Saving money at Nordstrom turned out to be the most common answer when we asked readers on our Facebook page what store they wished they could afford. Believe it or not you CAN shop for luxe products at discount prices at Nordstrom.
Here are 13 tips to help you save money at Nordstrom.
1. Get the Nordstrom card. You may think I’m crazy for suggesting you sign up for a store card to save money, but hear me out. For every purchase you make on your card, you’ll earn two points for every net dollar. Purchases online and at Nordstrom Rack also count as long as you use the Nordstrom card. For every 2,000 points earned, you’ll receive a $20 Nordstrom Note. That’s free money you can use for future purchases! You don’t even have to spend $1,000 at the high-end store to earn this reward (see tip No. 2). Read about Nordstrom’s Notes System.
Tip: The trick to shopping with the Nordstrom credit card is paying off the entire balance so you don’t accrue interests, while earning rewards. Don’t want to risk paying interest? Nordstrom also carries a debit card that’s hooked up to your checking account and earns rewards.
2. Shop ONLY on special days. Nordstrom has days when customers can earn double or triple points on purchases. Check out the bonus points calendar and shop ONLY on those days to earn points faster.
3. Opt in to get emails and invites. Nordstrom will send you private invites to shop before others or to their Private Holiday Shopping Party. The invite usually include a discount or Nordstrom Notes.
4. Earn $20 for referring friends. Nordstrom will reward you for having a friend open a credit or debit account. Your friend can then earn $20 Nordstrom Notes by referring someone else.
5. Score free samples on Sample Saturdays. Certain Nordstrom locations give out freebies on Saturday mornings while supplies last. You can score beauty products, or even a mini-facial. These events are promoted through Nordstrom’s social media channels.
6. Write reviews at Nordstrom.com. Many times you can get rewarded for dropping a line about your latest purchase. I recently saw a contest to win a $500 gift card just for reviewing a product! The winners are chosen randomly so luck has to be on your side to win.
7. Shop for discounted Nordstrom gift cards. Sites like Cardpool and Raise
sell gift cards at less than face value.
8. Shop the Last Chance store. It’s in Phoenix, Arizona — so this money-saving tip doesn’t apply to everyone. The store carries returned and overstocked Nordstrom items. The merchandise is sold as-is with no additional discounts for damaged items. Sales are final and there are no returns or exchanges. Note, some of the merchandise has been previously worn so make sure to check items before purchasing. This is because Nordstrom is known for having the most lenient return policy. They will take back worn clothes even if it’s been sitting in your closet for up to a year.
9. Shop Nordstrom Rack. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price division of Nordstrom. You’ll find the same brands and merchandise sold in stores and online at 50-60% off original Nordstrom prices. New merchandise arrives daily and styles disappear quickly. So if you find a deal don’t pass it up as it may not be there next time.
10. Look for free online coupons. If you like to shop online, make sure you are shopping through a site like Ebates, where you can earn a percentage back from your purchase. Don’t forget to use a coupon code when checking out to cut down the cost even further.
11. Shop the anniversary sale. Once a year Nordstrom holds the store-wide sale (though some items are excluded). The anniversary sale is held in July. This year, it starts July 19!
12. Shop the sample shoe sales. This is particularly helpful for those of us with small feet as sample sizes range from 5 to 7. Ask your Nordstrom personal stylist (trust me, it really pays to build a relationship with a stylist) when your local store holds these sales. Be forewarned, it will be complete chaos.
13. Ask for a price match. Most of the brands at Nordstrom are also carried at Bloomingdale’s so make sure to compare prices. If you find out you’ve paid more at Nordstrom, ask your personal stylist or sales associate for a price match.
How do you save money at Nordstrom?
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Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Do you know if the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is at the Rack too? Or is it just at the main Nordstrom stores?
@Holly It’s only at the main stores.
@Holly Nordstrom Rack has their own set of sales – and much more often than Nordstrom’s. Join their email list for updates.
I buy most of my daughter’s shoes from Nordstroms, but only online. The clearance prices are really fabulous, definitely much cheaper than in the stores. If they shoes don’t fit, they can be returned in store, no problems. Shipping is always free and the shoes come pretty quick. I like to order her shoes a size ahead, so I search the clearance/sale shoes for her (she is in elementary school and just moving into the big size sizes). I can’t find her size, but some of the Uggs are listed for $60….that is crazy inexpensive! I had ordered her sneakers and 2 months later, they went on sale for 40% off. I sent a chat message to the customer service online (instant chat is pretty cool) and they gave me the adjusted price, even though it was months later, in the form of the gift card, which went right to new shoes!
So there are ways to save without having a Nordstroms card, just need to search for the bargains a bit!
@Shauna Nordy is pretty good about price adjustments and match-ups. Have you ever shopped the sample shoe sales?
Where/what are the sample shoe sales? I don’t know anything about it, but want to!
@Shauna Check out tip No. 12.
Wow, that is amazing customer service, just as Nordstrom is known for. It seems their customer service philosophy is, if someone takes the time to speak up, we want to help them because they are an active and engaged customer. I wish more stores shared this philosophy!
Hey, I think the Nordstrom sale actually starts on 7/19 unless you’re a cardholder in which case it’s on now.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/anniversary-sale
@Holly, it’s just regular Nordstrom, not rack.
I put everything on my Nordy card. Free makeup!
@Lysa You’re right. The Anniversary Sale is going on right now for those with the Nordy card and starts July 19 for the rest. Thanks for catching that!
@Lysa Another reason to get a Nordstrom’s credit card if you shop there regularly!
It’s not a stupid idea to sign up to store cards IF you can make them work to your advantage. Like you say, if you are careful and selective with your purchases and can exercise control over what you buy then you can get great benefits. If you’re an impulsive person then a Nordstrum store card probably isn’t the best plan 🙂
@Mark Cash Absolutely. It’s all about knowing your habits and the extent of your willpower. What store credit cards do you have?
I use ebates religiously! You get cash back on everyday online purchases. Right now Nordstrom is 6% cash back. You can use any credit card you would like and never have to save credit card information to use. You also get a $10 gift card just for making your first purchase. BONUS – ebates is celebrating their 15th burthday right now so over 250 stores are 15% cash back or more including Nike, Macys. Bloomingdales and Dick’s Sporting Goods just to name a few. Copy http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=P2Mzm81Ok4jC6lZa7K9XbQ%3D%3D&eeid=28187 into your browser to start saving.