1994, Exhibit 10.4. 10.5 Investment Agreement dated October 8, Incorporated by reference 1984 between the Registrant and from the Nordstrom Credit, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Inc. Form 10, Exhibit 10.1. 10.6 Master Pooling and Servicing Incorporated by reference Agreement dated August 14, 1996 from the Registrant's between Nordstrom National Credit Quarterly Report on Form Bank and Norwest Bank Colorado, 10-Q for the quarter ended N.A., as trustee October 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.1. 10.7 Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Incorporated by reference Pooling and Servicing Agreement from the Registrant's dated August 14, 1996 between Quarterly Report on Form Nordstrom National Credit Bank, 10-Q for the quarter ended Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and Norwest October 31, 1996, Exhibit Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee 10.2. 10.8 Transfer and Administration Agreement Incorporated by reference dated August 14, 1996 between from the Registrant's Nordstrom National Credit Bank, Quarterly Report on Form Enterprise Funding Corporation and 10-Q for the quarter ended Nationsbank, N.A. October 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.3. 10.9 Receivables Purchase Agreement Incorporated by reference dated August 14, 1996 between from the Registrant's Form Registrant and Nordstrom Credit, 10-K for the year ended Inc. January 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.12. 10.10 1997 Nordstrom Stock Option Plan Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Report on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-63403 filed on September 15, 1998. 10.11 Credit Agreement dated July 24, 1997 Incorporated by reference between Registrant and a group from the Registrant's of commercial banks Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1. 10.12 Credit Agreement dated July 24, 1997 Incorporated by reference between Nordstrom Credit, Inc. from the Nordstrom Credit, and a group of commercial banks Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1. 10.13 Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement Incorporated by reference dated October 2, 1997 between from the Registrant's Registrant and Bancamerica Quarterly Report on Form Securities, Inc. 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1. 10.14 Commercial Paper Agreement dated Incorporated by reference October 2, 1997 between Registrant from the Registrant's and Credit Suisse First Boston Quarterly Report on Form Corporation 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.2. 10.15 Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement Incorporated by reference dated October 2, 1997 between from the Registrant's Registrant and First Trust of New Quarterly Report on Form York, N.A. 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.3. 10.16 Amendment to the Series 1996-A Incorporated by reference Supplement to Master Pooling and from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Servicing Agreement dated August Form 10-K for the year ended 14, 1996 between Nordstrom National January 31, 1998, Exhibit Credit Bank, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. 10.13. and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated December 10, 1997 10.17 Second Amendment to the Series 1996-A Incorporated by reference Supplement to Master Pooling and from the Nordstrom Credit, Inc. Servicing Agreement dated August Form 10-K for the year ended 14, 1996 between Nordstrom National January 31, 1999, Exhibit Credit Bank, Nordstrom Credit, Inc. 10.12. and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated July 23, 1998 10.18 First Amendment to the Credit Agreement Filed herewith electronically dated July 24, 1997 between Registrant and a group of commercial banks, dated September 16, 1998 13.1 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders Filed herewith electronically 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant Filed herewith electronically 23.1 Independent Auditors' Consent and Report on Schedule Filed herewith electronically 27.1 Financial Data Schedule Filed herewith electronically