Songs of Style

(SEATTLE) Nordstrom, having established its Designer Collections boutiques, is expanding its merchandise offerings to include music. The Seattle-based retailer will offer a variety of musical selection in select Northwest and Southern California stores-as well as online-including exclusive compilations as well as current and iconic releases.

"We want to sell products our customers are interested in," said Pete Nordstrom, president of merchandising. "Music and fashion are similarly aligned-we're encouraged by the response we've received from the music industry to collaborate on some compelling music. This is a new category for us and we're excited to give it a try."

To develop this initiative, Nordstrom has partnered with seasoned industry executive, music attorney Michael E. Barber, founder and president of Barber Entertainment Corp., who works with labels to produce, market, and distribute both exclusive and non-exclusive music. This new Nordstrom program will provide customers an additional place to discover and purchase various genres of music.

Nordstrom will be the exclusive seller of the previously out-of-print and highly acclaimed Marvin Gaye Anthology compilation (1995 version). The select stores and Nordstrom.com will also offer An Introduction to Jamie Cullum, a Nordstrom-exclusive compilation of 10 songs from the much-heralded singer/songwriter/pianist. In addition, Nordstrom will introduce its music program by offering current releases from high profile music artists including The Killers, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, and Beck, as well as titles from newer artists such as Wolfmother, Plain White T's, and indie chanteuse Feist. Starting in November, Nordstrom will also offer two exclusive holiday compilations in all stores and online, including A Nordstrom Classic Holiday, a compilation of 13 familiar holiday songs by renowned artists past and present.

Nordstrom has plans to roll out its music program to all stores across the country in 2007.
JIM SHI