The annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NAS) is operating differently this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. The sale has been delayed for a month, and is officially open to the public on August 19. Nordstrom cardholders have early access to the sale from August 4 to 18. Your Nordy card status determines when you can purchase online and in stores.
Instead of a catalogue, Nordstrom has made the sales assortment available online for all. You can preview items, and pop items you like into a wish list. You can purchase items on the designated days of your Nordy status during the two weeks of early access. You can also view sales merchandise in stores when you make an appointment with a sales assistant. In-store access to sales items is restrictive, and there are many, many COVID-19 measures in place.
I will not be shopping the NAS with my clientele this year, so I will not be creating my top picks lists with the level of detail about fit, colour, quality, and fabric that you are used to seeing on YLF. I will, though, be sharing top picks over the next few weeks as I navigate the NAS in an adapted way.
The sales assortment is much smaller than in previous years. Items are more basic, minimal, practical, classic, essential and casual — all signs of the times. There are many repeat items, and bestsellers in different fabrics and colours. This approach might seem boring to some, but I think it was a wise and safe way to go. It’s extremely tough for retail right now, so keeping things simple and familiar minimizes risks, returns, uncertainty and frustration. Even so, I wish there was a larger assortment of plus and petite sizes. It’s disappointing that size ranges are not more extended and inclusive.
I’ve reviewed the items online many times over, and recognize quite a few of them. That’s good news because I’ll be able to share more accurate intel about those items. They are also adding new NAS items to the mix daily, so keep checking back. In the meantime, I’ve compiled collections of items that I know have been winners with my clients in the past, or have the potential to be winners this year. Think of this as my first shortlist of items at the sale.
There are no detailed descriptions yet, but that will follow as I piece together what I can from the resources I will have available to me over the next few weeks. Be sure to browse the size and colour options.
1. Coats
2. Jackets
3. Cozy Comfies
4. Bottoms
5. Tops
6. Footwear
7. Dresses
8. Accessories
9. Table Top and Kitchen
I have a NAS appointment at the Seattle flagship on my own with a few sales assistants today, but will not be trying anything on. My plan is to have a look at the assortment to get a better sense of what is on offer, and purchase what tickles my fancy online. I will report back on what I see asap.
Remember that if shopping for your own wardrobe is not in the cards at the moment, there’s a good selection of beauty products, underwear, bedding, bath products, home decor, menswear and children’s wear on sale too. I’m also putting in a very good word for our favourite towels.
