For the first quarter ended April 29, 2023, net sales decreased 11.6 percent versus the same period in fiscal 2022, including a 175 basis point negative impact from the wind-down of Canadian operations, and gross merchandise value (“GMV”) decreased 11.9 percent. Nordstrom banner net sales decreased 11.4 percent and GMV decreased 11.8 percent. Net sales for Nordstrom Rack decreased 11.9 percent.
The Company’s first quarter results reflected progress on its key priorities. Nordstrom Rack sales trends improved late in the quarter, with the strongest performance in April, primarily driven by increased penetration of strategic brands in its merchandise mix. Gross profit margin expanded by 110 basis points over last year, reflecting the Company’s focus on increasing inventory productivity. In addition, the Company continued to deliver efficiencies through its supply chain initiatives, which contributed over 100 basis points of improvement in variable costs within selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, helping to mitigate the impact of deleverage on lower sales.
“We are pleased with the progress we’re making against the key priorities we laid out for 2023 as we continue to enhance our overall customer experience, improve Nordstrom Rack performance, increase inventory productivity and optimize our supply chain operations,” said Erik Nordstrom, chief executive officer of Nordstrom, Inc. “We’re encouraged by our momentum, especially given the uncertain macroeconomic environment. We remain focused on executing with agility and delivering long-term value to our shareholders.”
“Our focus on these key priorities allows us to better serve our customers through great brands at great prices at the Rack and more product newness and better flow across our banners, while also positioning us for more profitable growth,” said Pete Nordstrom, president and chief brand officer of Nordstrom, Inc. “We’re grateful to our team for their hard work and focus, and we’re excited to serve our customers with new and fresh selections from the best brands at our upcoming Anniversary Sale.”
Summary:
*Total Company net sales decreased 11.6 percent and GMV decreased 11.9 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2022. The wind-down of Canadian operations had a negative impact on total Company net sales of 175 basis points. The first quarter of 2023 included one month of sales from Canadian operations, compared with a full quarter of sales from Canadian operations in the first quarter of 2022.
*Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, of 33.8 percent increased 110 basis points compared with the same period in fiscal 2022, reflecting the Company’s focus on increasing inventory productivity.
*Ending inventory decreased 7.8 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2022, versus an 11.6 percent decrease in sales.
*Loss before interest and tax was $259 million in the first quarter of 2023, compared with earnings before interest and tax (“EBIT”) of $73 million during the same period in fiscal 2022.
more at: https://investor.nordstrom.com/news-releases/news-release-details/nordstrom-reports-first-quarter-2023-earnings