BUSINESS BRIEFING

YAKIMA

Nordstrom to close its Yakima store

Nordstrom is closing its store Yakima store after 40 years ofbusiness, citing declining sales and the uncertain future of thedowntown retail district.

The last day of business for the small store will be March 31,the clothing retailer said Wednesday.

The store opened in 1960 as a shoe store.

Apparel and accessories were added in 1963. The store employs 132people.

The store's sales have declined 34 percent since 1994, withfuture declines predicted, the company said.

SEATTLE

Microsoft to connect Starbucks with Web

Starbucks customers are used to getting wired. Now they'regetting wireless.

The coffee giant has reached a deal with Microsoft Corp. toprovide its customers with high-speed Internet access for theirwireless laptops, smart phones and other hand-held devices.

The service will be provided over MobileStar Network Corp.'swireless broadband network, the companies said Wednesday.MobileStar, based in Richardson, Texas, will outfit cafes across thecontinent with the necessary infrastructure, such as a satellitedownlink.

Customers will be able to download the latest information onlocal arts and entertainment and shop online while sipping theirespressos, the companies said.

SEATTLE

Navy orders sixth Boeing C-40A airlifter

The U.S. Navy has ordered a sixth Boeing 737-700C jetliner foruse as a cargo and passenger plane, Boeing Co. said Wednesday.

The Navy is buying the 121-passenger jets, which it designates asC-40A Clippers, to replace its fleet of C-9 airlifters. No value wasgiven for the order, but Boeing's list price for a 737-700 is $43.5million to $51.5 million, depending upon configuration.

The C-40A can be used as an all-passenger plane, all-cargo, or tocarry a combination of cargo and people.

The U.S. Naval Reserve is the first customer for the aircraft.The first four planes will be based at Naval Air Station CarswellJoint Reserve Base, Ft. Worth, Texas.