Nordstrom Reports $3.3 Million Loss, Plans Pay Increases for Sales Staff.

Byline: Robert T. Nelson

Nov. 16--Most companies in the midst of prolonged, difficult financial times would tighten their belt and eliminate expenses, perhaps cut staff. Not Nordstrom, which has decided to do just the opposite.

On the day Blake Nordstrom confirmed the company's dismal third-quarter performance, the new president announced Nordstrom will improve employee pay so its sales staff can do a better job of serving customers.

Though he offered few specifics, he indicated that next year the company will redirect at least some of its national advertising budget ($40 million this year) to the sales floors to increase pay across the board and to reward its best …