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 slightly raised its annual comparable sales forecast on Tuesday owing to softness in some categories including footwear and apparel toward the end of October.

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.