The Nordy Pod

Real growth for a brand doesn't just come out of nowhere. Even with a high-quality product that's both functional and inherently desirable, you can still find yourself under the radar and small after decades in the market. So how did a 100-year-old+ sneaker company like New Balance suddenly pierce through the noise and become one of the most relevant and talked-about athletic footwear brands today? In part, through massive pro-athlete endorsements across every major sport; like Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani, NBA power forward Kawhi Leonard, tennis star Coco Gauff and Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, just to name a few. In the past several years New Balance has exploded in cultural credibility, as both an exceptional athletic shoe and as everyday fashion-forward streetwear. Underneath it all? A focused, relentless strategy to build global momentum without losing the soul of the brand. At the helm of this transformation is our guest for this episode, Joe Preston, President and CEO of New Balance. You'll also hear from our Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Men's and Active Footwear for Nordstrom Garrett Bean, who breaks down this moment for New Balance from a retail partnership perspective: what's selling, why it's working, and where it's all headed. And for a little extra color, we'll stop in at our current summer-long New Balance activation at The Corner, which is our rotating pop-up shop on 57th and Broadway at our flagship store in New York City. Thanks for tuning in to episode 88. We hope you enjoy it!

Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Every spring, on the first Monday in May, an incredible transformation takes place on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The streets overflow with cars and people. A staircase becomes a red carpet. And a museum becomes a full-on party, filled with a select few of the biggest names in pop culture and the fashion industry. Spectators all around the world stop for this one moment all asking the very same question: “Did you see what they were wearing?” The Met Gala is fashion at full volume. A place where ideas come to life in silk, sequins, and sometimes… steel. At its core, it's a fundraiser; but it's also a veritable stage performance, a runway, and a virtual cone of silence for each attendee that mostly follow a strict no phone policy. The secrecy around what goes on inside, and the exclusive, hand-picked guest selection process are the fuel to this most envied of annual fashion events. Luckily for us, as friends of Anna Wintour — who's been organizing the event since 1995 — Nordstrom often gets the highly coveted invite. And luckily for you, this year, we've decided to bring the Nordy Pod along with us. Joining us at the Met this year is someone who's become a fairly regular voice on the podcast, and who is certainly a well-seasoned, longtime Met Gala attendee; our VP, Fashion Director at Nordstrom, Rickie De Sole. Also along for the ride is a super talented and up-and-coming fashion designer by the name of Rachel Scott of Diotima, who was just last year awarded the CFDA Fashion Award for American Womenswear Designer. We've recently started carrying her brand at Nordstrom, and she actually designed the dress that Rickie's wearing to the Met. We'll also learn more about the theme for this year's gala, which is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, from our Mens Fashion Director at Nordstrom, Jian Deleon. Join us for fashion's most spellbinding night. A high-octane collision of creativity, celebrity, and fashion. Who's in attendance? Who's best dressed? Who stole the show? We'll answer these questions, and more, as the Nordy Pod goes to the Met. Thanks for tuning in to episode 87. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In the retail world, we often throw around the term "disruptor" when we're talking about a promising new brand that breaks through the busy marketplace and challenges the status quo; or even leads the charge in a broader cultural movement. But in some cases, that story isn't about something new at all, but something enduring. Something that's been there all along, waiting for the world to catch up. Birkenstock is one such brand. For the majority of their roughly 250-year lifespan, Birkenstock—one of the oldest footwear brands in the world—has been slowly simmering in the background. They built a modestly successful business around the revolutionary innovation and the thoughtful evolution of their signature contoured footbeds, and over time their undeniable comfort and noticeable orthopedic benefits earned them an incredibly loyal yet hyper-niche following. Then, something remarkable happened. In 2012, at a Celine runway show, designer Phoebe Philo—known really in the fashion world for redefining modern luxury—walked out wearing a pair of fur-lined sandals that looked remarkably like Birkenstocks. It wasn't a marketing campaign. It wasn't a collaboration. It was just one woman, making a choice. And the world noticed. To help us better understand the incredible growth of this brand in the last decade plus, and the very tangible touchstone for its continued success, we're going to hear from David Kahan, President and General Manager of the Americas for Birkenstock. After that we'll take a closer look at Nordstrom's unique partnership with Birkenstock from one of our very own: Women's Footwear Buyer Randa Farran. Thanks for tuning in to episode 86. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

There's an interesting moment that happens nowadays. You're on your phone, you're scrolling through reels of cat videos and your cousin's baby's first birthday cake smash, and then… there it is. A person you've never met, standing in perfect golden-hour light, wearing an outfit that makes you stop and think, “Hey, maybe I could pull that off”. Then, before you even realize you're shopping, you've clicked through, checked your size, and added it to your cart. It didn't start in a store. You didn't search for a brand or a product. You saw a person. And although you don't know them, you trust them. And that trust has become the new currency in the rapidly expanding business of Influencing. The social media influencer, once a niche personality with a smartphone and a few followers, has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, reshaping retail and redefining the relationship between brands and their audiences all over the world. To help us better understand the impact that these content creators are having on our business we'll first chat with our very own Vice President of Marketing for Nordstrom, Marie Langhout-Franklin. After that we'll explore the broader landscape of influencing and retail with a super talented entrepreneur by the name of Amber Venz Box, co-founder and President of an incredibly powerful social retailing platform called LTK. To wrap it all up you'll hear from an actual full-time influencer by the name of Sara Walker. Thanks for tuning in to episode 85. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Brands come and go. Trends rise and fall. Customer taste changes. There are a million different variables involved in the success of any one brand, and very few actually stand the test of time. But every once in a while, amid the chaos of the fashion and retail marketplace, something sticks. But how does that happen? Is there a formula? What are the essential pillars, the stepping stones that guarantee longevity beyond a brand's initial buzz? In this episode we'll uncover the core principles of long-term success with one such brand that consistently defies expectations and remains one of Nordstrom's top-five brands year after year. You've heard the name. You've seen the boot. It's UGG. Join us for a chat with Stefano Caroti, President and CEO of Deckers, the company that owns UGG and several other successful footwear brands that we carry. After that, stick around to hear more about our unique partnership with Deckers from Anna Kaplan, our Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Women's and Kids' Footwear. Appearing on fashion icons and influencers alike, in the halls of every single high school across the U.S., UGG can be found around the globe, on men and women of all ages. Deckers has a special thing going on and we're super happy to be a part of it. Thanks for tuning in to episode 84. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

