Report: Nordstrom Explores Options

Seattle, Nordstrom on Thursday downplayed a report that said the company is close to making a deal to sell its Faconnable brand of upscale clothing and accessories, according to a report by Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

"It's true we are exploring strategic alternatives for the brand," said Michael Boyd, a Nordstrom spokesman. "That may or may not include a sale. We are simply exploring options that would benefit Nordstrom and Faconnable."

Boyd said the company wouldn't comment on the New York Post article that said bids came in at $200 million for the unit. The story also said Nordstrom paid $350 million for Faconnable, when company records show it actually paid about $169 million.

Nordstrom in February said it was selling Faconnable, the high-priced French-based clothing line, which is sold in its mainline stores and at four U.S. boutiques. The brand is also sold in 23 other countries, and Nordstrom has 36 Faconnable boutiques in Europe.