Over three decades, the company evolved into the nation's largest independent shoe chain, with eight Northwest stores. It wasn't until 1963 that Nordstrom extended into clothing sales by purchasing Seattle-based Best Apparel. Nordstrom Best was born. No Nordstrom family member or employee was too important to go on bended knee to fit a customer's feet. Individual and team sales performances are posted in stock rooms and offices for all to see.
Creativity is paramount.
Spector and McCarthy recounted the story of a Seattle saleswoman who couldn't find her customer's desired Donna Karan slacks in the right size and color. The employee learned that a competitor had the item and used petty cash to buy the clothing across the street. She then sold the pants to her customer at the Nordstrom sale price. The company lost money on the deal but kept the customer. Few people criticize the system.