Dive Brief:
- Nordstrom is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year through a series of events, brand activations and marketing campaigns, the department store announced Monday. The celebration kicks off during fashion week, with special events in New York City and Paris.
- Nordstrom will partner with brands such as Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Tory Burch on exclusive products and events. The retailer is also launching a limited-edition capsule collection of tote bags, charms, sweatshirts and other memorabilia inspired by its previous logos and designs.
- As part of the celebration, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will feature new brands, “the biggest Anniversary catalog yet” and additional surprises and treats, including $1.25 coffee at all Nordstrom restaurants and cafes throughout the sale event.
Dive Insight:
The Nordstrom department store chain has grown tremendously since John Nordstrom partnered with Seattle shoemaker Carl Wallin to open a store, Wallin & Nordstrom, in 1901.
In its 125th year, Nordstrom is inviting customers to revel in nostalgia. With vintage and modern photos of its stores and customers splashed across its dedicated anniversary webpage, the company is asking shoppers to share their favorite Nordstrom memories.
Later this year the retailer will debut a marketing campaign that highlights customer stories across TV and social channels, and its hometown of Seattle.
Nordstrom loyalty customers can expect additional perks throughout 2026, including giveaways, limited-edition products, invitations to curated experiences and surprises to mark the milestone. Nordstrom Rack is also joining in with loyalty offers and a curated list of 125 deals in September.
As shoppers celebrate Nordstrom’s history, its parent company has entered a new chapter. In late 2024, members of the Nordstrom family partnered with Mexican retail conglomerate El Puerto de Liverpool to take the company private in a $6.25 billion deal. They completed the deal last May at a share price of $24.25, with the Nordstrom family retaining a controlling stake.
While Nordstrom is highlighting its history, the company’s off-price arm continues to drive growth. Before Nordstrom went private, CEO Erik Nordstrom called the company’s Rack operations “a growth engine for our company,” as the largest source of customer acquisition and a key point in long-term customer retention.
