Nordstrom's Head Store Planner Retires

Joel Stinson, who as chief administrative officer had been in charge of store planning for Nordstrom Inc. (Seattle), has retired after 27 years with the retailer.

Stinson cited his health and a desire to spend more time with his family as his reasons for retirement.

As cao, Stinson had been responsible for Nordstrom real estate, business information and technology, supply chain and operations, as well as store planning,. Most recently, he was responsible for supporting the rollout of the company's perpetual inventory system. (The system is said to provide salespeople with better information at the point of sale.)

Replacing Stinson will be Dan Little, formerly vp of supply chain strategy.

“Stinson has consistently performed to the highest levels and exceeded expectations in every assignment he has undertaken,” said president Blake Nordstrom. “He has been instrumental in helping the company move forward with technology and embrace perpetual inventory. As a key member of the executive team, much of the progress the company has made in the last two and a half years is attributable to his leadership.”