NORDSTROM INC
10-Q, 1999-09-13
FAMILY CLOTHING STORES
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<PAGE>






                             UNITED STATES
                   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, DC 20549

                               FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 1999

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______
                    Commission File Number 001-15059

                         Nordstrom, Inc.
       ______________________________________________________
       (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

              Washington                             91-0515058
      _______________________________            ___________________
      (State or other jurisdiction of              (IRS Employer
      incorporation or organization)              Identification No.)

             1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington  98101
         ____________________________________________________
         (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (206) 628-2111


     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


                          YES   X       NO
                              _____        _____

Common stock outstanding as of August 27, 1999:  138,558,408 shares of
common stock.










                                 1 of 16
<PAGE>







                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     --------------------------------
                                 INDEX
                                 -----
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Page
                                                                  Number
<S>                                                               <C>
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    Item 1.  Financial Statements (unaudited)

        Consolidated Statements of Earnings
           Three and Six months ended
           July 31, 1999 and 1998                                    3

        Consolidated Balance Sheets
           July 31, 1999 and 1998 and
           January 31, 1999                                          4

        Consolidated Statements of
           Shareholders' Equity
             Six months ended July 31,
             1999 and 1998                                           5

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           Six months ended July 31, 1999
           and 1998                                                  6

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                   7

    Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
             Condition and Results of Operations                    12

    Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
             Market Risk                                            15

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

    Item 1.  Legal Proceedings                                      15

    Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
             Holders                                                15

    Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                       16
</TABLE>







                                 2 of 16
<PAGE>





                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
             (dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
                              (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Three Months            Six Months
                                    Ended July 31,         Ended July 31,
                                ----------------------  -- -------------------
                                   1999        1998        1999        1998
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales                       $1,443,395  $1,447,284  $2,482,500  $2,487,499
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales and related
    buying and occupancy           943,348     971,243   1,631,544   1,669,543
  Selling, general and
    administrative                 393,400     379,510     707,784     688,773
  Interest, net                     12,483      11,054      24,492      21,286
Service charge income
    and other, net                 (22,025)    (27,585)    (49,197)    (58,002)
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                 1,327,206   1,334,222   2,314,623   2,321,600
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------

Earnings before income taxes       116,189     113,062     167,877     165,899
Income taxes                        45,350      43,900      65,500      64,400
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net earnings                    $   70,839  $   69,162  $  102,377  $  101,499
                                ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Basic earnings per share        $      .51  $      .47  $      .73  $      .68
                                ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Diluted earnings per share      $      .51  $      .47  $      .72  $      .68
                                ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
Cash dividends paid per share
    of common stock outstanding $      .08  $      .07  $      .16  $      .14
                                ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
<FN>
These statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.
</TABLE>














                                 3 of 16
<PAGE>

                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          (dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    July 31,   January 31,     July 31,
                                      1999        1999          1998
                                   (unaudited)               (unaudited)
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents        $   69,492   $  241,431   $   46,632
  Short term investment                21,506         -            -
  Accounts receivable, net            598,506      587,135      650,956
  Merchandise inventories             828,264      750,269      858,980
  Prepaid income taxes and other       90,703       87,476       90,770
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Total current assets              1,608,471    1,666,311    1,647,338
Land, buildings and
  equipment, net                    1,400,036    1,362,400    1,269,483
Long term investment                   32,259         -            -
Other assets                           79,390       86,696       39,504
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
TOTAL ASSETS                       $3,120,156   $3,115,407   $2,956,325
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Notes payable                             -   $   78,783   $  123,377
  Accounts payable                 $  378,043      339,635      395,690
  Accrued salaries, wages
    and related benefits              190,987      202,914      187,189
  Income taxes and other accruals     120,361       96,281      111,789
  Current portion
    of long-term debt                 116,146       63,341        1,169
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Total current liabilities           805,537      780,954      819,214
Long-term debt                        747,148      804,893      618,965
Deferred lease credits                202,513      147,188       75,668
Other liabilities                      74,572       65,719       61,638
Shareholders' Equity:
  Common stock, no par:
    250,000,000 shares authorized;
    138,557,608, 142,114,167 and
    147,303,964 shares issued
    and outstanding                   241,535      230,761      209,765
  Unearned stock compensation          (4,774)      (4,703)           -
  Retained earnings                 1,034,771    1,090,595    1,171,075
  Accumulated other comprehensive
    income                             18,854         -            -
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Total shareholders' equity        1,290,386    1,316,653    1,380,840
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY             $3,120,156   $3,115,407   $2,956,325
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========
<FN>
These statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.
</TABLE>