A piece of jewelry isn't just an accessory. It's a marker in time. A monument to the most important moments in our lives; an anniversary, a graduation, a birthday, a bachelorette party. So what does it take to build a brand that people don't just buy from, but that they connect with? The kind of brand that brings people closer together. Today we'll explore the answer to that question and more with our guest, CEO and co-founder of the British luxury jewelry brand by the same name, Monica Vinader. We'll dive deep into the history of Monica's brand and her incredible breakthroughs in the craft of jewelry making from several different unique perspectives - the brand, the partnership, and the sales floor - to uncover the secret to Monica's irresistible products, and the source of the intense emotional connection they have with our customers. Since launching in 2008, Monica has built from scratch an internationally recognized label with a laser-focus on bringing more accessibility to high-quality materials, contemporary design, and sustainable craftsmanship. But how do you take an idea like that and turn it into something real? Monica shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, how she works to keep the brand values strong, and what the future holds for this rapidly expanding business. After that, we'll hear from our Divisional Merchandise Manager for main floor accessories at Nordstrom, Denise Junell, to learn more about the incredible value of Monica's brand in our stores and the unique partnership that's made us so successful together. And to round it all out we'll get a floor-level perspective on the brand from one of our very own salespeople, Christiane Buck, who's a DSA, or Designated Sales Associate for Monica Vinader at our store in the Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland. Thanks for tuning in to episode 83. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Join Pete as he rides around the streets of Milan in a van with Vice President, Fashion Director at Nordstrom, Rickie De Sole, Executive Vice President, General Merchandise Manager for Apparel and Designer, Sam Lobban, Senior Vice President of Designer and Brand Partnerships, Brian Roberts, and Pete's cousin and Chief Merchandising Officer, Jamie Nordstrom. Get the ground-level experience of this highly anticipated fashion event, learn about the latest trends, changes in the business, and hear some of our team's biggest takeaways from this season in Milan. Also as part of our trip to Milan, Pete will be dropping by to chat with one of our most important brand partners, Gildo Zegna, CEO and third generation leader of the Italian luxury men's wear brand Zegna. Thanks for tuning in to episode 82. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Wait a minute! Nordstrom? The high-end fashion department store that sells apparel and accessories from brands like Gucci, and Prada, and Louis Vuitton? They sell baby gear?! The answer is yes, and on top of making you feel great about the comfort and safety of your newborn baby, we're going to make sure you look good too. Listen in as Pete talks with Brad Bickley, Global President of the luxury baby-gear brand Nuna, that managed to slap a ‘baby on board' sticker to our store window and become one of Nordstrom's top selling brands. After my conversation with Brad, stick around to hear more about the challenges and benefits of carrying this characteristically complex category from our Divisional Merchandise Manager for Kids at Nordstrom, Rachel Eichen. Expectant parents, you're going to love this episode. And I guarantee you're going to love Nuna. Thanks for tuning in to episode 81. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

The wildfires in Southern California have devastated communities. Nordstrom has been proud to serve the Los Angeles region for decades, and we believe we have a responsibility to support our people, our customers and our community as they recover from this tragedy. In this episode, we're going to explore our company's values and the important work our team is doing to help out a community in need. Our host Pete Nordstrom talks with a few Nordstrom leaders — Michelle Korb, regional manager of Southern California, and store managers Mari Lagunas and Lucy Minasian — who all displayed incredible poise and empathy during this crisis as they led support efforts for our team members and customers. A loyal Nordstrom customer named Kristin Mauck describes Nordstrom as a safe haven for her sister in the darkest moment of her life. You'll also hear the devastating account of Pete's good friend Sam Jones, who lost his home in the Pacific Palisades fire. We're proud of the compassion of our store teams who've donated their time and money to help each other and our community, and we as a company are committed to contributing to the ongoing relief efforts. We've partnered with organizations like the American Red Cross and the Good+ Foundation to raise money for shelter, food, and supplies and we're also matching our employees' donations dollar for dollar. We've been amazed to see employees from across the country chip in to support — it shows that our team has a commitment to service that extends far beyond the walls of our buildings. Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode we're going to be giving you a front row seat at “Retail's BIG Show”, which is an annual conference held in New York City hosted by the National Retail Federation, or NRF. This gathering of around 40,000 retail industry professionals, vendors, and leaders is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, and creates space for like-minded businessmen and women to network, share ideas, and explore new and exciting emerging technologies. At this year's event Pete had the great opportunity to sit down on stage with a good friend, Joshua Schulman, who recently accepted a new position as CEO of the iconic 169-year old British luxury fashion brand Burberry. Joshua has had an insanely impressive career leading some of the world's most prestigious fashion brands, holding roles like CEO of Michael Kors, CEO and President of Coach, President of Bergdorf Goodman and the Neiman Marcus Group, CEO of Jimmy Choo, EVP at Saint Laurent, and Worldwide Director at Gucci. In their conversation, Pete and Joshua dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of luxury retail, the power of brand heritage, and how Burberry is navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing market. Joshua's insights into innovation, customer experience, and the future of luxury are both inspiring and thought-provoking. Fledgling and seasoned retailers alike would do well to pay close attention to the unique perspective of this industry giant. Also, stay tuned after our featured conversation with Joshua for a window into Pete's fun-filled travel adventure that nearly rendered him sans socks and absent from the NRF conference. Thanks for tuning in to episode 79. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

