RETAILING

Nordstrom Earnings Rise Sharply: The Seattle-based retailer said its profit nearly tripled in the first quarter ended April 30 to $32 million, far exceeding Wall Street’s expectations. Nordstrom Inc. said earnings were up 183% from $11.3 million a year ago. Earnings per share shot up to 39 cents from 14 cents, while revenue rose 9.6% to $762 million, from $696 million. “The significant increase in net earnings reflects improved results in all regions of the company’s operations compared to the first quarter of last year,” Executive Vice President John Goesling said.