SEATTLE - (April 5, 2000) Fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom Inc. today announced its wholly owned subsidiary and full service thrift Nordstrom fsb, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, will begin issuing newly designed and enhanced retail cards. The Nordstrom Retail, Nordstrom Legacy, Nordstrom Platinum and Nordstrom Platinum Legacy cards are the first fashion retail cards to recognize customer spend and tenure, offer a reward program to all customers regardless of spend level, and provide the option for cash advance at all automated teller machines (ATM) displaying the PLUS® symbol. Nordstrom credit customers across the country will receive their replacement proprietary cards March 29 through May 31, 2000. Many of these customers will also be offered lower interest rates.

Nordstrom commissioned internationally acclaimed designer Jennifer Morla to create the hologram designs for the cards which have a chic new look making them a hip addition to any wallet. They are the first credit cards to contain a full-faced hologram—a safety feature that offers unparalleled security against fraud. Nordstrom has also moved the placement of all customer information to the back of the cards.

"Over the past few years we’ve offered a points-based reward program to our Nordstrom Visa cardholders and as a result of positive customer response we feel the time is right to add the same program to our Nordstrom Retail Card," said Kevin Knight, chairman of Nordstrom fsb. "We’ve established a lot of industry firsts with the new retail cards and hope our customers enjoy the new benefits and expanded features we’re able to offer them."

Unlike many retail reward programs, all customers who use their Nordstrom card will earn points for each net dollar spent. For every 2,000 points earned, customers receive a $20 Nordstrom merchandise certificate. Merchandise certificates can be redeemed at all Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom Racks and Nordstrom catalogs for any merchandise or services that the customer chooses. There is no limit to the number of merchandise certificates customers can earn and no restrictions on the Nordstrom merchandise and services which they may redeem them for.

Nordstrom card customers can also take advantage of their card’s cash advance feature at all ATMs displaying the PLUS® symbol, beginning in May 2000. For added customer convenience, Nordstrom plans to install ATM machines in most Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom Racks during the next year.

New Nordstrom card customers and those who do not yet qualify for the Nordstrom Legacy, Nordstrom Platinum or Nordstrom Platinum Legacy status will receive the Nordstrom Retail Card. All Nordstrom Retail Card customers earn points for every net dollar purchased and more active Nordstrom shoppers may receive enhanced rewards. New Nordstrom Retail Card customers will receive 500 bonus points the first time they use their new card. Existing Nordstrom Retail Card customers will receive a one-time award of 50 tenure points for each year they have had their account. All customers have additional opportunities to obtain bonus points throughout the year.

The Nordstrom Legacy Card recognizes customers with fifteen or more years of Nordstrom card membership by providing a card with a unique hologram design and a points-based rewards program. More active shoppers on the Nordstrom Legacy card program may receive enhanced rewards. In addition to earning a one-time award of 50 bonus points for each year they have had their account, Nordstrom Legacy card customers will be awarded bonus points annually based on their years of membership. Nordstrom Legacy Card customers also have the opportunity to earn bonus points throughout the year.

Customers that meet specific criteria may receive the Nordstrom Platinum card or the Nordstrom Platinum Legacy card if they also have 15 or more years of card membership. These Platinum Card customers receive points for their Nordstrom purchases and will be awarded bonus points annually based on their years of membership. More active shoppers with a Nordstrom Platinum product may receive enhanced rewards. Nordstrom Platinum and Nordstrom Platinum Legacy Card customers may utilize their card’s ATM cash utility without paying cash advance fees assessed by Nordstrom fsb. They are also offered exclusive invitations to special events offering bonus points.

All Nordstrom credit card customers will receive other benefits including: access to special finance options such as deferred billing, free return shipping for customers who make any purchases with their Nordstrom card at Nordstrom.com, advanced notice of sales, catalogs and merchandise information targeted to interests, customer service representatives that are available 24 hours a day, charge privileges extended to family members and check cashing privileges.

In addition to its new retail cards, Nordstrom fsb currently issues and services a Nordstrom Visa and Nordstrom Visa Platinum card. Customers may apply for Nordstrom credit products at any Nordstrom store, Nordstrom Rack or online at Nordstrom.com

Nordstrom Inc. is one of the nation’s leading fashion specialty retailers, with 106 stores located in 23 states, including 72 full-line stores, 28 Nordstrom Racks, three Façonnable boutiques, two free-standing shoe stores, and one clearance store. The company also seeks to serve customers through its online presence at http://www.nordstrom.com, as well as direct mail catalogs. Nordstrom Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

As always, the points program may be amended or modified, from time to time, in any way. All card customers will receive notice of any changes made to the points program.

Contact:

Brooke White, Nordstrom Inc.
(206) 373-3030