Department-store chain Nordstrom Inc. on Tuesday offered up a slightly more optimistic full-year sales outlook and reported third-quarter results that beat analysts’ expectations, helped by demand for women’s clothing and gains at its off-price Rack stores.

Nordstrom bucked the trend on tepid spending at department stores by luring in shoppers for categories including women's apparel, shoes and men's apparel, while peers such as Macy's and Kohl's struggled with patchy demand.

Nordstrom Inc. raised the lower end of its annual sales guidance after its off-price and flagship chains reported quarterly growth that was better than expected — results that could encourage the company’s board to push the founding family for a better offer to take Nordstrom private.

Nordstrom raised its sales outlook for the fiscal year, citing positive momentum across its operations, after beating analysts estimates for adjusted earnings per share in the latest quarter.