Bruce Nordstrom, Ex-CEO and Retail Icon, Passes Away at 90

Bruce Nordstrom, the former CEO and chairman of Nordstrom Inc., has passed away at the age of 90. His leadership over four decades was marked by significant expansion of the family-owned retailer, taking it from a regional chain to a prominent national brand. The company's growth during the 1970s and 1980s included the launch of the successful Nordstrom Rack off-price stores and a footprint that extended across the United States. By 1980, Nordstrom had become the third-largest specialty retailer in the country.

Nordstrom's tenure as CEO saw the company going public in 1971, and he continued to play a key role in its operations until his retirement as co-chairman in 1995. However, his influence persisted as he served on the board until 2006. Known for his dedication to customer service and quality, he was a respected figure in the retail industry. Beyond his professional achievements, his sons, Pete and Erik Nordstrom, who currently hold executive positions within the company, praised his dedication to family and friends.

In later years, Bruce Nordstrom was involved in a family effort to take the company private in 2017, though the bid ultimately did not succeed. His passing is not only a loss for the Nordstrom family but also marks the end of an era for the retail industry, where he was recognized for establishing the Nordstrom brand's reputation for quality and customer service.