Nordstrom, Inc. reported preliminary sales of $518.0 million for the five-week period ending April 5, 2003, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to sales of $503.6 million for the five-week period ending April 6, 2002. Same-store sales decreased 1.7 percent, in-line with the company’s recently revised expectations.


For the five-week period, same-store sales in full-line stores increased in the Central States and East Coast geographic regions but decreased in the Northwest and Southwest regions. By merchandise division, same-store sales increased in Cosmetics, Accessories and Women’s Active Wear, while Women’s Shoes and the Designer and Bridge segments of Women’s Apparel were flat for the month.


Preliminary quarter-to-date (February — March) sales of $885.7 million increased 2.7 percent compared to 2002 quarter-to-date sales of $862.6 million. Quarter-to-date same-store sales decreased 1.9 percent.