As has become tradition on the Nordy Pod, for the first episode of the new year we're taking a pause to reflect back on some of the most memorable moments from 2024. We've been doing the Nordy Pod for three years now, and we've covered a lot of ground. From conversations with business leaders, to Nordstrom employees and customers, to athletes, film & TV stars, and even a handful of rockstars. If you're struggling to find a theme here, well, we hope it feels something like this: Nordstrom is a business of people. And ultimately we're here to serve people. Pete may be the President of a nation-wide business, which takes up most of his time, but he's also just a person with a lot of different interests. And one way or another, everything about us, all mixed up together, somehow ends up informing the way we do business, how we relate to each other, and how we relate to our customers. We've learned a lot through the making of this show, and it has certainly expanded our understanding of the business and pushed us to be more open to new ideas. Thanks for joining us. We hope you enjoy this nostalgic look back at the Nordy Pod in 2024. Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Fellow music lovers, you are in for a treat, because for this episode we are diving head-first into a full-on rock concert of epic proportions. Join us for the 13th annual SMooCH benefit show at The Showbox in Seattle, where our community, this year alone, has raised over $2.2 million dollars for Uncompensated Care at Seattle Children's Hospital. We've mentioned SMooCH before on the Nordy Pod way back in episode 3 with Megan Jasper, and again in episode 29 with Dr. Jeff Sperring, but we've never actually taken you to the show itself. If you're new to the Nordy Pod; SMooCH, which stands for Seattle Musicians for Children's Hospital, is an event that was started by Pete Nordstrom and his wife, Brandy, in 2012 after their own experience needing the care of Seattle Children's Hospital. In this episode you'll learn more about the Uncompensated Care program from return Nordy Pod guest, CEO of Seattle Children's Hospital, Dr. Jeff Sperring, you'll hear from one of the many patient families that have been directly impacted by the support of the Uncompensated Care fund, and you'll hear from Megan Jasper, CEO of Sub-Pop Records, who talks about what it takes to pull together a mind-blowing rock concert like SMooCH. On top of all that you'll get to hear from a few of the incredible musicians that agreed to come play the event this year. Since the very first show SMooCH has consistently managed to bring iconic artists to the Showbox, like Macklemore, Modest Mouse, Ben Gibbard, Iron and Wine, The New Pornographers, The Head and the Heart, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Phantogram, and so many more. This year's event is no different. Prepare yourself for this all-star lineup featuring Doug Martsch from Built to Spill, Sebadoh, Duff McKagen, of Guns n' Roses and Velvet Revolver, and the headliner, Nude Dragons, which are the reunited members from Soundgarden. We're very grateful to all of the musicians who showed up to donate their time and talents, we're grateful for those who helped organize the event, and we're super proud of our community that has donated to date over $30 million dollars to the Uncompensated Care fund. Thanks for tuning in to episode 77. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

You ever wonder what happened to people wearing suits in the office? It seems like not that long ago when looking professional meant, at the very least, a well-ironed dress shirt and a nice pair of slacks—better make sure you're wearing a tie too. Nowadays let's just say attitudes have changed, for better or worse, about what's appropriate to wear in the workplace, and really for all occasions. In this episode we're going to explore some of the effects that this increased casualization has had on our business through one of our brand partners who's been directly impacted by it. Listen as I talk with Giorgio Canali, leader of the entire American market for the luxury clothing brand Canali and learn about how this 90-year-old family-run menswear company has adapted to survive the inevitable changes of the retail industry. Then, stick around after my conversation with Giorgio for a light dusting of holiday cheer, as I chat with two sisters who are loyal Nordstrom customers about their heartwarming 30+ year ongoing tradition of visiting Santa Claus right here at Store 1 in downtown Seattle. Thanks for tuning in to episode 76. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2002 by Rea Laccone and Christopher LaPolice, contemporary clothing brand Vince has proven its resilience in an unpredictable retail landscape for over 20 years by creating modern, yet timeless pieces that focus on distinctive style and uncompromising quality. Using only the finest fabrics with obsessive attention to design, the label curates a head-to-toe outfitting for men and women with an always on-the-go lifestyle. Feeling a natural fit with Vince's ‘bridge to designer' market space and its customer-centric philosophy Nordstrom was an early adopter, beginning our partnership in 2003, just one year after their launch. Vince has remained one of our most important suppliers within the contemporary space, and the success of their business has earned them real estate in every single full-line Nordstrom store nationwide. Joining us for this episode is Vince's current President, Jill Norton, who joined the company in 2013 to lead the men's division. Jill describes the joy of working with the founders in her early days and how important it's been for her to hold fast to the core DNA of the brand as it continues to grow into the future. The now global business is a fascinating success story that attests to the authenticity of Jill's words, “If you make great product, the customer will come”. Thanks for tuning in to episode 75. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Have you ever bought a pair of pants online and shipped it to your home, braving the wild west of porch pirates and unpredictable weather at your doorstep, only to try them on and discover that you've ordered the wrong size? Meet Nordstrom Local, our relatively new and very promising small-format store concept which brings online orders to a convenient location with fast and easy pickup, returns and alterations. Don't leave a box of returns sitting in your car for weeks or wait in long lines at the post office—send your order directly to the nearest Nordstrom Local and swing by on your way to work. Try your purchase on for size—if it wasn't everything you'd hoped for, just leave it there. We'll take care of it! In this episode we're diving deep into the many benefits of this exciting new branch of our business with a few people who know it well. Join our President of Nordstrom Stores, Fanya Chandler, on a visit to the West Village Local in New York City, accompanied by Chris Wanlass, leader of our entire New York market, and Jesse Cordoba who manages our two Local stores in New York, to get a ground-level experience and education on this surprisingly simple solution to your online ordering woes. After that you'll hear the conversation that inspired this whole episode as your host, Pete Nordstrom, talks with loyal Local customer Chelsea Shukov about why she chooses her neighborhood Nordstrom Local time and time again. Thanks for tuning in to episode 74. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

What does it take to create a shopping experience that captivates customers around the globe? To answer that question we're diving deep into the minds of two extraordinary leaders in the retail industry. CEO of Le Bon Marché in Paris, Patrice Wagner, and Chairman and CEO of the Selfridges Group in London, André Maeder. Both of these guys began their careers in retail working on the shop floor; selling face-to-face with customers. They express true appreciation for front-line employees, and inherent joy in the process of improving the customer experience. They each rose through the ranks at some of the most prestigious department stores in the world, accumulating a wealth of knowledge and expertise suitable now to uphold the legacies of the aforementioned Le Bon Marché in Paris and Selfridges in London. Each of these stores, in its own way, continuously garners worldwide attention and respect through unique customer engagement that goes far beyond just shopping for clothes. From incredible food offerings to fine art exhibitions and theater performances, to indoor skateparks and celebrity appearances, Patrice and André take big swings and try new things to surprise and delight customers with distinct one-of-a-kind environments. Together they'll share insights into the key focal points of running their businesses, the challenges they face, and an inspiring vision for the future of department stores. Thanks for tuning in to episode 73. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Best known for co-creating and starring in the HBO series Insecure, Issa has attracted a significant amount of Hollywood spotlight largely by showcasing her own personal experiences and emotions on screen for all to see. Literally starting from scratch in 2011 as the singular brainchild of a homegrown, Kickstarter-funded YouTube series called Awkward Black Girl, she's come quite a long way to become the sitting President of Barbie Land in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie. She's done amazing work in films like American Fiction, The Lovebirds and The Photograph, and lent her voice to the iconic Marvel character Spider-Woman in Sony's massively successful animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. She's even had the incredible opportunity to host Saturday Night Live. Issa has also notably put forth a lot of effort toward making more room for African American stories as the founder and CEO of her own film and TV production company, HOORAE. If a super successful career in entertainment wasn't enough, Issa has also found time to branch out into the retail space as co-founder and creative leader of the haircare brand Sienna Naturals—which we carry at Nordstrom—and more recently she's taken the role of chief storyteller for the jewelry brand Cast, which we also carry. We figured that all of the above was probably enough to earn her a spot on The Nordy Pod. Thanks for tuning in to episode 72. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