                                 4 of 16
<PAGE>



                          NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                               (dollars in thousands)
                                    (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              Common Stock        Unearned     Retained     Comprehensive
                           Shares       Amount  Compensation   Earnings         Income       Total
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>     <C>            <C>          <C>         <C>
Balance at
  February 1, 1999         142,114,167  $230,761    $(4,703)   $1,090,595          -    $1,316,653
Net earnings                    -           -           -         102,377          -       102,377
Cash dividends
  ($.16 per share)              -           -           -         (22,616)         -       (22,616)
Issuance of common stock       309,641    10,774        (71)         -             -        10,703
Purchase and retirement of
  common stock              (3,866,200)     -           -        (135,585)         -      (135,585)
Unrealized gain on
  investment                    -           -           -            -         $18,854      18,854
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at
  July 31, 1999            138,557,608  $241,535    $(4,774)   $1,034,771      $18,854  $1,290,386
                           =======================================================================


Balance at
  February 1, 1998         152,518,104  $201,050        -      $1,274,008          -    $1,475,058
Net earnings                    -           -           -         101,499          -       101,499
Cash dividends
  ($.14 per share)              -           -           -         (21,046)         -       (21,046)
Issuance of common stock       358,460     8,715        -            -             -         8,715
Purchase and retirement of
     common stock           (5,572,600)     -           -        (183,386)         -      (183,386)
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at
  July 31, 1998            147,303,964  $209,765        -      $1,171,075          -    $1,380,840
                           =======================================================================
<FN>
These statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.
</TABLE>



















                                 5 of 16
<PAGE>
                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                          (dollars in thousands)
                               (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Six Months
                                                    Ended July 31,
                                                ---------------------
                                                  1999         1998
                                                --------     --------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net earnings                                   $102,377     $101,499
 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
   to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
     Depreciation                                 92,607       83,674
     Amortization of deferred lease
       credits and other, net                     (1,616)      (1,075)
     Stock-based compensation expense              2,169            -
     Change in:
       Accounts receivable, net                  (11,371)      13,492
       Merchandise inventories                   (77,995)     (32,935)
       Prepaid income taxes and other             (4,072)      (5,608)
       Accounts payable                           38,408       74,379
       Accrued salaries, wages and
         related benefits                        (11,927)         974
       Income tax liabilities and
         other accruals                           17,856       30,973
       Other liabilities                           3,023        5,937
                                                --------     --------
Net cash provided by operating activities        149,459      271,310
                                                --------     --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Additions to land, buildings and equipment     (130,243)    (100,644)
 Additions to deferred lease credits              58,538            -
 Additions to capitalized software               (11,495)      (7,635)
 Other, net                                       (4,764)      (1,575)
                                                --------     --------
Net cash used in investing activities            (87,964)    (109,854)
                                                --------     --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Decrease in notes payable                       (78,783)    (140,390)
 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net         -      297,146
 Principal payments on long-term debt             (4,984)    (100,657)
 Proceeds from issuance of common stock            8,535        8,714
 Cash dividends paid                             (22,617)     (21,045)
 Purchase and retirement of common stock        (135,585)    (183,386)
                                                --------     --------
Net cash used in financing activities           (233,434)    (139,618)
                                                --------     --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
  equivalents                                   (171,939)      21,838
Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of period                            241,431       24,794
                                                --------     --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period      $ 69,492     $ 46,632
                                                ========     ========
<FN>
These statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.
</TABLE>

                                 6 of 16
<PAGE>






                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          (dollars in thousands)
                                (unaudited)


Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation
- ---------------------
The consolidated balance sheets of Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of July 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated
statements of earnings and cash flows for the periods then ended, have
been prepared from the accounts without audit.

The consolidated financial information applicable to interim periods
is not necessarily indicative of the results for the fiscal year.

The financial information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Nordstrom, Inc. Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999.

In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial information
includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of
Nordstrom, Inc. and subsidiaries as of July 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then ended,
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
- --------------------------------
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting For
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended, requires an entity
to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement
of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value.  The Company
expects that adoption of this standard, in its fiscal year beginning
February 1, 2001, will not have a material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications
- -----------------
Certain reclassifications of prior year balances have been made to conform
with the presentation for the current year.








                                 7 of 16
<PAGE>





                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          (dollars in thousands)
                                (unaudited)


Note 2 - Earnings Per Share
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Three Months              Six Months
                             Ended July 31,           Ended July 31,
                      -------------------------- -----------------------
                           1999         1998         1999        1998
                       -----------  -----------  ----------- ------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Basic shares           139,341,609  148,507,621  140,572,417  149,349,949
Dilutive effect of
   stock options and
   restricted stock        749,318      774,821      941,536      647,005
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Diluted shares         140,090,927  149,282,442  141,513,953  149,996,954
                       ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Antidilutive options     1,081,444            0    1,066,047      403,376
                       ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>

Note 3 - Investment

In June 1999, an investee completed an initial public offering of common stock.
At July 31, 1999, the Company's investment is categorized as available-for-
sale.  A portion of the investment is reported as short-term because the
Company expects to sell it within one year.  Accumulated other comprehensive
income includes the increase in the fair market value of the investment based
on its quoted market value at July 31, 1999, net of applicable taxes of $12.0
million.

