Nordstrom flagship - origins tied to John W. Nordstrom

Nordstrom's retail company traces its origins to John W. Nordstrom, a Swedish immigrant who co-founded a Seattle shoe store in 1901; the company evolved into the national Nordstrom chain. The Nordstrom flagship store and company presence remain prominent in downtown Seattle, with the flagship retail location at the store's downtown address. The firm's founding and growth are frequently cited in histories of Seattle business and retail development.