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Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fiscal Year

We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to January 31st. References to 2011, 2010 and 2009 relate to the 52-week fiscal years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010. References to 2012 relate to the 53-week fiscal year ending February 2, 2013.

Principles Of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the balances of Nordstrom, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Use Of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting period. Uncertainties regarding such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements and actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. Our significant accounting judgments and estimates include the allowance for credit losses, revenue recognition, inventory, goodwill and income taxes.

Net Sales

Net Sales

We recognize revenue from sales at our retail stores at the point of sale, net of estimated returns and excluding sales taxes. Revenue from our sales to customers shipped directly from our stores and our online and catalog sales includes shipping revenue, when applicable, and is recognized upon estimated receipt by the customer. We estimate customer merchandise returns based on historical return patterns and reduce sales and cost of sales accordingly. Activity in the allowance for sales returns, net, for the past three fiscal years is as follows:


Fiscal year	2011			2010			2009
Allowance at beginning of year		$85			$76			$70
Additions		1,411			1,180			1,030
Returns, net¹		(1,393	)		(1,171	)		(1,024)
Allowance at end of year		$103			$85			$76

¹ Returns, net consist of actual returns offset by the value of the merchandise returned and the sales commission reversed.

Credit Card Revenues

Credit Card Revenues

Credit card revenues include finance charges, late fees and other revenue generated by our combined Nordstrom private label card and Nordstrom VISA credit card programs, and interchange fees generated by the use of Nordstrom VISA cards at third-party merchants. These fees are assessed according to the terms of the related cardholder agreements and recognized as revenue when earned.

Cost Of Sales

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the purchase cost of inventory sold (net of vendor allowances), in-bound freight and certain costs of loyalty program benefits related to our credit and debit cards.

Buying And Occupancy Costs

Buying and Occupancy Costs

Buying costs consist primarily of compensation and other costs incurred by our merchandising and product development groups. Occupancy costs include rent, depreciation, property taxes and facility operating costs of our retail, corporate center and distribution operations.

Rent

Rent

We recognize minimum rent expense, net of landlord reimbursements, on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term from the time that we control the leased property. For leases that contain predetermined, fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the rent expense on a straight-line basis and record the difference between the rent expense and the rent payable as a deferred credit. Contingent rental payments, typically based on a percentage of sales, are recognized in rent expense when payment of the contingent rent is probable.

We receive incentives from landlords to construct stores in certain developments. These property incentives are recorded as a deferred credit and recognized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. At the end of 2011 and 2010, the deferred credit balance was $556 and $553.

Selling, General And Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefit costs (other than those included in buying and occupancy costs), advertising, shipping and handling costs, bad debt expense related to our credit card operations and other miscellaneous expenses.

Advertising

Advertising

Advertising production costs for Internet, magazines, store events and other media are expensed the first time the advertisement is run. Total advertising expenses, net of vendor allowances, of $128, $114 and $85 in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Vendor Allowances

Vendor Allowances

We receive allowances from merchandise vendors for cosmetic selling expenses, purchase price adjustments, cooperative advertising programs and various other expenses. Allowances for cosmetic selling expenses are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as a reduction of the related costs when incurred. Purchase price adjustments are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales at the point they have been earned and the related merchandise has been sold. Allowances for cooperative advertising and promotion programs and other expenses are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as a reduction of the related costs when incurred. Any allowances in excess of actual costs incurred that are included in selling, general and administrative expenses are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales. Vendor allowances earned are as follows:


Fiscal year	2011		2010		2009
Cosmetic selling expenses		$128		$118		$106
Purchase price adjustments		108		96		91
Cooperative advertising and promotion		78		67		63
Other		2		2		2
Total vendor allowances		$316		$283		$262

Shipping And Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

Our shipping and handling costs include payments to third-party shippers and costs to hold, move and prepare merchandise for shipment. These costs do not include in-bound freight to our distribution centers, which we include in the cost of our inventory. Shipping and handling costs of $178, $133 and $103 in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Loyalty Program

Loyalty Program

Customers who use our Nordstrom private label credit or debit card or our Nordstrom VISA credit cards can participate in the Nordstrom Fashion Rewards^® program through which customers accumulate points based on their level of spending. Upon reaching a certain threshold, customers receive Nordstrom Notes^®, which can be redeemed for goods or services in our stores and online. Starting in January 2012, all Fashion Rewards customers receive a credit for complimentary alterations and a personal triple points day, in addition to early access to sales events. As part of these changes, Nordstrom Rack is also now included with all bonus points events and the spend requirements for customers to achieve our two highest benefit levels have been lowered. With increased spending, they can receive additional amounts of these benefits as well as access to exclusive fashion and shopping events.

