Nordstrom earnings fell to $21.6 million, or...

Nordstrom earnings fell to $21.6 million, or 26 cents a share, in the quarter ended April 30, down from $25.7 million, or 26 cents a share, in the year-earlier period.

Sales were up 9% to $663.8 million from $610.6 million.

Nordstrom attributed the decline to the poor environment for upscale retailers.

“Sales trends have not improved enough to offset the higher costs of doing business,” said John Goesling, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Nordstrom’s results were at the low end of analysts’ predictions. The company’s stock rose 62.5 cents to $34 a share in over-the-counter trading.

The Seattle-based company operates more than 60 stores in Washington, Oregon, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Alaska.