If you're not particularly familiar with how the fashion cycle happens throughout the year, there are really two major seasons. One in the fall and one in the spring. And during this time all of the prominent fashion designers and fashion brands dump quite a bit of money into some pretty extravagant runway shows to present highly exclusive audiences with their latest merchandise. And though there are actually a lot of different week-long fashion events held around the world, what we're focused on are the ‘Big Four': New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Those all happen back-to-back and in that order. So for our teams that travel to each of these cities, going from show to show and soaking up tons of new information, it's a lot of busy days and a really long time that they're away from home. But it's obvious that they love the experience and they recognize that it's a super important time, and a crucial part of how we stay current and relevant, and ultimately how we best serve our customers by offering them the best brands in the world. It's also a really great opportunity for us to meet up with some of our brand partners in these different cities to talk about our business together and our strategies going forward. Thanks for tuning in to episode 71. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode we're talking all about something that you've likely heard us reference on The Nordy Pod, but we've yet to really dig too deep into, and that's the Nordstrom Product Group (NPG). This is a collection of private brands owned by Nordstrom aimed at building a more well-rounded offering for our customers. To help us better understand what that's all about we'll hear from a couple of really talented people that run that whole operation: Nina Barjesteh, President of NPG, and Sarah Waite, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy & Merchandising for NPG. We'll discuss NPG's reasons for being and how it helps to benefit the company as a whole, as well as some of the challenges of selling a collection of private brands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best brands in the world. Thanks for tuning in to episode 70. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

This one-of-a-kind sister-in-law duo exploded onto the fashion scene in 2010, quickly attracting industry and celebrity attention with a simple, but revolutionary product, the Dickey jacket.  Their interchangeable assortment of vests and jackets allow on-the-go women ultimate customization with great style and an amazing fit.  Though the Dickey jacket still remains their signature piece, their brand has expanded well beyond this one category into accessories, handbags, shoes, dresses, and more purely out of the sister's organic desire to create the kinds of things they want to wear.  Now in more than 90 doors in the US and internationally, as well as a booming online business, the brand has carved out a sweet spot in the contemporary market.  Boasting a lifestyle approach that's “not just for the pretty girl, or the uber wealthy”, Veronica Beard is a perfect option for professional women who love looking great in the office, at home, or poolside on vacation.  Very much run as a family business the Veronicas sit side by side hashing out every detail of their brand, with mutual trust and respect for each other, and a laser-focus on the customer which makes them a great fit for us here at Nordstrom.  We're happy to do business with them and we're excited to share their story with you here on The Nordy Pod. Thanks for tuning in to episode 69.  We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Raised in the New York City garment industry, Andrew Rosen learned the tools of the trade from his father, Carl Rosen, the second-generation head of the family-founded business Puritan Fashions Corporation. After his father's untimely death, Andrew became CEO of Puritan at the budding young age of 25. His title changed following the acquisition of Puritan by a well-known, rising star fashion designer and colleague, Calvin Klein. Andrew remained on the executive team and served as president before eventually leaving to take a different CEO position for another well-known designer by the name of Anne Klein—no relation to Calvin. He led that company for six years before getting fired over disagreements in brand strategy. With a little more experience and a lot more clarity of vision, Andrew tested his own mettle by cofounding the company Theory with partner and fashion designer Elie Tahari. In our conversation we discuss the incredible growth of that business, as well as Andrew's subsequent career as an investor and advisor for some of today's leading contemporary brands like Alice + Olivia, rag & bone, Veronica Beard, SKIMS, Good American and many more. We're really happy to call Andrew a friend and super grateful for his knowledge and insights into our business that he's shared over the years. Thanks for tuning in to episode 68. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

It may come as a surprise to some people, but the best-selling author of The Nordstrom Way book series is not actually a Nordstrom family member, or an employee, nor has he ever been contracted by us in any way to write these books. Our guest today, Robert Spector, has forged a relationship with our family and company purely out of his own curiosity and interest in exploring successful business practices. He's built nearly his entire career around The Nordstrom Way books and subsequent speaking engagements all across the globe on this topic. He's analyzed and dissected our company more than anyone else and has uncovered key defining themes which are universally transferable to audiences in any field of business. We're super grateful for anything and everything that Robert's done to help spread a positive reputation for us out in the world. He's just recently released the latest addition to The Nordstrom Way series which he's titled ‘The Century Old Startup'. Go pick up a copy. Tell us what you think! Thanks for tuning in to episode 67. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode I'm chatting with the super talented and extremely accomplished fashion journalist Lauren Sherman. Through her experience writing for publications like Forbes, Fashionista, The Business of Fashion and now Puck, Lauren has cultivated an audience, which I'm a part of, that really appreciates her candor and point of view on the fashion industry. Her interest and taste in fashion itself give Lauren a uniquely personal voice, and her observations and coverage of the business equip her with a vast knowledge base to pull from. Her career has allowed her access to the most coveted of rooms, bumping shoulders with the most exciting names in fashion for a real insider look at the business. She also happens to be a fellow podcaster, so make sure you go check out her podcast, Fashion People—right after you've finished listening to this one of course. Thanks for tuning in to episode 66. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this very special edition of the Nordy Pod we'll be paying tribute to our former President and a third generation member of the Nordstrom family, Mr. Bruce Nordstrom. Mr. Bruce passed away earlier this year, and in the time since our family has been flooded with love, support, and fond memories from so many people that knew him well. We look back with pride at the massive impact that he's made, both in the incredible growth and reputation of our business, and in the lives of everyone he's touched. To help us remember Mr. Bruce's legacy, we're going to hear from Nordstrom employees, past and present, like former Executive Vice President and General Merchandising Manager of Shoes at Nordstrom, Jack Minuk, former Executive Vice President of Designer Merchandising at Nordstrom, Jeffrey Kalinski, and current Executive Vice President and General Merchandise Manager at Nordstrom, Tacey Powers. We'll also be chatting with a couple Nordstrom family members like Mr. Bruce's granddaughter, Alex Nordstrom, who's the daughter of Blake Nordstrom and currently a Buyer for the company. We'll also hear from Mr. Bruce's son, our current Chief Executive Officer, Erik Nordstrom. We're extremely proud to have shared in the life of our beloved Bruce Nordstrom and we're excited to celebrate his memory with you here on The Nordy Pod. Thanks for tuning in to episode 65. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this long-overdue episode we're shining the spotlight on a huge and vitally important part of our business. The ever-expanding #1 growth vehicle for Nordstrom, the Rack. To give us a little context on the origins of the Rack, I called up retired Nordstrom veteran Sue Tabor who was actually present in those early days and who's largely responsible for laying the foundation for what it's become. After that we'll learn more about where the Rack stands today from another super talented Nordstrom leader, current President of the Rack, Gemma Lionello. Then, to top it all off, we'll be traveling to Elk Grove California to capture some of the excitement surrounding the grand opening of a brand new Rack location. Thanks for tuning in to episode 64. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode we're taking a closer look at the real business of our business, which is Selling. There's obviously a lot more that goes into making our company successful, but at the end of the day, what we do is sell stuff. And to help us better understand how we exercise and strengthen that skill I've brought in our Vice President of Selling Programs at Nordstrom, Jessica Cloutier. You'll also learn about some of the pillars of successful selling from three of our absolute best sellers, Ferdi Ellazar, Kathleen Twistol, and Hicham Ziboukh. These three and many more of our top sellers recently gathered at an event that we hosted in Las Vegas to celebrate and show appreciation for our Platinum Pacesetters, which are the top 1% of sellers across the company. We are extremely grateful for, and proud of what they've been able to achieve for themselves and for Nordstrom. For the rest of our sellers out there, if you're hoping to one day be a part of this super awesome group and go on fun trips, then you should definitely pay attention. Maybe take some notes. Thanks for tuning in to episode 63. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

