Everett Nordstrom


Everett W. Nordstrom was an American businessman, chairman and CEO of Nordstrom, the department store chain founded by his father, John W. Nordstrom.

Early life

He was born on January 13, 1903, the first son of John W. Nordstrom and Hilda Carlson. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1923.

Career

In 1928, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his shares of Wallin & Nordstrom to his two eldest sons, Everett and Elmer. The following year Carl Wallin also retired and sold his shares to them. 1930 saw the company change its name to Nordstrom. In 1933, the third son Lloyd joined. They ran the business as co-presidents.
The three brothers focused on good value and quality, coupled with customer service, and by the 1960s, had the largest independent shoe store chain in the US, and the largest store in the country in downtown Seattle. In 1963, they bought Best Apparel, a Seattle-based women's clothing store, followed by a Portland, Oregon fashion retail store in 1966. They now offered shoes and clothing for all the family under the new name, Nordstrom Best.
In 1968, all three brothers retired, allowing the next generation to take over - Everett's son, Bruce Nordstrom; Elmer's sons, James and John; Lloyd's son-in-law, Jack McMillan, along with family friend Bob Bender.

Personal life

Everett Nordstrom collapsed and died on July 1, 1972 while playing golf at the Seattle Golf Club. He is buried at the Acacia Memorial Park.