Nordstrom Plans ‘Killer Stores’ In Major Markets

Nordstrom’s expansion plans into the next century center on opening giant “killer stores” in populated, wealthy markets outside the Northwest, one of its co-chairman says.

“We have enough stores in the Northwest right now,” John McMillan said Tuesday during an interview at an investors’ conference.

“We’re looking for the most affluent, most populous areas of the country. It’s going to take us five or 10 more years before we rethink our strategy.”

The Seattle-based specialty chain grew into a national company from a base of stores concentrated in or near Seattle and Portland. The company now is concentrating on transporting its reputation for quality merchandise and high customer service to new markets, McMillan said.