Most American shoppers may be unfamiliar with the name, but if you've spent any amount of time shopping cosmetics in Australia or New Zealand then there's a pretty good chance that you've walked through the doors of one of MECCA's 110 locations. Essentially disrupting the paradigm of how retailing was done in the beauty industry in the late ‘90s, Jo Horgan started from scratch with a revolutionary idea that has continued to be successful to this day. Bypassing big conglomerate cosmetics giants, MECCA from the beginning has focused on exciting new up-and-coming brands, nurturing them into household names, and providing customers with better options and more choice. Currently dominating the Australian beauty market, and attracting the attention of the ever-elusive young customer, MECCA has become a monument of best practices the world over. Due to the fact that Nordstrom is not a direct competitor, we've had the great opportunity to share in a mutually beneficial long-standing relationship with Jo and her team to share our collective wisdom and to help improve each other's businesses. After that you're going to hear something that we don't often feature on the Nordy Pod, though we certainly welcome it, which is a little bit of negative feedback. Listen to my conversation with loyal Nordstrom customer, Patti Werry, who's more recently experienced a series of interactions with our stores that were less than what she's come to expect. Thanks for tuning in to episode 62. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode we're going to be shining a light on one of our teams that is absolutely vital to our success as a business. Listen as I chat with our Vice President of Customer Care and Fraud at Nordstrom, Jim Gallagher. After that you'll hear my conversation with a really talented guy working on our Executive Escalation team by the name of Brandon Benedict. These two, and many others on our Care team, field phone calls, emails, and even the occasional fax, to help our customers find solutions to whatever issues they're facing. We're really grateful for everyone involved in Customer Care across the company who works hard to create positive experiences for our customers, because what they do helps to maintain and strengthen the reputation of the Nordstrom brand and our legacy around customer service. Thanks for tuning in to episode 61. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

No doubt you've heard of—or even shopped—the massively successful fashion brand founded by our guest, Tory Burch. But what is it about this trailblazing fashion designer that's earned her a spot on Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World? From humble beginnings to global acclaim, Tory's journey is one of resilience, innovation and unwavering dedication to women in business. Just five years after launching her lifestyle brand, she started the Tory Burch Foundation aimed at advancing women's empowerment and entrepreneurship by providing access to capital, education, and community. Among its initiatives, Tory's foundation has partnered with Goldman Sachs to provide business-education grants, mentoring and much-needed networking opportunities. They've also partnered with Bank of America to provide $100 million in low-cost loans and mentoring support to more than 5,500 women entrepreneurs. Tory has served on several boards, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Startup America Partnership and the Barnes Foundation. Whether you're a seasoned fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the stories behind the seams, Tory's story is sure to inspire and enlighten. We're proud to have had a long-standing partnership with Tory at Nordstrom and we look forward to the work we'll do together in the future. Thanks for tuning in to episode 60. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode we're headed down to the San Francisco Bay area to visit a few of our stores for a series of “State of the Company” meetings. Every year our executive leaders travel across the country to host these town hall style meetings to connect with our people and to share some of our progress from last year and goals for the future. Additionally each year, groups of Nordstrom stores compete to win the coveted Presidents Cup. This is an award given to the stores that drove the highest percentage increase in sales volume within their goal group. For 2023 our teams at Hillsdale, Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, Corte Madera, and Valley Fair brought home the win in their goal group, which was markets with 4+ Nordstrom stores. You'll hear excerpts from my visit to three of those stores: Hillsdale, Walnut Creek, and Palo Alto. We're excited to recognize and celebrate our 2023 President's Cup award winners, and share some of the conversations that we had around how to improve in 2024. Thanks for tuning in to episode 59. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode we're diving deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence. We discuss some of the most exciting applications in our industry, and demystify some concerns surrounding this emerging new technology. First you'll hear my conversation with two Nordstrom leaders who deal directly with the research and development of AI here at Nordstrom: our Chief Information and Technology Officer, Jason Morris, and our Chief Customer Officer, Ken Worzel. After that, Jason and Ken each take turns talking with a couple of highly influential voices in the field of AI from outside of the retail industry. Listen as Jason speaks with a Partner in Data and Analytics and Generative AI at PricewaterhouseCooper, Bret Greenstein. Then stay tuned for Ken's chat with Wesley ter Haar, Co-Founder of the massively successful digital marketing agency, MediaMonks, named Adweek's first ever AI Agency of the year. It's a fascinating and insightful look at this revolutionary technology that's changing the way we do business. Thanks for tuning in to episode 58. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

