Nordstrom's 4Q profits up 1.7 percent (AP)

AP - Upscale department store chain Nordstrom Inc. says its fourth-quarter profit rose 35 percent as it tightened inventory controls, saw improved consumer credit and made strong sales at full price, and it's upbeat about 2011.

Nordstrom has traditionally employed pianists who perform live for shoppers — a nice little upscale touch at the high-end department store. But they've been disappearing. 

AP - Nordstrom Inc. reported that third-quarter profit rose by nearly 7 percent as its affluent shoppers continue to splurge despite an uncertain economy and volatile swings in the stock market.

Nordstrom Inc. reported that third-quarter profit rose by nearly 7 percent as its affluent shoppers continue to splurge despite an uncertain economy and volatile swings in the stock market.The upscale ...

AP - Upscale department store chain Nordstrom Inc. said its third-quarter net income rose 43 percent as its customers continued spending more, topping analyst estimates. The company also raised its earnings outlook.

SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Department store operator Kohl's Corp gave a weak outlook for the rest of 2009 due to higher costs from new store openings, but upscale retailer Nordstrom Inc raised its profit view for the year and said recent sales trends were encouraging.