Typically, at this time of year, you might expect retailers to take big breaths and brace themselves for returns season. Not in the last quarter of 2024.

Nordstrom announced it would go private, with the founding family and El Puerto de Liverpool to buy all outstanding shares, a deal process that started early this year. Companies often look to go private when management feels that they can’t take necessary strategies in the public eye.

"The special committee of the Nordstrom Board of Directors reviewed this proposal against the Company's standalone prospects for growth," Eric Sprunk, chairman of the special committee, said in prepared remarks. "Following a rigorous and independent evaluation and consultation with outside financial and legal advisors, the special committee unanimously concluded that this transaction offers greater value for all public shareholders at a significant premium to the unaffected share price."