The following is a summary of the investment at July 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Quoted Market      Quoted Market
                                 Cost      in Excess of Cost        Value
                              ----------   -----------------    -------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>                  <C>
Short-term investment          $ 9,143          $12,363           $21,506
Long-term investment            13,714           18,545            32,259
                               -------          -------           -------
Total investment               $22,857          $30,908           $53,765
                               =======          =======           =======
</TABLE>







                                 8 of 16
<PAGE>

                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          (dollars in thousands)
                                (unaudited)


Note 4 - Segment Reporting

The following tables set forth information for the Company's reportable
segments and a reconciliation to the consolidated totals:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended             Retail        Credit        Corporate
July 31, 1999                  Stores      Operations      and Other      Eliminations        Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
Net sales and revenues to
  external customers       $1,393,392              -        $ 50,003                 -   $1,443,395
Service charge income               -       $ 27,106               -                 -       27,106
Intersegment revenues               -          7,535               -           $(7,535)           -
Net earnings                  103,691          4,473         (37,325)                -       70,839


Three months ended             Retail        Credit        Corporate
July 31, 1998                  Stores      Operations      and Other      Eliminations        Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales and revenues to
  external customers       $1,397,455              -        $ 49,829                 -   $1,447,284
Service charge income               -       $ 29,550               -                 -       29,550
Intersegment revenues               -          8,012               -           $(8,012)           -
Net earnings                   93,525          5,112         (29,475)                -       69,162


Six months ended               Retail        Credit        Corporate
July 31, 1999                  Stores      Operations      and Other      Eliminations        Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales and revenues to
  external customers       $2,387,667              -        $ 94,833                 -   $2,482,500
Service charge income               -       $ 55,484               -                 -       55,484
Intersegment revenues               -         12,512               -          $(12,512)           -
Net earnings                  156,255         12,167         (66,045)                -      102,377


Six months ended               Retail        Credit        Corporate
July 31, 1998                  Stores      Operations      and Other      Eliminations        Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales and revenues to
  external customers       $2,389,160              -        $ 98,339                 -   $2,487,499
Service charge income               -       $ 61,002               -                 -       61,002
Intersegment revenues               -         13,442               -          $(13,442)           -
Net earnings                  146,032         11,784         (56,317)                -      101,499
</TABLE>

Note 5 - Contingent Liabilities

Because the cosmetics and Nine West lawsuits described below are still in their
preliminary stages, the Company is not in a position at this time to quantify
the amount or range of any possible losses related to those claims.  The
Company intends to vigorously defend itself in those cases, as well as the
vacation pay dispute described below.  While no assurance can be given as to
the ultimate outcomes of these lawsuits, based on preliminary investigations,
management currently believes that resolving these matters will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position.




                                 9 of 16
<PAGE>




                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          (dollars in thousands)
                                (unaudited)


Note 5 - Contingent Liabilities (cont.)


Cosmetics

The Company is a defendant along with other department stores in nine separate
but virtually identical lawsuits filed in various Superior Courts of the State
of California in May, June and July 1998 that have now been consolidated in
Marin County state court.  The plaintiffs seek to represent a class of all
California residents who purchased cosmetics and fragrances for personal use
from any of the defendants during the period May 1994 through May 1998.
Plaintiffs' consolidated complaint alleges that the Company and other
department stores agreed to charge identical prices for cosmetics and
fragrances, not to discount such prices, and to urge manufacturers to refuse to
sell to retailers who sell cosmetics and fragrances at discount prices,
resulting in artificially-inflated retail prices paid by the class in violation
of California state law.  The plaintiffs seek treble damages in an unspecified
amount, attorneys' fees and prejudgment interest.  Defendants, including the
Company, have answered the consolidated complaint denying the allegations.
Discovery has just commenced and defendants have begun the process of producing
documents and responding to plaintiffs' discovery requests.  Plaintiffs have
not yet moved for class certification.

