Founder Profile
Carl Wallin
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is Carl Wallin?
Carl Wallin is a founder of Nordstrom, Inc., which was founded in 1901 with John W. Nordstrom.
- Company founded
- Nordstrom, Inc.
- Founded
- 1901
- Co-founders
- John W. Nordstrom
Background
Swedish-born shoemaker who ran a shoe repair shop in Seattle and met John W. Nordstrom in Alaska.
Founding Story
Carl Wallin was a shoemaker who partnered with John W. Nordstrom to open Wallin & Nordstrom in Seattle in 1901, bringing the footwear expertise while Nordstrom brought capital from the Klondike. Wallin later sold his share to Nordstrom's sons, and the business took the Nordstrom name. (Exact birth year remains publicly undisclosed).
Sources
This profile does not yet cite a source specific to Carl Wallin. The sources below document the company company rather than the person, so check them against the claims above.
- Nordstrom FY2024 Form 10-K (Nordstrom, Inc.)
- Nordstrom acquisition completion announcement (Nordstrom, Inc.)