Nordstrom online sales surge |
|
| Monday, 01 September 2008 | |
 Nordstrom's online sales are booming. A striking fact at a time when many retailers are facing a significant sales dip. Sales at Nordstrom's online division were up 15 percent in the second quarter of 2008, compared with the same period a year ago. Today, the company is on track
to see online sales surpass 10 percent of overall sales and to top $1 billion soon. That contrasts with a 4.3 percent decline in sales overall. Nordstrom is a Seattle-based chain with more then 150 locations in 28 states. One-third of it's sales now come from multi-channel shoppers who both shop online and also in the real shops. Nordstrom in turn has added services and customers now can order online and pick up merchandise at a store the same day, forgoing the wait and cost of shipping.
Image: Nordstrom |
The fashion retailer wants to further expand its multi-channel services, including the ability to ship more items directly from the stores, if a certain item is not available in warehouses or the shipping center. Online sales was one plus in the company's recent second-quarter earnings report. Overall, Nordstrom said it total sales decreased 4.3 percent in the second quarter. Same- store sales declined 6 percent. The other plus was Nordstrom Rack, the company's discount clearance stores. The company reported that same-store sales at Nordstrom Rack stores increased 6.3 percent for the quarter. Nordstrom continues to be profitable, posting net earnings of $143 million for the second quarter, although those earnings were down significantly from second quarter 2007 earnings of $180 million. 