Private Shopping Night to Benefit Children's Hospital, The Links, Inc. and The Junior League of Richmond

SEATTLE (February 21, 2003) - Nordstrom, one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, will kick off the opening of its newest Virginia store at Short Pump Town Center with an opening party and private shopping night on Wednesday, September 3. The fashionable fête is expected to raise $75,000 for Children's Hospital of Richmond, The Junior League of Richmond and The Links, Inc of the Richmond Area. Nordstrom Short Pump Town Center will open on Thursday, September 4.

Guests will enjoy lavish hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and buffets, live entertainment and the opportunity to do some "sneak preview" shopping in the new 120,000 sq. ft. specialty store. Doors open for the party at 6:30 p.m.

The event, entirely underwritten by Nordstrom, will help raise funds for the signature projects of the three benefiting organizations: Children's Hospital of Richmond will use funds for a teleconferencing program that will allow their physicians and treatment teams to consult with patients and their families who are located outside the local hospital area. Through this program they will help families alleviate the expense and time associated with long-distance traveling to meet with hospital clinicians. The Links, Inc. of the Richmond Area are committed to decreasing the overcrowded and sub-standard housing issues in the Richmond and Henrico communities. Funds raised will be used to build homes through Habitat for Humanity for disadvantaged families. The Junior League of Richmond members will target their community programs, including their innovative Richmond City Schools educational program "Wonders on Wheels," a classroom on wheels for children and their families to learn about the world and themselves.

"Richmond is fortunate to have such an exceptionally supportive community. We are proud to be associated with The Links and Children's Hospital of Richmond and thank Nordstrom for choosing to support our signature projects," said Jill Hoover, president-elect of The Junior League of Richmond. "Our combined energies, talents and resources will help fulfill the hopes of those who need our assistance. We invite everyone to join us at the Nordstrom Short Pump Town Center opening party and together we will support our newest neighbor and our community all in one evening."

Co-Chairs for the event are Becky Page, The Junior League of Richmond, Cora Salzberg, The Links, Inc of Richmond Area and Lisa LaFata Powell, Children's Hospital of Richmond.

"We couldn't be more excited about opening our fifth store in Virginia and serving our Richmond area customers," said Katy Banks, Nordstrom regional vice president for the Capital Region. "We are especially delighted and honored to be partnering with three organizations whose dedication to the community and invaluable contributions to human service are so impressive."

Tickets for the opening party are $75 per person, for more information or to make a reservation, please call (804) 228-5896 by August 18.

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 142 US stores located in 27 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 88 full-line stores, 47 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.