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Nordstrom and Peek...Aren't You Curious Team Up: Nordstrom Invests in Kidswear Company, Becomes Exclusive Retailer

SEATTLE, Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Peek...Aren't You Curious and Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) announced today a partnership to begin offering Peek merchandise in Nordstrom stores and on nordstrom.com. Nordstrom will be the exclusive retailer for Peek merchandise outside of Peek's six stand-alone stores and online at peekkids.com. By investing in the company, Nordstrom also becomes a minority shareholder in Peek, a company that designs, makes and sells children's apparel, gifts and other treasures.

Nordstrom expects Peek merchandise will become a major part of its core kidswear offering in all Nordstrom stores' kids departments and online. Nordstrom will first introduce Peek merchandise in 18 Nordstrom full-line stores and on nordstrom.com beginning February 2011, with the intention of rolling out Peek merchandise to more stores over time. Initially, eight stores will also feature unique Peek-inspired shop-in-shops located inside the Kids department.

"Tina Canales and Peek have put together one of the most exciting kids labels we've seen in a long time," said Pete Nordstrom, president of merchandising for Nordstrom, Inc. "Tina and her team have a real knack for connecting kids and parents alike to great quality fashion in a playful and savvy way. We love their creative talent and believe in the concept both as a stand-alone store and as an important vendor in our kidswear mix."

Peek focuses on offering high-quality children's apparel and a shopping experience that allows all ages to connect with the joy of childhood. The clothing shows the same consideration and quality that adults demand in their own wardrobe, with thoughtful details, luxurious materials, and interesting finishing work that elevates it to something kids can love.

"We are excited and honored to be working with Nordstrom," said Tina Canales, a mother of three and co-founder of Peek...Aren't You Curious. "It did not take us long to discover that the Peek and Nordstrom customers are often one and the same, and that they appreciate the values both companies share -- a commitment to offering hip, quality clothes at an accessible price and a genuine focus on customer service. We are really looking forward to dressing more kids."

"Tina and I worked together for about 10 years, and she is an extraordinary merchant with a sharp creative eye, incredible attention to detail and impeccable taste," said Maureen Chiquet, Global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel and member of the Peek...Aren't You Curious Board of Directors. "Not only can Tina always pick the best products, find the right sourcing and put them together in an entirely unique way, she also has the drive and the will to make the impossible happen. When she told me about her concept for Peek, and showed me the product and store design, I was immediately seduced and wanted to be involved with the Board.

"I have also worked with Pete Nordstrom as one of our top retailers for Chanel. As an upscale yet friendly and service-driven store, Nordstrom fits perfectly with the Peek concept. Both Nordstrom and Peek share a very similar customer -- one who cares about quality, detail, and unique, hip style."

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