We estimate the net cost of Nordstrom Notes that will be issued and redeemed, and record this cost as rewards points are accumulated. These costs, as well as complimentary alterations, are recorded in cost of sales given that we provide customers with products and services for these rewards. Other costs of the loyalty program, including shipping and fashion events, are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to stock options at their estimated grant date fair value, recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The total compensation expense is reduced by estimated forfeitures expected to occur over the vesting period of the award. We estimate the grant date fair value of stock options using the Binomial Lattice option valuation model. Stock-based compensation expense also includes amounts related to HauteLook stock compensation, performance share units and our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on their fair values as of the end of each reporting period.

New Store Opening Costs

New Store Opening Costs

Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new stores, including marketing expenses, relocation expenses and temporary occupancy costs, are charged to expense as incurred. These costs are included in both buying and occupancy costs and selling, general and administrative expenses according to their nature as disclosed above.

Gift Cards

Gift Cards

We recognize revenue from the sale of gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer, or we recognize breakage income when the likelihood of redemption, based on historical experience, is deemed to be remote. Based on an analysis of our program since its inception in 1999, we determined that balances remaining on cards issued beyond five years are unlikely to be redeemed and therefore may be recognized as income. Breakage income was $9, $9 and $8 in 2011, 2010 and 2009. To date, our breakage rate is approximately 3.0% of the amount initially issued as gift cards. Gift card breakage income is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of earnings. We had outstanding gift card liabilities of $209 and $188 at the end of 2011 and 2010, which are included in other current liabilities.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Using this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We routinely evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is determined that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized.

We regularly evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit for income tax positions that we have taken in various federal, state and foreign filings by considering all relevant facts, circumstances and information available. If we believe it is more likely than not that our position will be sustained, we recognize a benefit at the largest amount which we believe is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized.

Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are classified as a component of income tax expense.

Comprehensive Net Earnings

Comprehensive Net Earnings

Comprehensive net earnings include net earnings and other comprehensive earnings and losses. Other comprehensive earnings and losses in 2011, 2010 and 2009 consisted of adjustments, net of tax, related to our postretirement benefit obligations. Accumulated other comprehensive losses at the end of 2011 and 2010 consisted of unrecognized losses on postretirement benefit obligations.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase and are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Our cash management system provides for the reimbursement of all major bank disbursement accounts on a daily basis. Accounts payable at the end of 2011 and 2010 included $81 and $111 of checks not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of our bank deposit balances.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes credit card receivables from our Nordstrom private label and VISA credit cards, as well as credit and debit card receivables due from third party financial institutions. We record credit card receivables on our consolidated balance sheets at the outstanding balance, net of an allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses reflects our best estimate of the losses inherent in our receivables as of the balance sheet date, including uncollectible finance charges and fees. We estimate such credit losses based on several factors, including historical aging and delinquency trends, write-off experience, concentration and risk metrics and general economic conditions. Credit card receivables constitute unsecured consumer loans, for which the risk of cardholder default and associated credit losses tend to increase as general economic conditions deteriorate.

We consider a credit card account delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the payment due date. Our aging method is based on the number of completed billing cycles during which the customer has failed to make a minimum payment. Delinquent accounts, including accrued finance charges and fees, are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible, usually after they become 150 days past due. Accounts are written off sooner in the event of customer bankruptcy or other circumstances that make further collection unlikely.

We recognize finance charges and fees on delinquent accounts until they become 120 days past due, after which we place accounts on non-accrual status. Payments received for accounts on non-accrual status are applied to accrued finance charges, fees and principal balances consistent with other accounts, with subsequent finance charge income recognized only when actually received. Non-accrual accounts may return to accrual status when we receive three consecutive minimum payments or the equivalent lump sum.

Our Nordstrom private label credit card can be used only in Nordstrom stores and on our website, while our Nordstrom VISA cards allow our customers the option of using the cards for purchases of Nordstrom merchandise and services, as well as for purchases outside of Nordstrom. Cash flows from the use of both the private label and Nordstrom VISA credit cards for sales originating at our stores and our website are treated as an operating activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows, as they relate to sales at Nordstrom. Cash flows arising from the use of Nordstrom VISA cards outside of our stores are treated as an investing activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows, as they represent loans made to our customers for purchases at third parties.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, using the retail method (weighted-average cost).

Land, Buildings And Equipment

Land, Buildings and Equipment

Land is recorded at historical cost, while buildings and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Capitalized software includes the costs of developing or obtaining internal-use software, including external direct costs of materials and services and internal payroll costs related to the software project.

