Nordstrom's identity crisis Firm must decide if it wants to be like Sears, Saks or stay in middle

"They're a strong and creative company," said Jeffrey Edelman, a Deutsche Morgan Grenfell retail analyst in New York. "They may need to digest a few things near term, but I believe they'll get back to their normal performance and growth before long."

It's anyone's guess, of course, whether Nordstrom will be back on track by the time it premiers its newest Baltimore-area store, which is projected to ring up $68 million in sales a year and become the focal point of a comprehensive rejuvenation being planned for the Mall in Columbia.

But given its track record and ability to enhance other area malls, Nordstrom is almost certain to have a dramatic impact.

'Going to be gorgeous'

"Their strategy for years has been to go into high income areas where their products will likely be well-received, and Columbia is no different," Gilliam said. "And they do an immense amount of market research beforehand."

"That store is going to be gorgeous," Davidowitz said. "It's going to do business like you never saw."

Pub Date: 12/28/96