July 17th, 2008
Mark your calendars if you live in the US, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday 18th July. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2008 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This event officially kicks off the American Autumn retail season (my favourite shopping time of the year).
You’ll score if you approach the sale with a plan. It’s an ideal time to purchase high ticket statement pieces for less. Make a beeline for the following:
- Premium denim: Get to the T.B.D. department and look for brands like Seven for all Mankind, Paige Premium, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky and L.A.M.B.. You’ll find loads of styles at 40% off.
- Designer pieces: Look for unusual investment pieces in the Individualist, Savvy and Via C departments. I like to look at brands like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, ISSA London, DVB, Chloe and Theory.
- Coats: The Narrative department stocks a fabulous assortment of coats, both casual and dressy. But coats are scattered throughout the store so be sure to look at all departments. Don’t come home with a black wool coat. The look is tired and impractical.
- Jackets: You’ll find a variety of sensational jackets in every department. They’re the perfect Autumn layering piece over Summer knitted tops and blouses.
- Shoes and Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Donald J Pliner, Frye, Cole Haan, Max Studio and Kate Spade suddenly became a little more affordable. Take a look at those brands first and then move onto the rest.
- Handbags: Most handbags at Nordstrom are designer. If you covet a particular brand, now is the time to get a good deal. Don’t ignore the cheaper in-house “Nordstrom” brand either. I’ve got a cracked cream patent flat tote by “Nordstrom” that’s a favourite.
- Scarves: I’ve learned to spend time in this accessory area. Airy, lightweight cashmere wraps that I use as scarves are usually quite expensive. There’s always a good assortment at Anniversary Sale time.
Each Nordstrom department will have a selection of sale items. From cosmetics and lingerie, to active wear, home wear, watches and petites. Basics and bridging pieces are on sale in each clothing department too, but you’ll find those everywhere throughout the season. It’s not a train smash if you bypass basics and stick to statement pieces.
The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on 18, 19 and 20 July. Doors open at 7am at the downtown Seattle flagship. You know where I’ll be tomorrow morning.
This entry is filed under Autumn 2008, Global Shopping, Sales & Promotions, Shopping Strategy.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
16 Replies
Posted on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at 6:41 am
It’s a pity I can’t be there, but I’m so excited for you ladies! Hope everybody will be showing off their great bargains on the forum (lots of pictures pretty please!!).
Have fun everyone!
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I love events like these! I live a bit far from a Nordstrom store, but plan to shop online. The problem I find, is that I get overwhelmed, lose focus and then I don’t know where to start and what to purchase and I end up buying some things that I don’t wear that much, or that I don’t have anything that matches it. So have a plan ladies before you even look cause there are so many beautiful things…it can be distracting!
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 7:20 am
oh, i wish i lived closer to a nordies! i may have to make a special trip 
do they offer the sales prices online?
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Yes, I always shop this sale online, because the store itself can be Kuhraaaazy!! I’ve had to return a few things, but Nordstrom is very very good at taking returns. I’m interested in trying the new IT! skinnies.
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 8:13 am
A Nordstom sales person in Accessories (Katie) called me last week to personally pre-sale shop with her. I wish I’d had Angie’s list with me as I looked through the new merchandise. Katie gave me advice, brought the items to the dressing room, and helped me feel confident about some new statement pieces. I liked Angie’s comment about NOT buying a black wool coat. I selected a black knit curvy sweater that serves the same purpose but is much more fun! Yea Nordstrom!
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I’ve got a shopping excursion planned for tomorrow afternoon – and now, one more stop on the trail. I’m not a big Nordstrom fan, but this sounds too good to pass up.
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I’m so excited about the sale. I have a hard time shopping with crowds, though. Angie, do you have any tips for this aspect of the sale?
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I’m also dreading the crowds. Are there better and worse times to go? Would love advice on that aspect!
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Thank you Inge! We wish you were in the US to shop the sale with us.
For various reasons, I wasn’t able to pre-select this year, but it sounds like you did well Carolyn. Nice!
Patience, I detest shopping in crowds too and I shop for a living. Nordstrom sale chaos in very organized and controlled. This is the store that prides itself on delivering the best customer service in the world ( I would have to agree). So the anniversary sale is really not a bad experience. The only problems you’ll encounter is that your size is gone and the queue for the fitting room is unmanageable. More tips:
o Shop online
o Buy the item and try it on at home
o If your size is gone, try again in a week. There is so much returning going on the first week, your size is bound to bounce back
o Pay at low traffic till points like menswear and home ware
o Choose the most important department and go there first
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Also, don’t be compelled to purchase up a storm. If you come home with one statement piece you love, you have done well. I often come home with only one or two pieces.
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Thanks, Angie! I think Ana I are going to brave the store together. (Our store must be smaller because there is no home or Via C departments.)
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Our store is indeed pretty small, Patience. We should definitely check out online sales too, because they might have something there that is not available in our store (I’ve come across that a lot). I hope the new Nordie’s they’re opening up at the Domain is bigger!
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I have heard about this. There is a Nordstrom off the rack store in Glendale (CA) and near there the store at the mall. Might have to go visit
Posted on July 17th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I work very close to the Nordstorm, will give it a try after work today!
Posted on July 18th, 2008 at 6:46 am
I’m jealous. I would certainly drive the 45 minutes to the nearest Nordstrom, but at the moment I’m running low in the clothing budget area. Still, I’m very tempted to go and look for some great “back to school” clothes. I’m craving black lace.
Posted on July 18th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Looks like I’m going to be at Nordie’s this weekend!
Posted on July 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Reply
You don't need to be a member to leave a reply, but if you do sign up it won't be necessary to provide your name and email address every time you do so.
