Case Name :      Nordstrom: Expansion into Canada

Authors :           Won-Yong Oh, Duane Myer

Source :              Ivey Publishing

Case ID :           9B16M185 / W16707

Discipline :        General Management

Case Length :    10 pages

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

In August 2016, it had been almost two years since American fashion retailer Nordstrom opened its first Canadian store in Calgary. Nordstrom believed Canada to be an ideal location for its global expansion. Executives identified the country as a potential US$1 billion opportunity with no language barrier and a population with a higher average income than in the United States. Despite this enticing potential market, Nordstrom executives entered Canada with a slow, conservative approach. Nordstrom faced slow economic growth in Canada and fierce competition from other luxury retailers. Although Canada was an attractive potential market, increased competition and a changing economic environment presented new challenges to the retailer’s international expansion plan. How could Nordstrom find success in Canada?