We capitalize interest on construction in progress and software projects during the period in which expenditures have been made, activities are in progress to prepare the asset for its intended use and actual interest costs are being incurred.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the asset's estimated useful life, which is determined by asset category as follows:


Asset	Life (in years)
Buildings and improvements		5- 40
Store fixtures and equipment		3- 15
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of initial lease term or asset life
Capitalized software		3- 7

Leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease are amortized over the shorter of the initial lease term or the asset life. Leasehold improvements made during the lease term are amortized over the shorter of the asset life or the remaining lease term. Lease terms include the fixed, non-cancelable term of a lease, plus any renewal periods determined to be reasonably assured.

Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Long Lived Assets

Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the related net assets acquired, and is not subject to amortization. As of January 28, 2012, we had HauteLook goodwill of $121 and nordstrom.com and Jeffrey goodwill of $53. We review our goodwill annually for impairment or when circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. We review our HauteLook goodwill as of the first day of the fourth quarter and review our nordstrom.com and Jeffrey goodwill on the first day of the first quarter. We perform this evaluation at the reporting unit level, comprised of the principal business units within our Retail segment, through the application of a two-step fair value test. The first step compares the carrying value of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value, which is based on the expected present value of future cash flows, comparable public companies and acquisitions, or a combination of both. If fair value is lower than the carrying value then a second step is performed to quantify the amount of the impairment. Based on the results of our tests, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $25 relating to HauteLook during the fourth quarter of 2011. For nordstrom.com and Jeffrey, the fair values substantially exceeded carrying values and therefore we had no goodwill impairment in 2011, 2010 or 2009. See Note 2: HauteLook for additional information related to the 2011 HauteLook goodwill impairment.

When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of long-lived assets, including buildings, equipment and amortizable intangible assets, may be impaired, we perform an evaluation of recoverability by comparing the carrying values of the net assets to their related projected undiscounted future cash flows, in addition to other quantitative and qualitative analyses. Upon indication that the carrying values of long-lived assets will not be recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss. We estimate the fair value of the assets using the expected present value of future cash flows of the assets. Land, buildings and equipment are grouped at the lowest level at which there are identifiable cash flows when assessing impairment. Cash flows for our retail store assets are identified at the individual store level, while our intangible assets associated with HauteLook are identified at the HauteLook reporting unit level. We did not record a significant impairment loss for long-lived tangible or amortizable intangible assets in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Self Insurance

Self-Insurance

We retain a portion of the risk for certain losses related to employee health and welfare, workers' compensation and general liability claims. Liabilities associated with these losses include undiscounted estimates of both losses reported and losses incurred but not yet reported. We estimate our ultimate cost based on an actuarially based analysis of claims experience, regulatory changes and other relevant factors.

Derivatives

Derivatives

During 2011, we held interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the "swap"), which were intended to hedge our exposure to changes in the fair value of our fixed-rate senior notes due in 2018 from interest rate risk. The swap was designated as a fully effective fair value hedge. As such, the interest rate swap fair value was included in other assets or other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet, with an offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of our long-term debt (included in other unsecured debt). In the fourth quarter of 2011, we sold our swap. The accumulated adjustments to the associated debt of $72 are being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining life of the debt. The cash flows from the sale of our swap are treated as a financing activity within our consolidated statement of cash flows. See Note 8: Debt and Credit Facilities and Note 9: Fair Value Measurements for additional information related to our swap.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This ASU clarifies existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, amends certain fair value measurement principles and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. We do not expect the provisions of this ASU, which are effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2012, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which was subsequently modified in December 2011 by ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. This ASU amends existing presentation and disclosure requirements concerning comprehensive income, most significantly by requiring that comprehensive income be presented with net income in a continuous financial statement, or in a separate but consecutive financial statement. The provisions of this ASU (as modified) are currently effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2012 and will result in changes to the presentation of comprehensive net earnings in our consolidated financial statements, but will have no effect on the calculation of net earnings, comprehensive net earnings or earnings per share.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Testing for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU amends existing guidance by permitting an entity to first assess qualitative factors before calculating the fair value of a reporting unit in the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is not less than its carrying value, further testing is not needed. We do not expect the provisions of this ASU, which are effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2012, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU requires disclosures about offsetting and related arrangements for financial instruments and derivative instruments, including gross and net information and evaluation of the effect of netting arrangements on the statement of financial position. We do not expect the provisions of this ASU, which are effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2013, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, as its requirements are disclosure-only in nature.