Research

Nordstrom

Description:

Service with a smile is a part of Nordstrom's corporate culture. One of the nation's largest upscale apparel and shoe retailers, Nordstrom sells clothes, shoes, and accessories through nearly 100 Nordstrom stores and about 50 outlet stores (Nordstrom Rack) in 27 states. It also operates a pair of clearance stores, a freestanding shoe store, four Faþonnable and two Jeffrey boutiques in the US, and it sells goods online and through catalogs. With its easy-return policy and touches such as thank-you notes from employees, Nordstrom has developed a reputation for top-notch customer service. Members of the Nordstrom family, who own about 20% of the company's stock, closely supervise the chain.

Google

Description:

If you've never Googled, you probably aren't finding what you want online. Google operates the leading Internet search engine, offering targeted search results from more than 8 billion Web pages. The site, which ranks results based on a proprietary algorithm, offers search results in more than 35 languages and attracts an audience of more than 380 million people worldwide. The company generates revenue through ads that are targeted by keywords. Google also sells ads across a network of more than 200,000 affiliated Web sites. Founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page each have nearly 30% voting control of the company.