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NORDSTROM Nordstrom Reports Second Quarter 2021 Earnings , Raises Fiscal Year Outlook Broad - based improvement in sales trends at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack ; strong Anniversary Sale performance Earnings reflected solid execution and improvements in sales , gross profit and expense Continued balance sheet strengthening , including repayment of $ 500 million unsecured notes SEATTLE - August 24 , 2021 - Nordstrom , Inc. ( NYSE : JWN ) today reported second quarter results , which reflected continued broad - based improvement in sales trends at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack across categories and geographies . The Company reported net earnings of $ 80 million or $ 0.49 per diluted share , with earnings before interest and taxes ( " EBIT " ) of $ 151 million . For the second quarter ended July 31 , 2021 , net sales increased 101 percent from the same period in fiscal 2020 and decreased 6 percent from the same period in fiscal 2019 , representing a sequential improvement of approximately 700 basis points relative to the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The timing shift of the annual Anniversary Sale , with roughly one week falling into the third quarter of 2021 , had a negative impact of approximately 200 basis points on net sales compared with fiscal 2019. Adjusting for this timing shift , sales trends improved by approximately 900 basis points relative to the first quarter . As consumers refreshed their wardrobes , the Company's core categories of shoes , apparel and accessories experienced the largest improvement in sales trends relative to the first quarter . In addition , sales in active , home and designer categories continued to grow versus 2019 . " Our second quarter results demonstrate the strength of our two brands , the power of our ' closer to you ' strategy and the success of our iconic Anniversary Sale , " said Erik Nordstrom , chief executive officer of Nordstrom , Inc. " We capitalized on improving customer demand with focused execution , healthy inventory sell - through and continued expense management to deliver strong quarterly results . We remain focused on executing our strategy to win in our most important markets , broaden the reach of Nordstrom Rack and increase our digital velocity , and are well - positioned for continued progress toward our long - term strategic and financial goals as we look ahead to the second half of the year . " Total Anniversary event sales increased 1 percent compared with 2019 , including the final week of the event which fell in the third quarter . Traffic and sales trends were strong across both digital and stores as customers responded positively to expanded selection , better in - stock rates on top - selling items and enhanced capabilities including convenient pick - up options at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores . " A compelling merchandise assortment , combined with new and differentiated services and experiences , contributed to strengthening customer engagement and improving financial results during our Anniversary Sale . We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our outstanding employees and brand partners for their contributions to a successful event , " said Pete Nordstrom , president and chief brand officer of Nordstrom , Inc. Nordstrom strengthened its financial position in July by retiring the $ 500 million unsecured 4.0 % notes that were due in October 2021 using cash on hand . This will reduce annualized interest expense by $ 20 million , beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company remains on track to reduce its leverage ratio to approximately three times by year - end . SECOND QUARTER 2021 SUMMARY Total Company net sales increased 101 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2020 , during which stores were temporarily closed for approximately half of the quarter and the Anniversary Sale temporarily shifted to the third quarter . Net sales decreased 6 percent relative to the same period in fiscal 2019 , a sequential improvement of approximately 700 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2021. The timing shift of the Anniversary Sale , with approximately one week falling into the third quarter of 2021 , had a negative impact on net sales of approximately 200 basis points compared with the second quarter of 2019 . ●