NORDSTROM TO HOST PROJECT PREVIEW FOR LOCAL MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED CONTRACTORS
New Nordstrom Store to Open at SouthPark Mall in 2004

SEATTLE--(January 6, 2003)-- Leading fashion specialty retailer, Nordstrom, Inc. will host a Project Preview event for its SouthPark Mall store in Charlotte, N.C. on Wednesday, January 29 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Marriott Executive Park Hotel, 5700 Westpark Drive. The event is an opportunity for minority and women-owned businesses to learn more about the retailer's bidding procedures. Nordstrom is the only national retailer to host Project Previews of its new stores specifically to attract minority and women-owned business participation.

"The inclusion of minority and women-owned businesses in the construction of our SouthPark Mall store is an essential ingredient for its success," said Barbara Valdez, director of the Nordstrom Supplier Diversity Program. "Since its inception, Project Preview has allowed Nordstrom to develop over 1,000 new partnerships with minority and women-owned businesses. We are proud of our progress and we are working hard to build upon the successes of this program."

Nordstrom is seeking subcontractors for interior and exterior portions of the project, as well as vendors and contractors for construction materials and supplies. Any interested subcontractors and suppliers are strongly encouraged to attend the event to be considered for the project and should bring with them complete information about their company.

Project Previews are part of the company's commitment to building diversity through its workforce, community and business partnerships. The Nordstrom Supplier Diversity Program was created specifically to develop business partnerships with minority and women-owned vendors, suppliers and construction subcontractors. In addition to construction services and supplies, the program identifies products ranging from women's apparel to office supplies.

In 2001, Nordstrom expenditures with minority and women-owned businesses reached $571 million, bringing total expenditures to $4.2 billion since the program was launched in 1989. The company has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency for its corporate advocacy of minority business development and successful diversity efforts.

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 143 US stores located in 27 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 88 full-line stores, 48 Nordstrom Racks, five Façonnable boutiques, one free-standing shoe store, and one clearance store. Nordstrom also operates 23 international Façonnable boutiques, primarily in 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.