Foster MBAs Go Behind the Scenes at Nordstrom’s Corporate Headquarters
Students hear from senior executives on the importance of adapting to shifting consumer preferences
Written by: Justin Cottrell, first year Full-Time MBA, Foster School of Business
Recently, a group of Full-Time MBA students from the University of Washington Foster School of Business had the unique opportunity to visit Nordstrom’s headquarters. This exclusive visit provided firsthand exposure to one of the most iconic names in retail and fashion, offering a deep dive into the company’s storied history, strategic decision-making, and commitment to innovation in an ever-evolving industry.
From the moment the students stepped into Nordstrom’s corporate offices, they were immersed in the brand’s customer-first philosophy. A central theme throughout the visit was Nordstrom’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer preferences by actively listening to its customers and evolving its offerings accordingly. The visit underscored how a legacy retailer can remain relevant in a competitive landscape through a steadfast commitment to service and innovation.
The highlight of the day was a series of engaging discussions with Nordstrom’s top executives, including CEO Erik Nordstrom, President Pete Nordstrom, and other senior leaders. Each leader shared their personal journeys within the company, the challenges of navigating the fast-paced retail industry, and Nordstrom’s innovative strategies to maintain its status as a customer-centric organization.
Throughout the event, our cohort engaged in discussions covering critical topics such as the evolution of an omnichannel customer experience, strategies for optimizing the supply chain and the role of digital transformation in innovating new customer shopping experiences. The students appreciated the candid insights shared by the executives which provided a rare glimpse into the decision-making process of a leading retailer, with many noting how Nordstrom’s leadership team exemplifies a commitment to their employees and customers.
Reflecting on the experience, Foster MBA student Daryl Davidson remarked, “Spending time at Nordstrom’s headquarters was a phenomenal opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insights on a successful retail giant and what makes them unique.” Another student, Halima Noor, shared, “Meeting the executives at Nordstrom was genuinely insightful! Their passion, strategic vision and experiences demonstrated their commitment to the organization and customer-first approach.”
As the event concluded, Nordstrom left our group with a unique token of appreciation as we each received a copy of the late Bruce Nordstrom’s book, Leave It Better Than You Found It. This book encapsulates the Nordstrom philosophy of continuous improvement and leaving a lasting, positive impact — values that deeply resonate with the University of Washington MBA program’s mission to develop principled and forward-thinking leaders.
The visit to Nordstrom’s headquarters was more than just a corporate tour; it was an immersive learning experience that provided valuable business insights, networking opportunities, and an inspiring look into the culture of a customer-first organization. Our cohort walked away with a deeper appreciation for the retail industry, leadership in a dynamic business environment, and a greater understanding of how companies like Nordstrom remain at the forefront of retail.
UW Foster provides multiple opportunities for students to visit and interact with high-profile leaders and companies across sectors to gain firsthand insights from the best. These experiences help students understand the various facets of different industries, enabling them to make informed career choices as they pursue their professional goals.
Learn more about the Foster MBA program.
