Bruce Nordstrom, the visionary leader who transformed Nordstrom Inc.

 
Bruce Nordstrom, the visionary leader who transformed Nordstrom Inc. from a regional shoe retailer into one of the largest U.S. apparel chains, has passed away at 90. Nordstrom, who took over as president in 1963, turned the Seattle-based family business into a national department store known for its wide product selection, exceptional customer service, and generous return policies. Under his leadership, along with his cousins James and John Nordstrom, the company expanded significantly. His sons, Pete and Erik Nordstrom, announced his passing on Saturday, highlighting his legacy as a legendary business leader, generous community citizen, and loyal friend. Bruce Nordstrom’s approach emphasized customer loyalty by creating welcoming store environments. Many locations featured live piano music, spacious dressing rooms, comfortable seating, and highly trained, polite sales staff. This strategy, which included employing up to 50% more salespeople than competitors, reduced wait times and boosted sales volume.