It's kind of ironic, really -- many people probably see Wal-Mart
I'm referring to Nordstrom's ongoing efforts to harness technology for inventory management and cost control. Not only has this allowed Nordstrom to enhance its best-in-class inventory turnover (which frees up capital otherwise mired in inventory), but also it has streamlined overall store management and improved margins.
Those benefits continued in the second quarter. Nordstrom posted nearly 8% revenue growth as same-store sales increased by more than 6%. Gross margins, though, improved by 110 basis points, and operating margin ticked up by 240 points. That led to a 39% increase in net income for the period.
Given high energy prices and a prolonged high-end retailing boom, some believe that luxury retailers such as Nordstrom or Coach
Nordstrom is not posting the blockbuster same-store sales growth of teen-oriented retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters
Live vicariously with these luxury Takes:
Fool contributor Stephen Simpson has no financial interest in any stocks mentioned (that means he's neither long nor short the shares).