Nordstrom's Hawaiian Expansion

Nordstrom Inc. (Seattle) has announced its intention to open a full-line store at Victoria Ward Centre in Honolulu in fall 2005. Under a separate lease agreement, the retailer will also relocate and combine its two freestanding shoe stores in June 2002 from Ala Moana Center to Ward Centre. The Ward Centre shoe store will be incorporated into the Nordstrom store once it opens.

Nordstrom entered Hawaii roughly 35 years ago through an agreement to operate the Liberty House shoe departments. When Liberty House terminated the agreement in 1997, Nordstrom opened two freestanding shoe stores (one for men, one for women and children) at Ala Moana Center. In August 2000, the retailer opened a Nordstrom Rack store in Hawaii.

Nordstrom also announced the names of the two executives to succeed divisional presidents, both of whom are retiring. Gail Cottle, president of Nordstrom Product Group, will be succeeded by James O'Neal, formerly gm for Nordstrom's East Coast region. And Susan Tabor, president of Nordstrom Rack, will be succeeded by Laurie Black, formerly corporate merchandise manager for women's active sportswear, lingerie and hosiery. Both retirements are effective as of the end of November.