The return of in-person events and on-site work led to a sales boom for Nordstrom as it recovers from a pandemic rut, the retail giant said during an earnings call with investors Tuesday. Nordstrom’s sales grew 19% in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same time in 2021. Nordstrom Rack, the Seattle-based company’s discount chain that had been struggling financially, also saw stronger sales because of the return of in-person shopping and a larger assortment of merchandise. The increase in brands available at Nordstrom Rack is a big driver of its recovery, though it’s “not back all t…