Nordstrom is investing in its alterations business—and underwriting the workforce to sustain it. At a ceremony on campus held this month, the first cohort of students in the retailer’s new tailoring ...

When Sarene Alsharif calls, she’s walking through her tailoring shop, and an employee beckons her over with a question. “No, no,” she explains, her reply drifting over the phone. “‘Let out’ means ...