How to Shop at Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is one of my original bargain shopping haunts – so I have a special connection with this store. In fact, I have a story for you …

My first job after graduating college was working at my local Nordstrom. I worked in accessories and was constantly drooling over the products in my department (lets be real, all the other departments too). Unfortunately my post-college budget wouldn’t allow me to buy any of the things I was drooling over. So on the days we packed up the sale merchandise that didn’t sell to ship over to the Rack – it was a good day. My local Rack was right across the street, so I would scurry over there the next day to snatch up my favorite items with my employee discount. Score!

My retail days may be over but that doesn’t mean I don’t hang out at the Rack. I love Nordstrom Rack. I even have a secret location that I drive out to for the very best deals. I can’t give you that location (I know, selfish) but I can give you my insider insight on how to score the best deal.

1.) If you are a regular get a Nordstrom card. I am proud to say that my first credit card was a Nordstrom card. If you aren’t a financial spazz and will actually pay your bill – get a Nordies card for all of your Nordstrom Rack purchases. For every 2000 points you earn you receive $20 worth of Nordstrom Notes. Points are easy to get, especially if you shop on double and triple points day.

2.) Find a Nordstrom Rack with a designer collections department. Not all Nordstrom Rack’s have the designer collections but if you find one that does you will never want to tell your friends. I find the next level amazing pieces at Nordstrom Rack. I am talking Chanel, Givenchy, Rick Ownens, Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney … literally every top designer known to man. Oh and it’s not like you might get lucky and find one designer piece – they have loads!! You will find everything you want plus 10 more things. Call around to see which Rack has this department. You will be sending me flowers once you find out. Trust.

3.) Go on a shoe and accessory treasure hunt. The clothes are really where it’s at but you can get lucky when it comes to shoes and accessories. I keep my focus on the designer shoe section, which is smaller. Make sure you check all the sizes because little fashion trolls like to move things around. I’ve found Brian Atwood, Givenchy, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Nicholas Kirkwood, and Burberry at my local Nordstrom Rack.  For jewelry, check the cases because there are treasures there too. I have left with Lanvin, Alexis Bittar, 3.1 Philip Lim and Givenchy on the cheap.

4.) The clearance racks are amazing. If you can’t find a location that has a designer department, just mosey on over to the clearance rack. It is worth the hunt. Two weeks ago I found a Chanel sweater tucked away on a clearance rack. I’ve also found 3.1 Philip Lim, 10 Crosby, Balenciaga, and more at a “regular” Nordstrom Racks. The best deals are on these racks. Make the clearance rack your first stop if you can.

5.) Go next level crazy style. Be ready to pick up the crumbs of the person in front of you. A few months ago I was at my secret Nordstrom Rack and I saw a woman pick up this awesome Balmain top and take it into the dressing room. I wanted that top so I waited like a psycho for her to come out. She came out with the top and I went in and got it off the go-backs rack. I tried on the shirt and made it mine. Well almost … it was the Balmain safety pin tee and even those it was 85% off it was still too expensive. $600 for a tee, I don’t think so! Freaking Balmain.

6.) Try it on and get it altered … in the same place. Nordstrom Rack has a really nice fitting room. You can bring in up to 10 items at a time and on some days they have an in house tailor. How convenient is that?! I’ve never utilized this service but Nordstrom as a brand is all about quality, so I’m sure its good.

7.) Take a second lap. When I am on a bargain shopping excursion, I make it worth the trip. After I think I’ve finished shopping I take one more lap. Inevitably I find something I passed over in a fashion frenzy the first time or some go-backs have been recirculated from the fitting room.

So there you have it, 7 tips for getting an amazing deal at Nordstrom Rack. Happy shopping!