Nordstrom Comps Climb 4.3% in March

Nordstrom, Inc. reported preliminary sales of $703.1 million for the five-week period ending April 1, 2006, an increase of 7.0% compared to sales of $657.4 million for the five-week period ending April 2, 2005. Same-store sales increased 4.3%. Preliminary quarter-to-date sales of $1.20 billion increased 7.1% compared to sales of $1.12 billion in 2005. Quarter-to-date same-store sales increased 4.5%.

    SALES SUMMARY               Total Sales               Same-store Sales
    (unaudited;        Fiscal     Fiscal   Percent    Total   Full-line   Rack
    $ in millions)      2006       2005    Increase   Retail   Stores   Stores

    March              $703.1      $657.4     7.0%     4.3%     3.1%     10.6%
    Quarter-to-date  $1,202.2    $1,122.7     7.1%     4.5%     3.2%     10.4%

    Number of stores
      Full-line            99          95
      Rack and other       57          56
      International
       Faconnable
       boutiques           33          31
      Total               189         182
    Gross square
     footage       20,214,000  19,550,000

On March 10, 2006, the company opened a full-line store at The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.