Nine West

The Company was named as a defendant in a number of substantially identical
lawsuits filed in federal district courts in New York and elsewhere beginning
in January and February 1999.  In addition to Nine West, a leading manufacturer
and retailer of women's non-athletic footwear and accessories, other defendants
include various department store and specialty retailers.  The lawsuits have
now been consolidated in federal district court in New York and purport to be
brought on behalf of a class of persons who purchased Nine West footwear from
the defendants during the period January 1988 to mid-February 1999.
Plaintiffs' consolidated complaint alleges that the retailer defendants agreed
with Nine West and with each other on the minimum prices to be charged for Nine
West shoes.  The plaintiffs seek treble damages in an unspecified amount,
attorneys' fees and prejudgment interest.  Defendants have moved to dismiss the
consolidated complaint, and briefing on the motion is complete.  The Court has
stayed discovery pending its decision on the motion to dismiss, and plaintiffs
have not yet moved for class certification. In addition, the Federal Trade
Commission has opened investigations based on the allegations in the pending
Nine West lawsuit, as has the Attorney General of the state of New York.  The
Company and the other defendants have begun submitting documents and
information to those agencies.







                                 10 of 16
<PAGE>

                     NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          (dollars in thousands)
                                (unaudited)


Note 5 - Contingent Liabilities (cont.)


Vacation Policy

On June 10, 1999, the Company was named as a defendant in Christopher King and
Luis Mendoza v. Nordstrom, a case filed in the Superior Court of the State of
California for the County of San Diego, Case No. 731580.  The suit was filed on
behalf of two former employees of the Company, as well as on behalf of the
general public and on behalf of a purported class described as "all similarly-
situated former or current employees of Nordstrom who are or were employed by
Nordstrom in California, Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii,
Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah and/or
Washington and who forfeited vested vacation time and/or were denied
compensation in lieu thereof."  The Plaintiff's complaint alleges that the
Company has in place a "use it or lose it" vacation policy under which vacation
must be used or it is forfeited at the end of the year and that such policy
violates the laws of the 14 states listed above.  The complaint includes causes
of action for violation of the separate laws of the 14 listed states,
conversion, unjust enrichment and violation of California Business and
Professions Code Section 17200 et seq.  Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages,
statutory penalties, interest, injunctive and other equitable relief, costs of
suit including attorneys fees, restitution, disgorgement, an accounting, and
punitive damages.  The Company has filed a demurrer to the entire complaint,
which is scheduled to be heard on September 24, 1999.

Saipan

The Company has reached a settlement in its lawsuits relating to its sourcing
of clothing products from independent garment manufacturers in Saipan
(Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands).  The settlement is subject to court
approval.  No hearing has been set to date.

The settlement, if approved by the court, will not have a material impact on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Other

The Company is also subject to other ordinary routine litigation incidental to
its business and with respect to which no material liability is expected.


Note 6 - Subsequent Events

On August 24, 1999, the Company entered into a Joint Venture Agreement to
establish a subsidiary to operate the Company's Internet and catalog
businesses.  The Company will contribute $10 million in cash and the assets and
liabilities associated with its present Internet and catalog businesses to the
new entity.  Benchmark Capital and Madrona Investment Group will collectively
contribute $16 million to the new entity.  Initially, the Company will own
approximately 84% of the new subsidiary, with Benchmark Capital and Madrona
Investment Group holding the remaining minority interest.


                                 11 of 16
<PAGE>




Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Statements made in this filing that are not historical facts are forward
looking information that involve risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking
statements typically are identified by the use of such terms as "may," "will,"
"expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan" and similar words,
although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently.  You
should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from
those contained in the forward-looking statements due to a number of
factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following: the
company's ability to predict fashion trends, consumer apparel buying
patterns, the company's ability to control costs and expenses,
the company's ability to overcome technological problems , trends in personal
bankruptcies and bad debt write-offs, employee relations, adverse
weather conditions and other hazards of nature such as earthquakes and floods,
the company's ability to continue its store, brand and line expansion plans,
and the impact of competitive market forces.


The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Management's
Discussion and Analysis section of the Nordstrom, Inc. Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999.

Results of Operations:
- ----------------------

For the second quarter ended July 31, 1999, diluted earnings per share were
$0.51, an increase of 8.5% over the $0.47 achieved in the prior year.  For the
six-month period ended July 31, 1999, diluted earnings per share were $0.72, an
increase of 5.9% over the $0.68 achieved in the prior year.  The increase in
diluted earnings per share for the quarter and six-month period was due
primarily to continuing improvement in gross margin and to a decrease in the
number of shares outstanding.

During the second quarter of 1999, sales decreased 0.3% compared to the
corresponding quarter in 1998.  For the six-month period, sales declined 0.2%
compared to the corresponding period in 1998.  Comparable store sales declined
2.4% for the quarter and 2.6% for the six-month period, in part reflecting less
promotional offerings and less than optimal promotion of the Anniversary Sale,
in July 1999.  For the quarter and the six-month period, comparable sales were
also impacted by lower merchandise levels, which, in some cases, affected
product assortment, depth and mix.

Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy expenses as a percentage of net
sales for the second quarter were 65.4%, compared to 67.1% for the second
quarter of 1998, and 65.7% for the six-month period, compared to 67.1%
for the corresponding period in 1998.  The decrease in cost of sales for the
quarter and six-month period was due primarily to higher merchandise margins
resulting from favorable pricing strategies and lower markdowns.  The decrease
in cost of sales was partially offset by an increase in occupancy costs due to
new stores and remodeling projects.




                                 12 of 16
<PAGE>




Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.)


For the second quarter of 1999, selling, general and administrative expenses as
a percentage of sales increased to 27.3%, compared to 26.2% for the second
quarter of 1998.  For the six-month period, selling, general and administrative
expenses were 28.5%, compared to 27.7% for the corresponding period in 1998.
The increases for the quarter and six-month period were due to several factors.
Management expenses increased due primarily to additional personnel and
consulting resources related to the Company's strategic and planning
initiatives.  Information services costs increased due to higher information
systems operational costs.  Also, for the six-month period, information
services costs were higher due to non-recurring costs related to the Company's
data center relocation from Seattle, Washington to Denver, Colorado during the
first quarter.  The expense increases were partially offset by decreases
in credit and collection expenses, due to lower bad debt costs, and lower
selling costs due to improved management of labor in relation to sales volume
for the quarter and six-month period.

Interest, net increased $1.4 million for the second quarter compared to the
corresponding quarter in 1998, and increased $3.2 million for the six-month
period compared to the corresponding period in 1998.  The increase in interest,
net for both the quarter and six-month period reflect higher borrowing levels
as a result of the Company's share repurchase activity.

Service charge income and other, net decreased $5.6 million for the second
quarter compared to the corresponding quarter in 1998, and decreased $8.8
million for the six-month period compared to the corresponding period in 1998.
These decreases were due primarily to lower accounts receivable balances on
which the Company earns service charges.


Liquidity and Capital Resources:
- --------------------------------

During the six-months ended July 31, 1999, the Company repurchased 3.9
million shares of its common stock for an aggregate of approximately $135
million.  At July 31, 1999, the Company had remaining share repurchase
authorization of approximately $185 million.

On August 20, 1999, the Company opened a full-line store in Providence, Rhode
Island and replaced a full-line store in Spokane, Washington.  Construction is
progressing as planned on new stores scheduled to open later this year and in
2000.

During the six-month period ended July 31, 1999, the Company reduced cash and
cash equivalents by $172 million, to a balance of $60 million at July 31, 1999,
due primarily to share repurchase activity, maturities of notes payable and
repayments of short-term debt.







                                 13 of 16
<PAGE>




Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.)


Year 2000
- ---------

The Company is taking steps to avoid potential negative consequences of Year
2000 software non-compliance and presently believes that any such non-
compliance will not have a material effect on its business, results of
operations or financial condition.  However, if unforeseen difficulties arise
or if the modification, conversion and replacement activities that the Company
has undertaken are not completed in a timely manner, the Company's operations
may be negatively affected, either from its own computer systems or from
interactions with vendors and other third parties with which it does business.

The Company is currently evaluating, replacing or upgrading its computer
systems in an effort to make them Year 2000 compliant.  While these remediation
efforts are essentially complete for its critical computer systems, testing is
ongoing.  Testing is being conducted based on criticality.  Non-information
technology systems, such as microchips embedded in elevators, are also being
evaluated, replaced or upgraded, as needed.  Although the Company's initial
assessment of its Year 2000 compliance has been completed, reassessments are
conducted on an ongoing basis to provide reasonable assurance that all critical
risks have been identified and will be mitigated.

The Company's cumulative Year 2000 expenses through July 31, 1999, were
approximately $15.4 million.  Approximately $1.0 million of expenses were
incurred during the second quarter ended July 31, 1999, compared to
approximately $3.0 million of expenses incurred in the second quarter of 1998.
For the six-month period ended July 31, 1999, approximately $2.2 million of
expenses were incurred, compared to $4.3 million in the corresponding period of
1998.  Approximately $1.6 million of expenses are expected to be incurred
throughout the remainder of 1999.  In order to meet Year 2000 compliance goals,
the Company has redeployed existing resources.  While this reallocation of
resources has resulted in the deferral of certain information technology
projects, the impact of those deferrals is not material to the Company.  The
Company believes that all necessary Year 2000 compliance work will be completed
in a timely fashion.  However, there can be no guarantee that all systems will
be compliant by the Year 2000, that the estimated cost of remediation will not
increase, or that the systems of others (e.g., vendors and other third parties)
on which the Company relies will be compliant.

