text: Gross Profit (2014 vs. 2013) 
  Our Retail gross profit rate decreased 52 basis points compared with 2013 due to increased markdowns and Nordstrom Rack’s accelerated 
  store expansion. The growth in Nordstrom Rack stores resulted in a higher occupancy expense as sales volume at new stores typically take 
  several years to reach the average of our mature stores and also have substantial pre-opening costs. Retail gross profit increased $275 in 
  2014 due to an increase in net sales, partially offset by increased markdowns. 
  
  Our inventory turnover rate decreased to 4.67 times in 2014, from 5.07 times in 2013. Ending inventory per square foot increased 8.8% 
  compared with the same period in 2013, which outpaced the total sales per square foot increase of 3.9% primarily due to planned inventory 
  growth related to Nordstrom Rack and Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. 
  
  Gross Profit (2013 vs. 2012) 
  Our Retail gross profit rate decreased 41 basis points compared with 2012 primarily due to higher expenses associated with the growth in the 
  Nordstrom Rewards customer loyalty program and higher occupancy costs related to Nordstrom Rack’s accelerated store expansion. Retail 
  gross profit increased $99 in 2013 compared with 2012 due to an increase in net sales at Nordstrom.com and Nordstrom Rack, which was 
  partially offset by a decrease in full-line net sales and increased occupancy costs related to Nordstrom Rack’s accelerated store expansion. 