https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 15:58:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2126612 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 14:15:39 +0000 Zaeobi 2126612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow! I'm not American so I don't shop Nordstrom, but I think my experience with ASOS is similar (free shipping &amp; returns even to Hong Kong). I often do a big yearly shop &amp; then send back what I don't need. I'd love to do more local shopping instead but I acknowledge how difficult it can be - most local women are shorter than me so sleeves are always too high on me (&amp; not in a cute 3/4 length way) or the western brands that *do* cater to my body are often sold at 5x the price they would be back home. </p> <p>I sympathise because I'm also a hard-to-fit kind of size (curvy but also just on the cusp of petite) so I often have to buy multiple sizes &amp; lengths just to see what works. I can sometimes get away with regular sizes, but other times I'm in between dress sizes too - so that can mean having to buy up to 4 versions of a pair of trousers, just to see which ones fit! ASOS haven't cut me off yet but I did see a disclaimer go up on their website recently saying they'll be going in the direction of Nordstrom's way of dealing with 'overreturning'. But the most frustrating part is that they also don't give any concrete explanation of how they work that out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2126559 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:08:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2126559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t think this is a new policy—don’t remember details, but think people on here talked about it a couple years ago. </p> <p>I bet it’s linked to policies I’ve learned of since then, of destroying clothes that are returned. Doesn’t quite make sense for Nordi’s though, because I know I’ve seen returns at the Rack. Maybe those are just things brought back to the local store and internet returns are destroyed? </p> <p>In any event, if they are throwing away clothing that is returned, they need to fix that practice, no matter how much or little a person sends back annually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2126299 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:18:47 +0000 Aquamarine 2126299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds crazy, especially with NAS around the corner (well, later than normal). </p> <p>They have received probably 85% of my clothing budget the last few years. I often have to order multiple sizes, especially in brands I’ve never worn. I would probably not shop as often at Nordies if this is in fact a new policy. The nearest store to me seems very sparse in content so I almost never shop in person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2126125 Mon, 08 Jun 2020 22:54:42 +0000 annagybe 2126125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And honestly they way the Nordstrom website is seriously lacking in size info, I don’t blame you for returning<br />I often find myself going to other sites for more specific information. I know that Net-a-Porter and other sites have actual garment measurements which help.&nbsp;<br />Nordstrom often uses a useless generic size chart. Even their search function is less than stellar. For example when sorting by size, designers that call a US 8 a Large, they get lumped into the large sizes (12-14 by the drop down)<br />So they should being doing more to make our shopping easier </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2126118 Mon, 08 Jun 2020 22:40:12 +0000 annagybe 2126118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Found this from last year<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.retailcustomerexperience.com/blogs/should-online-retailers-blacklist-shoppers-who-return-too-much/">https://www.retailcustomerexpe.....who-return</a></p> <p>I remember hearing about this tracking company a while ago<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.abcactionnews.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/shoppers-getting-banned-for-too-many-returns">https://www.abcactionnews.com/.....-for-too-m</a> </p> <p></p> <p>Hmmm best I could find was a three year old article</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/2-billion-of-retail-fraud-could-be-ruining-nordstroms-legendary-return-policy-180331477.html">https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyl.....ndary-retu</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2126061 Mon, 08 Jun 2020 16:38:04 +0000 Becky 2126061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! This is really troubling. As someone who lives a 5-hour drive from shopping with true variety and a range of sizes, I order almost all of my clothing and shoes online. I do return a fair percentage, especially of shoes. If Zappos cut me off, I would be barefoot. I wear an odd shoe size, and literally no B&amp;M store I have been in carries my actual size/width combo. I sure hope this is a mistake you can get resolved to your satisfaction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125868 Sun, 07 Jun 2020 13:30:27 +0000 abby 2125868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yours seems to be an example of why we have real people like this Vice President working at Nordstrom’s and other places with good customer service reputations. &nbsp;Your business patterns added up and tripped some numerical formula programmed into their credit card software. &nbsp;Their computers diligently spit out your letter. &nbsp;(Create a picture in your mind of a nerdy programmer in a back office with a printer...). &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Plead your case with the Vice President, or their personal troubleshooter, without emotion (thanks, Angie!). &nbsp;If you are a good customer who contributes to their success, real people appreciate that and they have the power to overrule the programming. &nbsp; If the programmer’s formula needs improving, Vice Presidents have the power to direct that also. &nbsp;Of course, this real person can only help you and, indirectly, can help the rest of us when you carefully and politely explain your situation. