Nordstrom's Sales Surprise: A Holiday Boost

Nordstrom decided to raise its full-year sales outlook after experiencing a stronger holiday shopping season than expected. The retailer, based in Seattle, now predicts that its revenue will grow by 1. 5% to 2. 5%, considering it had one less fiscal week this year. Previously, Nordstrom had projected flat to a 1% increase. The company kept its profit guidance the same, despite the higher sales target. During the holiday period, which lasted nine weeks and ended on January 4, Nordstrom's net sales jumped by 4. 9%. Comparable sales, which don't consider store closures or openings, increased by 5. 8%. The Nordstrom brand saw a 3. 7% rise in net sales and a 6. 5% boost in comparable sales. Meanwhile, Nordstrom Rack, their off-price division, saw a 7. 4% increase in net sales and a 4. 3% rise in comparable sales. The positive holiday numbers might be a good sign for retailers and a reflection of U. S. consumers' shopping habits. Other retailers like Walmart and Macy's will soon report their earnings. Early holiday numbers from Adobe Analytics show that online spending in the U. S. from November 1 to December 31 was nearly 9% higher than last year, totaling $241. 4 billion. Mastercard SpendingPulse also reported a 3. 8% year-over-year increase in U. S. retail sales for the holiday season, excluding automotive sales. These updates come as Nordstrom's founding family is planning to take the company private. In late December, they announced a deal worth around $6. 25 billion with Mexican department store El Puerto de Liverpool. The transaction, approved by the board, is expected to be completed in 2025.