Since 1996, the Company has been communicating with vendors to determine their
state of readiness with regard to the Year 2000 issue.  Based on its assessment
to date, the Company has no indication that any third party is likely to
experience Year 2000 non-compliance of a nature which would have a material
impact on the Company.  However, the risk remains that vendors or other third
parties may not have accurately determined their state of readiness, in which
case such parties' lack of Year 2000 compliance may have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations.  The Company will continue to
monitor the Year 2000 compliance of third parties with which it does business.





                                 14 of 16
<PAGE>


Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.)


The Company believes that the most likely worst-case scenarios that it might
confront with respect to Year 2000 issues have to do with the possible failure
of third party systems over which the Company has no control, such as, but not
limited to, power and telecommunications services.  The Company has in place a
business continuity plan that addresses recovery from various kinds of
disasters, including recovery from significant interruption in conveyance of
data within the Company's network information systems.  The Company is using
this plan to assist in an ongoing effort to develop, test and validate more
specific Year 2000 contingency plans.


Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the
normal course of business, primarily as a result of its short-term borrowing
and investment activities at variable interest rates.


                         PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1. Legal Proceedings
- -------------------------

The information required under this item is included in the following section
of Part I, Item 1 of this report:

          Note 5 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------------------------------------------------------------

The Company held its Annual Shareholders Meeting on May 18, 1999 at which time
the shareholders voted on the following proposals:

(1) Election of eleven directors for a one-year term.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Name of Candidate           For               Withheld
      ----------------------     -----------          ----------
      <S>                        <C>                  <C>
      D. Wayne Gittinger         127,859,829          1,919,062
      Enrique Hernandez, Jr.     129,184,658            594,233
      Ann D. McLaughlin          129,189,955            588,936
      John A. McMillan           129,198,054            580,837
      Bruce A. Nordstrom         129,202,635            576,256
      John N. Nordstrom          129,203,130            575,761
      Alfred E. Osborne, Jr.     129,201,971            576,920
      William D. Ruckelshaus     129,184,689            594,202
      Elizabeth Crownhart
       Vaughan                   129,182,738            596,153
      Bruce G. Willison          129,205,635            573,256
      John J. Whitacre           129,205,464            573,427
</TABLE>

                                 15 of 16
<PAGE>


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders (Cont.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------


       There were no abstentions and no broker non-votes.


(2) Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as
independent auditors for the fiscal year 1999.

    The vote was 129,405,231 for, 57,038 against and 316,622
abstentions.  There were no broker non-votes.


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- -----------------------------------------

(a)  Exhibits
     --------

(10.1)  Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated July 24, 1997 between
        Registrant and a group of commercial banks, dated June 22, 1999 is
        filed herein as an Exhibit.

(27.1)  Financial Data Schedule is filed herein as an Exhibit.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K
     -------------------

     No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter for which this
     report is filed.






                               SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                         NORDSTROM, INC.
                            (Registrant)


                        /s/            Michael A. Stein
                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                       Michael A. Stein
                    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                        (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


Date:  September 13, 1999
       ------------------


                                 16 of 16
<PAGE>

NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit Index

Exhibit                                   Method of Filing
- -------                                   ----------------

10.1 Second Amendment to the Credit       Filed herewith electronically
      Agreement dated July 24, 1997
      between Registrant and a group
      of commercial banks, dated
      June 22, 1999

27.1 Financial Data Schedule              Filed herewith electronically




<PAGE>
SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (the "Amendment"), dated as of June
22, 1999, is entered into by and among NORDSTROM, INC., a Washington
corporation (the "Borrower"), the financial institutions and other entities
party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (the "Lenders"), and
NATIONSBANK, N.A. (successor to NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as agent (the
"Agent") for the Lenders thereunder.

RECITALS

A.  The Borrower, the Lenders, the Managing Agents and the Agent have entered
B.  into a Credit Agreement dated as of July 24, 1997, as amended by a First
C.  Amendment thereto dated as of September 16, 1998 (as so amended, the
D.  "Credit Agreement").

B.  The Borrower has requested that the Lenders amend the Minimum Net Worth
C.  covenant set forth in the Credit Agreement.

C.  The Lenders are willing to amend the Credit Agreement, subject to the terms
D.  and conditions of this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.  Defined Terms.  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings, if any, assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

2.  Amendments to Credit Agreement.

(a)  Section 6.3.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended and restated in
its entirety to read as follows:

6.3.2  Minimum Net Worth.  Not permit the consolidated Net Worth of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter, to be
less than the sum of (A) $1,000,000,000, (B) 50% of the consolidated net
income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for all Fiscal Quarters ended
after April 30, 1999 with respect to which such consolidated net income is a
positive number (but without reduction for any net losses for any Fiscal
Quarter ended after April 30, 1999), and (C) 50% of the amount of any net
proceeds received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after the Closing
Date in connection with the issuance of capital stock (other than capital
stock issued to the Borrower or any of its other Subsidiaries and other than
capital stock issued pursuant to any employee stock option plan).

