Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
MajorsJan 04, 2019
Nordstrom Co-President Blake Nordstrom Dies at 58
Though he had been diagnosed with lymphoma in December, he said it was treatable and his death was unexpected.
Blake Nordstrom, who spent his entire career working for his family’s department store chain, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning in his native Seattle. The longtime retail executive had been diagnosed with lymphoma in December but was expected to survive.
Seattle—Blake Nordstrom, one of three brothers who ran the business his great-grandfather started in 1901, died Wednesday in Seattle.
He was 58.
According to numerous news reports, Blake Nordstrom had been diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the immune system, in early December. The company informed employees of his diagnosis in a letter but said he would be undergoing chemotherapy and that the cancer was treatable.
Nordstrom Inc. said in a formal statement issued Tuesday that Blake’s death was unexpected. The exact cause of death was unclear as of Thursday.
“My heart goes out to the Nordstrom family and everyone at the company during this difficult time. Everyone who worked with Blake knew of his passion and deep commitment to employees, customers and the communities we serve,” board Chairman Brad Smith said. “We are fortunate to have continued leadership from co-presidents Pete and Erik Nordstrom.”
Swedish immigrant John W. Nordstrom opened his first store—a shoe store—in 1901 with partner Carl F. Wallin, a shoemaker. Wallin & Nordstrom was located on Fourth and Pike in Seattle, with a second location opening in 1923 in the city’s University District.
When Nordstrom and Wallin retired, both sold their shares in the store to Nordstrom’s sons.
The business continued to grow and eventually branched out from just selling shoes, adding clothing for men, women and children in the 1960s.
The retailer went public as Nordstrom Inc. in 1971 and, after that, began to expand nationally.
Blake Nordstrom started his career in the family business in 1976, working in the stockroom of the Nordstrom store in downtown Seattle. From there, he worked his way up through the ranks, serving in executive positions for Nordstrom’s off-price branch, Nordstrom Rack, before being appointed an officer at Nordstrom Inc. in 1991.
He became co-president in May 2015, running the business alongside his two brothers.
Ben Bridge Co-Chair Emeritus Jon Bridge knew Nordstrom via the Seattle business community and considered him a personal friend.
Nordstrom served as a mentor and adviser to the jewelry executive when Ben Bridge was plotting its expansion, and Bridge said he will miss their frequent discussions and counsel.
He also noted the “giving spirit” with which Nordstrom and his family infused the city of Seattle.
“His personal commitment to downtown Seattle has made our city a mecca for growth and prosperity,” Bridge said. “He will be sorely missed.”
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
