Nordstrom, a renowned department store operator, recently reported a nearly 7% decline in sales, reflecting the broader trend of weak demand and financially constrained consumers. Despite this setback, the company maintained its full-year sales outlook, expecting a decline of 4% to 6% compared to the previous year. Nordstrom’s adjusted earnings per share forecast was also adjusted, anticipating a range of $1.90 to $2.10. The retailer’s performance in the fiscal third quarter diverged from analysts’ expectations, with better-than-expected earnings per share but lower-than-anticipated revenue.
Nordstrom, like many other retailers, has been grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic and the shifting consumer landscape. The company’s sales have stagnated over the past three years, failing to reach pre-pandemic levels. Unlike its competitors, Nordstrom did not experience significant sales growth during the pandemic, when consumers had disposable income and limited spending opportunities. To counter these challenges, Nordstrom has concentrated on expanding its off-price stores, Nordstrom Rack, and reevaluating the merchandise offered at these locations to focus on popular brands.
Nordstrom’s struggles are not unique, as other retailers have also reported softer sales and expressed caution about the upcoming holiday season. The weak retail earnings released by retailers on Tuesday had a negative impact on the stock market. Companies such as Best Buy and Lowe’s have already reduced their fourth-quarter sales forecasts, while American Eagle Outfitters and Abercrombie & Fitch disappointed investors with disappointing holiday outlooks. Nordstrom’s third-quarter results were reflective of this trend, with a decline in total revenue from $3.55 billion to $3.32 billion compared to the year-ago period.
Nordstrom CEO Erik Nordstrom acknowledged the soft customer traffic during an earnings call, even though the average order size has increased. To attract more customers to its stores and website, the company has introduced additional rewards for beauty purchases and expanded free two-day delivery services to more markets. However, digital sales declined by 11.3% in comparison to the previous year, partially due to the elimination of store fulfillment for Nordstrom Rack digital orders. Despite these challenges, online sales were responsible for approximately one-third of Nordstrom’s total sales during the quarter.
Despite the difficulties, Nordstrom’s Chief Brand Officer Pete Nordstrom highlighted some improving trends. Most categories witnessed stronger year-over-year performance in the third quarter compared to the second quarter. Beauty products continued to be the primary driver of store visits, but accessories and activewear-related merchandise also experienced strong demand. The company managed to reduce markdowns and lower its inventory by almost 9% compared to the same period in 2022. Nordstrom Rack, although still facing declining sales, showed signs of improvement during the quarter.
Nordstrom remains committed to driving higher sales, improving profitability, and managing costs. Chief Financial Officer Cathy Smith acknowledged the challenges posed by the complex economic backdrop. The cautious consumers, coupled with potential changes in inflation, higher interest rates, and the resumption of student loan repayments, raise concerns about discretionary consumer spending during the holiday season. As of now, Nordstrom’s stock performance has been lackluster, with an 8% decline this year, underperforming the S&P 500.
Nordstrom’s recent performance highlights the challenges faced by retailers in today’s dynamic market. The company’s efforts to adapt and recover from the impact of the pandemic have yielded mixed results so far. However, positive trends in certain product categories and improvements in Nordstrom Rack indicate potential avenues for growth. As Nordstrom navigates through this difficult period, its ability to attract customers, enhance its digital presence, and respond to evolving consumer preferences will be crucial for its long-term success.