(b)  Exhibit F-6 to the Credit Agreement [Form of Compliance Certificate]
shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit
F-6 attached hereto.


                                      1

<PAGE>
3.  Representations and Warranties.  The Borrower hereby represents and
warrants to the Agent and the Lenders as follows:

(a)  Authority.  The Borrower has the requisite corporate power and authority
to execute and deliver this Amendment and to perform its obligations hereunder
and under the Loan Documents (as modified hereby) to which it is a party.  The
execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Amendment, and the
performance by the Borrower of each Loan Document (as modified hereby) to
which it is a party have been duly approved by all necessary corporate action
of the Borrower and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Borrower
are necessary to consummate such transactions.

(b)  Enforceability. This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by
the Borrower.  This Amendment and each Loan Document (as modified hereby) to
which the Borrower is a party is the legal, valid and binding obligation of
the Borrower, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, and is in
full force and effect.

(c)  Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties of
the Borrower contained in each Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party
(other than any such representations and warranties that, by their terms, are
specifically made as of a date other than the date hereof) are true and
correct on and as of the date hereof as though made on and as of the date
hereof.

(d)  No Default.  No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes a
Default or Event of Default

(e)  No Reliance.  The Borrower is entering into this Amendment on the basis
of its own investigation and for its own reasons, without reliance upon the
Agent and the Lenders or any other Person.

4.  Effective Date.  This Amendment will become effective as of the date first
above written (the "Effective Date"), provided that each of the following
conditions precedent is satisfied:

(a)  The Agent has received from the Borrower and the Required Lenders a duly
executed original (or, if elected by the Agent, an executed facsimile copy) of
this Amendment.

(b)  Each of the representations and warranties in Section 3 above shall be
true and correct.

5.  Reservation of Rights.  The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the
execution and delivery by the Agent and the Lenders of this Amendment shall
not be deemed to create a course of dealing or otherwise obligate the Agent or
the Lenders to enter into amendments under the same, similar or any other
circumstances in the future.




                                      2
<PAGE>
6.  Miscellaneous.

(a)  Except as herein expressly amended, all terms, covenants and provisions
of the Credit Agreement are and shall remain in full force and effect and all
references therein and in the other Loan Documents to such Credit Agreement
shall henceforth refer to the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment.
This Amendment shall be deemed incorporated into, and a part of, the Credit
Agreement.  This Amendment is a Loan Document.

(b)  This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and to the Credit Agreement and their respective successors and
assigns.  No third party beneficiaries are intended in connection with this
Amendment.

(c)  This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
law of the State of Washington.

(d)  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.  Each of the parties hereto
understands and agrees that this document (and any other document required
herein) may be delivered by any party thereto either in the form of an
executed original or an executed original sent by facsimile transmission to be
followed promptly by mailing of a hard copy original, and that receipt by the
Agent of a facsimile transmitted document purportedly bearing the signature of
a Lender or the Borrower shall bind such Lender or the Borrower, respectively,
with the same force and effect as the delivery of a hard copy original.  Any
failure by the Agent to receive the hard copy executed original of such
document shall not diminish the binding effect of receipt of the facsimile
transmitted executed original of such document of the party whose hard copy
page was not received by the Agent, and the Agent is hereby authorized to make
sufficient photocopies thereof to assemble complete counterparty documents.

(e)  This Amendment, together with the Credit Agreement, contains the entire
and exclusive agreement of the parties hereto with reference to the matters
discussed herein and therein.  This Amendment supersedes all prior drafts and
communications with respect thereto.  This Amendment may not be amended except
in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.3.1 of the Credit Agreement.

(f)  If any term or provision of this Amendment shall be deemed prohibited by
or invalid under any applicable law, such provision shall be invalidated
without affecting the remaining provisions of this Amendment or the Credit
Agreement, respectively.








                                      3

<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Amendment as of the date first above written.


NORDSTROM, INC.

By:/s/  Michael Stein
   ----------------------------
Name:   Michael Stein
Title:  Chief Financial Officer

By:
Name:
Title:


NATIONSBANK, N.A. (successor to NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as Agent

By:/s/  James P. Johnson
   ----------------------
Name:   James P. Johnson
Title:  Managing Director


NATIONSBANK, N.A. (successor to NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as a Lender

By:/s/  James P. Johnson
   ----------------------
Name:   James P. Johnson
Title:  Managing Director

BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION

By:/s/  James P. Johnson
   ----------------------
Name:   James P. Johnson
Title:  Managing Director


REVOLVING COMMITMENT VEHICLE CORPORATION
By:  Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Attorney-in-fact for
Revolving Commitment Vehicle Corporation

By:/s/  David P. Weintrob
   ----------------------
Name:   David P. Weintrob
Title:  Vice President





                                      4
<PAGE>
BANK ONE, COLORADO, N.A.

