Nordstrom 'Rack’s' up sales

Rapid expansion of Nordstrom Rack stores and strong sales at the off price division enabled the department store retailer to exceed its fourth quarter profit forecast.

The company said same store sales at Rack increased 3.6% on top of a price year increase of 7.1% while sales at full line stores declined 3.3% after increasing 2.2% last year.

The company ended the year with 117 full line stores and plans to open three units this year. There were 143 Rack and other formats in operation at the end of last year thanks to the addition of 22 new stores and plans call for 27 new units this year.