About the store Nordstrom is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 193 U.S. stores located in 28 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 114 Full-Line Stores, 76 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store. Nordstrom also serves customers through its online presence and through its catalogs.