From a childhood dream, to a single traveling store, to over 60 retail locations nationwide, Faherty has certainly made a name for itself. It just so happens to be the family name. Twin brothers Mike and Alex Faherty, along with Alex's wife Kerry, bootstrapped their coastal / urban / beachy clothing brand up from scratch by combining each of their own unique super powers. Mike, as Chief Creative Officer, utilizes his fashion education and prior experience with Ralph Lauren to create high quality products that you just have to feel to believe. Alex, as Chief Executive Officer, from a business and finance background, ensures best practices in order to succeed in an industry that eats money. Kerry, informed by her law and humanitarian background, leads Faherty's sustainability efforts and community giving strategy as Chief Impact Officer. Their journey is one of a kind and super impressive. We're really grateful for the opportunity to carry Faherty in our stores, and to share their story here with you on The Nordy Pod. Thanks for tuning in to episode 57. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

For this episode, I'm super excited to share my conversations with two really incredible people in the world of sports. First, you'll hear a special live recording of my chat with the new athletic director at the University of Washington, Troy Dannen. We invited Troy to come speak in front of a group of our top executives because he's had a lot of great experience managing large groups of people in complex and high-stakes situations. There's a lot of crossover application between Troy's job and really any industry, and I know our team gained a lot of valuable insights from listening to his story. After that, you'll hear my conversation with a former Nordstrom employee—the founder and CEO of All In Sport Consulting, Dawna Callahan. Her business works to educate and build training programs for people with disabilities, helping to bring more visibility and opportunity to this community of incredibly talented athletes. Thanks for tuning in to episode 56. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

In this episode, I'm super excited to share the stories of two incredibly talented women who, in their own way and through their own experiences and perspectives, are helping to evolve and improve the way we do business. First, you'll hear from the founder and CEO of Harlem's Fashion Row and Icon 360, Brandice Daniel. Through her work, Brandice is building bridges between designers of color and department stores like Nordstrom to create more accessibility and opportunities in the fashion industry. We're super impressed with the work that Brandice is doing and proud to partner with her in our ongoing commitment to create more diversity in our offering for customers. After that, you'll meet our new President of Stores here at Nordstrom, Fanya Chandler. This well-deserved title comes after a long career climbing the ladder within our ranks, and we're extremely lucky to now have her expertise and unique perspective informing our executive team. Thanks for tuning in to episode 55. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

In this episode we're turning our attention to a couple of talented young men from very different circumstances, each at the beginning of their careers in two very different industries. What they have in common is that they've both been recipients of Nordstrom scholarships. We've created and supported several scholarship programs over the years. Some that are more community-based, like our newly added Blake Nordstrom Scholarship in 2022, help to cover basic needs, including housing and food for highly underserved college students in the Seattle area. Others more directly focus on increasing equity and inclusion in the fashion industry, like our contributions to the Virgil Abloh Scholarship through our partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund. Today you'll hear from Joel Bervell, a current medical student at Washington State University, dubbed “The Medical Myth-Buster” by his 1M+ followers on social media. Joel also happens to have spent a summer selling menswear at Nordstrom. After that, I'll chat with two-time Nordstrom Made Scholar and founder of the brand Hikari no Yami, up-and-coming fashion student and designer Jakarie Whitaker. Joel and Jakarie represent only a couple examples of our efforts to support talented and deserving young people, but their stories prove just how important these investments are, and we're extremely proud to have played even a small part in helping them to achieve their goals. Thanks for tuning in to episode 54. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

Nordstrom has had the great pleasure of participating in an organization called IGDS: The Intercontinental Group of Department Stores, which connects some of the biggest retailers across the globe to learn and grow from each other. Along the way, we've gained a lot of great relationships, one of which we're excited to feature on the show today. Scott Fyfe is the current CEO of iconic Australian department store David Jones. Since joining the company in 2020, he has helped resuscitate this historic brand back from near extinction. Scott talks about some of the strategic moves he's initiated and talented teams he's assembled to put David Jones back on the road to profitability. It's a great conversation that any struggling retailer can learn from and one of the reasons why the IGDS is so valuable—to share ideas and learn from some of the greatest businesses in the world. After that, you'll hear my conversation with loyal Nordstrom customer Lili Tomovich, who shares her experience sheepishly returning a pair of well-worn athletic shoes. Thanks for tuning in to episode 53. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

In this episode we're sharing a special live recording of The Nordy Pod from on stage at a conference for the International Council of Shopping Centers. My guest: Innovative retail mall developer and Operator, Rick Caruso. Now, if you've ever actually visited any of Rick's properties, you've likely noticed that there's something different about them. Rick and his team at Caruso are extremely mindful about creating environments that transport you to a better, and definitely safer place. Caruso is responsible for some of the most incredible shopping centers in California, including The Grove at the iconic Farmers Market in Los Angeles, The Americana at Brand in Glendale, the Commons at Calabasas, the Promenade at Westlake, The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, Palisades Village in Pacific Palisades, and the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Santa Barbara. Nordstrom has had a great relationship with Caruso as they've been very hospitable hosts for several of our stores. I'm super grateful that Rick agreed to come chat with me at the ICSC conference. He has a really unique and valuable perspective on some of the big hurdles we face today in our industries. I think you're going to learn a few things from this conversation. Thanks for tuning in to episode 52. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

To kick off the new year we thought it would be fun to take a little stroll down memory lane and look back at some of our favorite Nordy Pod moments from 2023. We've had a lot of fun making this thing and chatting with all the fascinating people that have agreed to come on the show. Fashion icons like Domenico De Sole, Anna Wintour and Will Welch, incredible fashion designers like Simone Rocha and Erdem, successful brand partners like Gucci Westman and David Neville of Westman Atelier, Caspar Coppetti of On running shoes, Anastasia Soare of Anastasia Beverly Hills and Ben Gorham of BYREDO. We've also had the great pleasure of chatting with a slew of really amazing athletes and entertainers like former NFL wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks Doug Baldwin, former NBA All Star of the Chicago Bulls Bob Love, Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist Macklemore and TV and film star Joel McHale. We're proud to highlight some of our employees that have used Nordstrom as a platform to build really impressive careers. For example, three of our very best salespeople: Jesse James Barnholdt, Gregory Clark and Jeffrey Ola. This year has also taken us out of the studio and into some really interesting places, like our distribution and fulfillment centers and to the very end of our merchandise food chain, to our Last Chance stores. We've also shared several really great customer experiences on The Nordy Pod, including a bit of negative feedback. Overall, it's been a really fun year and we're really proud of what we've been able to put together, so we hope you enjoy this special look back at The Nordy Pod in 2023. Thanks for tuning in to episode 51. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

