80. Nordstrom
December 30, 2009
Compared to some of its peers, Nordstrom may be weathering the downturn better than most. February same-store sales were off "only" 15 percent from last year, worse than expected, but better than those of some competitors. The chain's response to the economic climate has been to cut corners while remaining an appealing destination for customers. For example, Nordstrom has cut prices on more than 800 items by an average of 22 percent and beefed up its more-affordable private-label offerings. Still intact: the legendary "Nordstrom experience."