EXHIBIT 12.1 NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. Computation of Ratio of Earnings Available for Fixed Charges to Fixed Charges (Dollars in thousands) <Table> <Caption> YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 - ---------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings before income taxes $ 71,738 $ 75,306 $ 23,429 $ 15,265 $ 34,676 Fixed charges (interest cost) 22,022 23,786 25,012 29,339 27,208 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings available for fixed charges $ 93,760 $ 99,092 $ 48,441 $ 44,604 $ 61,884 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== RATIO OF EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR FIXED CHARGES TO FIXED CHARGES 4.26 4.17 1.94 1.52 2.27 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== </Table>