Report: Nordstrom outlook positive for ’09

Seattle Nordstrom president Blake Nordstrom said during the company's annual shareholder meeting that he is cautiously optimistic about 2009, according to The Seattle Times. In the report, he also suggested that business has leveled off after a sharp decline last year.

Nordstrom also noted that the company remains committed to a long-term, multi-pronged strategy that includes improving customer service both online and in stores, as well as keeping down expenses, according to the report.

The company has opened two new full-line clothing stores this year, with a third scheduled for the fall, down from a total of eight openings last year.