Everett Nordstrom

Everett W. Nordstrom (January 13, 1903 – July 1, 1972) was an American businessman, chairman and CEO of Nordstrom, the department store chain founded by his father, John W. Nordstrom.

Early life

He was born on January 13, 1903, the first son of John W. Nordstrom and Hilda Carlson. He graduated from the University of Washington.

Career

In 1928, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his shares of Wallin & Nordstrom to his two eldest sons, Everett and Elmer. In 1929, Carl Wallin also retired and sold his shares to them. 1930 marked the change of name to Nordstrom. In 1933, the third son Lloyd joined. They ran the business as co-presidents.

The three brothers focused on good value and quality, coupled with customer service, and by the 1960s, had the largest independent shoe store chain in the US, and the largest store in the country in downtown Seattle. In 1963, they bought Best Apparel, a Seattle-based women's clothing store, followed by a Portland, Oregon fashion retail store in 1966. They now offered shoes and clothing for all the family under the new name, Nordstrom Best.

In 1968, all three brothers retired, and the next generation took over - Everett's son, Bruce Nordstrom; Elmer's sons, James and John; Lloyd's son-in-law, Jack McMillan, along with family friend Bob Bender.

Personal life

He collapsed and died on July 1, 1972, while playing golf at the Seattle Golf Club, and is buried at the Acacia Memorial Park.