Nordstrom revenue reaches pre-pandemic peak following privatization

Seattle-based department store Nordstrom has seen its revenue return to levels last recorded before the global pandemic, occurring less than one year after the company transitioned to private ownership in a 6.25 billion dollars transaction, according to Bloomberg.

The retailer reported that sales rose to approximately 15.80 billion dollars last year. This figure represents an increase from 15 billion dollars in the prior year and aligns with the record-high revenue achieved in 2019, prior to the market shifts accelerated by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The recovery follows a strategic acquisition completed in May, in which the Nordstrom family and Mexican department store chain Liverpool secured the company in an all-cash deal. Under the current ownership structure, Liverpool maintains a 49.9 percent stake while the Nordstrom family holds 50.1 percent.

Profitability and market positioning

The company has experienced significant gains in its operational performance. Pro-forma earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), used as a measure of the profitability of its operations, rose 61 percent to 799 million dollars last year.

Revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2026, increased 7 percent to 4.60 billion dollars. A spokesperson for Nordstrom confirmed these financial results following an initial report by Fortune regarding the annual revenue growth.

Strategic shift away from public markets

The move to take the century-old retail chain private was driven by the founding family’s belief that the brand would achieve greater success away from the scrutiny and short-term demands of public market investors.

The partnership with Liverpool has allowed the company to stabilize its financial trajectory while navigating the evolving retail landscape. Recent performance suggests the brand has successfully mitigated the impact of the shift toward e-commerce that initially pressured traditional brick and mortar department stores.