How to Make the Most of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
It’s that time of year again! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! In my observation, there is always a kind of frenzy surrounding this sale - more so than other sales. There is a sense of excitement, a bunch of FOMO in anticipation of missing out on the item(s) you want, and a disbelief that fall is around the corner when we just started living our best summer lives.
Most of all, this sale is unique because the items are not leftover goods - they’re being sold at a discount BEFORE the season begins. So this is different, special and totally worth it!
That said, you DO NOT need to buy something just because it is on sale. My rule of thumb is this: If you wouldn’t buy it at its regular price, don’t buy it just because it’s on sale. Nine out of ten times when I’m working with a client, it's those kinds of sale items I always find collecting dust in the back of closets with the tags still on!
Please, please, please don’t waste your precious time or money on a bad buy. It is not a good deal just because you get it on sale. If it hangs in your closet with the tags on, it was a waste of money and not a good buy! Period. The end.
Nordstrom Card: Your Key to Early Access
Make sure you have a Nordstrom Card. Cardholders get early access and the first access to the good stuff. Sign up for a Nordstrom Card HERE.
If you’re already a Nordstrom cardholder, you will get sale access depending on the amount you spend annually at Nordstrom. The first access (Icons) is given to the shoppers spending $15k a year at Nordstrom – so, needless to say, that’s a very limited number of people.
EARLY ACCESS DATES:
Icon status (spend $15k+ annually) - July 11
Ambassador status (spend $5k+ annually) - July 12
Influencers status (spend $2k+ annually) - July 13
Everyone - July 17
Even if you are not a Nordstrom card holder, you can shop right now! Well, it’s kind of more like browsing, but it’s still good. Online, you can preview everything that’s part of the sale. There is an Anniversary Sale Digital Catalog, so it’s a great place to start looking if you don’t have access to the sale yet.
How To Tackle The Sale Without Overwhelm
The Nordstrom Sale can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of items included. To avoid decision fatigue, utilize the following strategies:
Shop Curated Picks
I’ve spent HOURS looking through every single item and rounded up my favorites - so let me do the work for you! Simply, use my picks below and in the next few weeks to help narrow it all down. Easy Peasy!
Shop Online for Efficiency
It’s quicker, more efficient, and sad to say, the stores (unless you’re in a MAJOR city), just don’t have all the merchandise these days.
Opt for 2-Day Shipping
Pay for 2-day shipping - it’s worth it. It’s $12 and tends to push your order up in line to help your chances of getting what you want.
Utilize the Wishlist Feature
The Wishlist feature helps streamline your shopping process.
HOW TO USE THE WISHLIST:
Make sure you’re signed in to your Nordstrom account
When you see an item you like, pick out the size and color you desire
Save it to your wishlist
Then you’re locked and loaded. When your access opens, all of your items, size, color, etc. are ready to go!
Another reason the wishlist is fantastic is that if something on your wishlist is sold out, you will be notified when it’s back in stock, so add it to your wishlist even if it’s out of stock!
Don’t Fret (Too Much) About Selling Out
While popular items might sell out, remember that Nordstrom reserves merchandise for different key days. Moreover, many customers buy in bulk and then return items, meaning something marked as sold out could be restocked a few days later.
If an item you want is sold out - put the same item in a different size in your cart. That’ll help when you check to see if it’s been replenished. No promises, but it’s a helpful trick.
Start with Shoes
Shoes sell out fast at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so if you have shoes on your wishlist, order them as soon as you have access! But remember, there will probably be people who order and return, so make sure the shoes are on your wishlist. This way, you’ll get notified when they’re back in stock!
Replace the things you LOVE
I use this sale as a time to replace the items I’ve worn so much they’ve literally worn out. Sneakers, boots, P.J’s, t-shirts, jeans – the things I wear to death that I know will get used. And that I know I’m getting for a great price.
Use the Filters
Don’t go page by page through the sale; that’ll take forever! Use the filters and narrow your search down by items you need (denim, sneakers, etc) and/or by brand. If you know Rag and Bone jeans fit you well, start by seeing what is available by that brand.
Take Advantage of Nordstrom’s Return Policy
Because of Nordstrom’s generous return policy, I often recommend ordering more and then returning. If you’re unsure about your size, order both and return one - that way, you know you’ll get what you need.