Core to Nordstrom's values is our commitment to leaving the world better than we found it. We're proud to partner with a number of different organizations that help us do this. In 2023 we will donate over $12M to 350+ different charity organizations in communities we serve across the United States. So, in the spirit of the giving season, we're using this episode to highlight some of the folks involved with two important causes we've supported over the past several years: Operation Warm and Shoes That Fit. First, we'll hear from Heather Connolly, the VP of Partnerships at Operation Warm, about how the organization provides brand new coats to children in underprivileged communities all across the country. Then we'll catch some of the excitement at an Operation Warm distribution event in the Seattle area with our very own field correspondent, Kent Worthington. After that we'll hear about our second giving partner from Amy Fass, the Executive Director and CEO at Shoes That Fit. Similarly, Shoes That Fit provides new name-brand athletic shoes to kids in need in all 50 states. 2023 marked our 13th year partnering with Shoes That Fit, and together with our customers, we raised more than $1.1 million and donated more than 50,000 pairs of shoes to kids in our local communities. To top it all off we'll hear from loyal Nordstrom customer and Shoes That Fit supporter Kenji Morinaga. This episode is chock-full of good feels and great people, and we hope it adds a little extra warmth to your holiday season. Thanks for tuning in to episode 50. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

In this episode we're opening up a time-capsule from the year 1998. Placed in the wall near our front entrance, it commemorates the grand re-opening of the new flagship store in downtown Seattle. That year would also hold another huge milestone moment for Nordstrom that would change the way we do business forever. The creation of Nordstrom.com. Listen as we dive deep into the origins of our digital storefront with one of the founding leaders of Nordstrom.com, Bob Schwartz. We'll also explore the continued evolution of this digital landscape and where Nordstrom.com stands today with our current President of Digital and Customer Experience at Nordstrom, Miguel Almeida. But before all that, you'll hear from one of our brand partners that just happened to be visiting us recently from Germany, Carl Seibel of Josef Seibel Shoes. Thanks for tuning in to episode 49. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.

In this episode we're on a bit of a field trip out to my alma mater, the University of Washington. We were invited here to the Foster School of Business by Dr. Marty Matthews who's a professor of marketing—and she also happens to be a Nordy Pod listener. She emailed me awhile back letting me know that she's actually been assigning Nordy Pod episodes as homework in a few of her classes. So, we thought it might be a fun idea to go in person and speak to her students for the show. First, we sit down with Professor Matthews herself to learn a little bit about her background and then we head over to the classroom to meet with her marketing students. And I've got to say, I love whenever I get the chance to hear from young people about their experience with Nordstrom. They've always got interesting stuff to say, and I often gain useful insights that I can take back and share with our team. So, we're super excited to get the opportunity to get a glimpse into these bright young minds, eager to dive into the wide world of business. Thanks for tuning in to episode 48. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

Ben Gorham has had a particularly interesting journey to entrepreneurship. Having spent his entire young life pursuing a career in basketball, it may come as a surprise that he ended up creating a super successful luxury and fragrance brand. But Ben's ambitions to play basketball were stifled by a technicality in international contracts, cutting his professional career short. Then, by a chance meeting Ben turned to an entirely different industry. Since setting the groundwork for a fragrance business, experimenting with smells through candle making out of his own kitchen, Ben's obsession has grown into a massive luxury brand found in huge retail stores across the globe. Nordstrom has had a lot of success doing business with BYREDO for a long time now and we're super excited that he's come to Seattle to visit and talk with our teams about even more growth. And since he was in the building, I asked him to come into my office to chat with me on the podcast. After my conversation with Ben, we're going to do something that we always talk about at the end of every episode, but we've yet to actually feature on the show, which is to address some of the negative feedback that we sometimes get. Former employee and long-time customer of Nordstrom, Vicki Redding, has agreed to come on the show and share her perspective on the ways in which Nordstrom has changed—and not for the better. Thanks for tuning in to episode 47. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

In this episode, we're doubling down on my conversations with the Nordstrom Board of Directors to uncover more invaluable insights from this prestigious group of business leaders. In part one, we heard the unique backstories of each board member and followed their incredible career journeys to the point in which they were considered for the Nordstrom board. For part two, we're going to dig a little deeper to learn about how boards have evolved over the years and what makes them different today. We'll talk about some of the unique challenges that we face as a group. We'll discuss what each board member has learned from their experience on our board. And, though I often get advice from them directly, we'll share some of their thoughts on how Nordstrom can improve. If you haven't listened to part one, what are you waiting for? Go back now and listen! If you're all caught up, let's get into it! Thanks for tuning in to episode 46. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

In the next two episodes we'll be taking a special in-depth look at a group of incredibly talented individuals with uniquely impressive professional backgrounds. What do all of these people have in common? They're all members of the Nordstrom Board of Directors. Stacy Brown-Philpot, Jim Donald, Mark Tritton, Kirsten Green, Brad Tilden, Amie Thuener O'Toole, Atticus Tysen, Glenda McNeal and Eric Sprunk all bring invaluable expertise and a diverse set of skills from their leadership positions at some extremely successful companies. In part one of our two-part series about the board of directors we'll be getting to know each member, learning about their personal and professional backgrounds and what makes each of them such valued additions to our team. You'll also hear their perspectives on what exactly it is that a board of directors does, and what qualities make for a highly effective board. Thanks for tuning in to episode 45. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

In this episode we're shining a light on one of our industry's most exciting events of the year, and that's London Fashion Week. We're kicking the show off by speaking with someone who knows a lot about this subject: Nordstrom Women's Designer Fashion and Editorial Director Rickie De Sole. Rickie then takes the helm and chats with Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, about her role in supporting emerging designers and established fashion houses throughout this massive event. In advance of London Fashion Week, we were super fortunate to talk with esteemed British fashion designers Simone Rocha and Erdem, who had two of the most acclaimed collections from the event. WWD wrote that Simone Rocha's show "cast a romantic spell"; Harper's Bazaar called her collection "extremely covetable." British Vogue lauded Erdem's collection's "historical significance and mind-blowing sense of resourcefulness." We'll be digging into the designers' creative muses and exploring their unique backgrounds to discover how they've earned such revered reputations in the London fashion scene and around the world. London Fashion Week is a very important time for us, and a lot of fun for our teams that get to travel and see some incredible fashion shows. So, we've decided to bring a little bit of that excitement to you through The Nordy Pod! Thanks for tuning in to episode 44. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

