Nordstrom to Trim Jobs, Sales Shifts

Facing weaker sales made worse by the economic effect of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Nordstrom said it will cut jobs across the company and reduce hours for some sales employees at its clothing stores.

The company declined to say how many jobs are being cut. Spokeswoman Shasha Richardson said the reductions will affect employees at stores across the country, but it remained unclear whether corporate jobs also will be affected.

The retail industry already was weakening when the attacks occurred, and Richardson said Nordstrom was struggling with mostly flat sales and had been looking at ways to cut costs.

Shares in Nordstrom fell 20 cents to $16 on the NYSE.