By:/s/  David L. Ericson
   ---------------------
Name:   David L. Ericson
Title:  Vice President


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:/s/  Richard J. Ameny, Jr.
   -----------------------------
Name:   Richard J. Ameny, Jr.
Title:  Assistant Vice President


NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:/s/  Chad M. Kortgard
   -------------------------------
Name:   Chad M. Kortgard
Title:  Commercial Banking Officer


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:/s/  Douglas S. King
   --------------------
Name:   Douglas S. King
Title:  Vice President


U.S. BANK

By:/s/  Arnold Conrad
   ------------------
Name:   Arnold Conrad
Title:  Vice President





                                      5








<PAGE>
Exhibit F-6

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

TO:  NationsBank, N.A.
     c/o Bank of America NT&SA
     555 California Street
     41st Floor
     San Francisco, CA  94104
     Attention:  James P. Johnson

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1997
(as the same may be amended, supplemented, replaced, renewed or otherwise
modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), by and among NORDSTROM,
INC., a Washington corporation (the "Borrower"), THE BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTIES THERETO AS LENDERS (the "Lenders"),
certain MANAGING AGENTS and NATIONSBANK, N.A. (successor to NationsBank of
Texas, N.A. (the "Agent Bank," as agent and representative for the Lenders (in
such capacity the Agent Bank or any successor in such capacity is referred to
herein as the "Agent").  Terms with initial capital letters used but not
defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

This Compliance Certificate is being delivered pursuant to Section 5.1.5 of
the Credit Agreement and relates to certain financial statements of the
Borrower (the "Financial Statements") as of and for periods ended ____________
(the "Financial Statement Date").  The undersigned is the [Chief Financial
Officer/President] of the Borrower, and hereby further certifies as of the
date hereof, in [his/her] capacity as an officer of the Borrower, as follows:

1.  I have reviewed the terms of the Loan Documents and have made, or have
caused to be made under my supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the
transactions and condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during the
accounting period covered by the Financial Statements to make the statements
contained in this Compliance Certificate.  I have also made such inquiries as
have been necessary of other officers of the Borrower in order to complete
this Compliance Certificate.

2.  Such review has not disclosed the existence of any Default or Event of
Default during such accounting period or as of the Financial Statement Date

                                      F-6-1
<PAGE>
and I do not have knowledge of the existence, as at the date of this
certificate, of any Default or Event of Default[, except as follows:1]

I hereby further certify as of the Financial Statement Date, in my capacity as
an officer of the Borrower, as follows2:

I.  Section 6.3.1 Minimum Coverage Ratio for Fiscal Quarter
  A.  EBITDAR for Fiscal Quarter

  B.  Interest Expense for Fiscal Quarter

  C.  Rent Expense for Fiscal Quarter

  D.  Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Fiscal Quarter

  E.  Minimum Coverage Ratio  2.00

II.  Section 6.3.2 Minimum Net Worth as of Financial Statement Date
  A.  Net Worth of the Borrower as of Financial Statement Date

  B.  Minimum Net Worth of the Borrower as of Financial Statement Date
1.	Initial Amount  $1,000,000,000
2.	50% of positive net income since April 30, 1999
3.	50% of net cash proceeds of equity offerings (other than employee stock
options) since July 31, 1997

1  Specify the nature and period of existence of each Default or Event of
Default (if any) and what action the Borrower has taken, is taking, or
proposes to take with respect thereto.

2  All accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all accounting
determinations hereunder shall be made, in accordance with Section 1.2.3 of
the Credit Agreement.

                                      F-6-2
<PAGE>



The undersigned has executed this Officers' Certificate as of the ___th day of
________, ____.


Name:
Title:  [Chief Financial Officer/President]



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1999
<CASH>                                          69,492
<SECURITIES>                                    21,506
<RECEIVABLES>                                  620,004
<ALLOWANCES>                                    21,498
<INVENTORY>                                    828,264
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,608,471
<PP&E>                                       1,400,036
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,120,156
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          805,537
<BONDS>                                        747,148
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       241,535
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,048,751
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,120,156
<SALES>                                      2,482,500
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,482,500
<CGS>                                        1,631,544
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,290,131
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              24,492
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                167,877
<INCOME-TAX>                                    65,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            102,377
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   102,377
<EPS-BASIC>                                      .73
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .72


</TABLE>


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