For this episode Pete's taking the hot seat and fielding questions from The Nordy Pod editor, Nathan Shields, and co-producer, Kent Worthington. They discuss Pete's trajectory from stock boy to president, the likelihood of career detours, and important lessons in humility, authenticity, loyalty and hard work passed down directly from his father, Bruce Nordstrom. Pete also talks about the benefits of starting The Nordy Pod and how it's aided in expanding his curiosity in ways that help him to be a more effective leader. You'll also hear an incredible service story from Kent, who has held many different jobs within the company, which exemplifies some of the core values that make Nordstrom a lasting business. So much so, that Pete is confident that the integrity of the brand will endure long after he hands off the reins to the next generation of leaders. Reluctant to take credit for his own influence, Pete expresses great pride in every Nordstrom associate across the company that continually strives to exceed customer expectations day in and day out. Thanks for tuning in to episode 43. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

If you follow professional basketball, chances are you've heard a booming broadcast by the incredible Kevin Calabro. And if you've been so lucky, then you know what a thrill ride it is listening to his exhilarating play-by-play. By his own admission, Kevin wants listeners to know that he's having fun on the mic, because that's what sport is all about! As a kid he remembers gaining an appreciation for radio, listening to famous baseball announcers with big personalities like Jack Buck and Harry Caray, and began exploring his own vocal chops as early as high school. Continuing through college and beyond, Kevin's reliability as a play-by-play announcer strengthened enormously. After a year of calling minor league hockey and a bit of Purdue University basketball, he was eventually given the opportunity to move up to the big leagues. His first time announcing for NBA games would be in 1983 for the Kansas City Kings, but it's not until 1987 that Kevin would join a team that is very near and dear to my heart, the Seattle SuperSonics. With 20 years of his voice guiding us play by play through victory and heartbreak, Kevin has become my absolute favorite way to listen to basketball. We'll discuss the eventual end of his time with the Sonics, (which I myself, having been part owner of the SuperSonics at the time, regrettably shared some part in) but since then Kevin's had nothing short of an incredible career. Having called NBA games for several national broadcasting networks like ESPN Radio, TNT, TBS and NBA TV, as well as announcing for the Seattle Sounders soccer team and now the Portland Trail Blazers, he's even lent his voice to several NBA video games! I am super lucky to have had the opportunity to know Kevin for many years, and I'm sure you're going to love diving deeper into his story. Thanks for tuning in to episode 42. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

Through their investment firm, Imaginary Ventures, Nick Brown and Natalie Massenet have proven time and again the importance of their role in the consumer ecosystem. They understand better than most how difficult it can be to start a business from scratch, so they use their knowledge and resources to prop up promising young startups and get them moving in the right direction. And the status they've achieved as respected and influential stewards of growing businesses is well deserved. In her early career Natalie honed her skills predicting consumer trends as a journalist for Women's Wear Daily, eventually founding the massively successful high-fashion e-commerce platform NET-A-PORTER. Nick built his portfolio through a few really wise bets on some exciting up-and-coming brands like Warby Parker and Reformation, quickly garnering a reputation as the go-to-guy for fledgling founders. As self-described "generalist investors" Nick and Natalie's interest in potential partners is governed less by a specific genre—like fashion or beauty—and more by the character traits of the business leaders themselves, stating that founders need to have a well-balanced and open-minded approach to growing their business if they ever hope to be successful. There's a lot of really great insight here about the world of investment and retail in general, especially if you're an early-stage founder looking to make your mark. Thanks for tuning in to episode 41. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

For this episode we're taking a special in-depth look at our biggest fashion event of the year, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Join me as I sit down with my brother Erik and cousin Jamie as we look back on its unique history and reminisce over our favorite Anniversary Sale memories. We're also going to take a trip over to our store in Bellevue to catch a glimpse of their Early Access opening day. We'll talk with store manager Laura Best and a few other employees about what you can expect when you walk into the Anniversary Sale as a customer. We'll even chat with a few long-time customers who've made shopping the sale a yearly tradition. And to round it all out we'll hear from our chief marketing officer, Deniz Anders, all about the fresh new ways and persisting old ways we rev up excitement for the big sale. It's a one-of-a-kind event that inspires a lot of joy in employees and customers alike and creates endless opportunities for us to follow through on our mission to make customers feel good and look their best. So, sit back and enjoy this deep dive into the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Thanks for tuning in to episode 40. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

On the surface you may think this episode is just another excuse for me to selfishly bring another famous athlete into my office to talk sports, and I guess that's part of it, but Doug Baldwin is so much more than just a successful football player. His incredible determination that would eventually win him a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 was a hard-fought character trait forged through a lifetime of proving his worth to everyone around him. By his own admission it wasn't until long into his professional career, signing multi-million dollar contracts, that he thought, "Oh, maybe I do add value to this team." And though I was certainly aware of Doug Baldwin from his impressive football accolades, he ultimately sparked my interest as a potential guest on The Nordy Pod because of the amazing things he's been doing for the community of Seattle post football. Let me tell you, for someone who's been notoriously described by NFL commentators as angry, he sure seems like a really good guy. In our conversation we discuss Doug's early childhood struggle for validation, his reasons for retiring from the NFL and his motivation for building better communities wherever he goes. I am super grateful that Doug agreed to come in and share his story, and even if you know nothing about sports, this conversation is sure to inspire you in ways you did not expect. Thanks for tuning in to episode 39. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!

Recently I was invited to attend the Women's Wear Daily Beauty CEO Summit and had the great pleasure of speaking on stage with the Queen of Eyebrows, founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills, Anastasia Soare. Now, I don't personally know a whole lot about styling eyebrows, but what I do find super fascinating about Anastasia is her uncompromising entrepreneurial spirit. She found an untapped niche in the field that she loves and has built a whole cosmetics industry empire that competitors cannot ignore. You'll hear all about that startup journey and her incredible success along the way, garnering respect from the likes of Oprah Winfrey and becoming a go-to stylist for big name celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Lopez. Anastasia's breakthrough techniques and products have radically changed the industry, and we here at Nordstrom are super grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with her in this ground-breaking movement. After my conversation with Anastasia, join me for a special trip down to the beauty department at our flagship store in Seattle to get a little taste of the kinds of services we provide, and the people you might meet. And because I'm a little less familiar with the subject matter, I've invited our divisional merchandise manager for beauty, Debra Redmond, to be our guide. Debra's experience and leadership has been a huge asset to our team, and she really understands the nuances of helping customers through a department that can honestly be a bit daunting. So, follow along with us to learn more about how we're working to make your experience as a customer as efficient and satisfying as possible. Thanks for tuning in to episode 38. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation!