text: Nordstrom Rack net sales for the quarter increased $130, or 17%, reflecting 27 new Nordstrom Rack store openings since the fourth quarter 
  of 2013, while comparable sales increased 3.2%. On a comparable basis, the average selling price of Nordstrom Rack merchandise 
  increased while the number of items sold was flat. Shoes and Accessories were the category highlights for Nordstrom Rack. 
  
  Gross Profit 
  Our total company gross profit rate decreased 53 basis points compared with the same period in the prior year, primarily due to increased 
  markdowns at Nordstrom Rack. 
  
  Retail Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses 
  Our Retail SG&A rate increased 80 basis points primarily due to expenses related to the acquisition of Trunk Club and ongoing technology 
  and fulfillment expenses. 
  
  Credit Expenses 
  In the fourth quarter, expenses for our Credit segment of $54 increased from $38 in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by 
  higher operational expenses resulting from a 6% increase in credit volume during the fourth quarter of 2014. The fourth quarter of 2013 also 
  included the impact of the conversion of our Nordstrom Rewards travel benefit into Nordstrom Notes, which decreased operational expenses 
  in the prior year. 
  
  For further information on our quarterly results in 2014 and 2013, refer to Note 17: Selected Quarterly Data in the Notes to Consolidated 
  Financial Statements in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 