US-based apparel, footwear and accessories retailer Nordstrom, Inc. has reported a net earnings increase of 20% to $178.8 million for the second quarter ended July 29, compared with net earnings of $148.9 million in 2005.

Total sales for the second quarter increased 7.8% to $2.3 billion, compared with sales of $2.1 billion in the same period last year.

Year-to-date net earnings increased 22.3% to $310 million for the period ended July 29 compared with $253.5 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date total sales increased 7.9% to $4.1 billion compared with prior year sales of $3.8 billion.