the three brothers focused on good value and quality, coupled with customer service, and by the 1960s, had the largest independent shoe store chain in the us, and the largest store in the country in downtown seattle. in 1963, they bought best apparel, a seattle-based women's clothing store, followed by a portland, oregon fashion retail store in 1966. they now offered shoes and clothing for all the family under the new name, nordstrom best.