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125837 Sun, 07 Jun 2020 05:57:56 +0000 Bijou 2125837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, I understand your shock and frustration given the Nordstrom reputation. This is a symptom of the serious issues retailers are facing. Department stores and their famous service may well be a thing of the past. That is most definitely the Australian experience, our department stores have been contracting in their market share for years and have been operating at a loss for a number of years. As they try to return to profitability through cutting back on staff, less store renovations and cheaper products, things have gone from bad to worse.</p> <p>Most Australian retailers (similar to those in NZ) do not allow refund returns, or if they do, in a very narrow window and on full price stock. Returning items is just not something we do on a regular basis, even when ordering online because in many cases we have to pay up to A$50 (US$30) for the privilege of shipping. Given the demise of so many retailers locally, we have accepted a scaled back retail experience. </p> <p>I feel sad for you and also sad for Nordstrom that things have come to this in the US. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125829 Sun, 07 Jun 2020 03:21:13 +0000 Jaime 2125829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't have much to add but it was clearly an algorithm not a person making the decision and a person with real authority should be able to override it or explain it better. This is really no time for Nordstrom to be risking its reputation as a safe on-line store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125817 Sun, 07 Jun 2020 01:54:22 +0000 Gigi 2125817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very strange. This past year, I made a lot of returns to Nordstrom, and I even mentioned something to the SA about worrying that I was going to get cut off eventually. She brushed it off and said that that wouldn't happen, that there was no list of frequent returners or anything like that. I'm guessing that for whatever reason, the previous commenter is correct that there was something about your buying habits that triggered a fraud warning. I'm not sure whom to call, if you can call someone higher up directly, or if you can speak with the floor manager in-store (can't remember if you said your store was open), or if you could call the main line and ask to speak with a manager.</p> <p>I think that they should let people who wear extended sizes return more than the average bear. It's just not fair when your size isn't carried in the B&amp;M store.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125805 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 23:52:58 +0000 RobinF 2125805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a fellow petite person I am also outraged. When I complain in stores about the lack of petite sizes I am often told to order online (not necessarily at N) and fit can still be very difficult. This really makes me hesitate to order from them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125783 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 20:48:40 +0000 Jenni NZ 2125783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I see this all slightly differently as someone in a country where we just do not get the kind of service that you get from Nordstrom. We frequently pay shipping although we may not have to if we order over a certain amount. My recent olive boots at over $200 also had a $10 shipping charge. Since I ordered during our lockdown with specific lockdown discounts I was happy to pay it, and they used a special eco biodegradable packaging. ( The addition of the shipping when combined with the discount still had the boots cheaper than they would have otherwise been). As I kept them I don’t know how much shipping back would have been.<br /> I understand what you all say about their having such customer loyalty partly because of their great service, but all the free shipping back and forth must also cost them a lot?<br /> So I guess as a business owner, nowhere near on the same scale of wealth as them, I do wonder if I can also see their point of view, and as Staysfit says there may well be algorithms which picked you up rather than people? Although a pre-warning to know that your orders were of “outlier” status would have definitely been good, I agree, because how would you know? Anchie’s idea on paying shipping once over a certain amount also sounds fair to both parties but again difficult and possibly costly to work out.<br /> I presume that their business must be suffering in this time and maybe what they offer will change for all of you!<br /> This doesn’t mean I don’t feel sympathy for you Chris, I just am in a different tiny country where business has a lot of issues currently and has to watch costs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125709 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 14:41:43 +0000 avicennia 2125709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had this experience with Yoox (now part of net-a-porter) 4 years ago. I was returning about 60% of dollar value because I was buying and trying lots of shoes. I’ve since stopped buying shoes online. In my case Yoox refused to refund my money after accepting and acknowledging my returns. I turned the matter over to my credit card company and was refunded. I shop very carefully online now. Which is a shame because shopping in my city is limited! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125682 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:28:17 +0000 unfrumped 2125682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what anchie said about maybe charging shipping- though I suspect it would be hard for them to do a lot of customer- specific approaches to ongoing customers ; they need one- size fits all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125679 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:18:58 +0000 Preppy Pear 2125679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m just chining in as one more who is really hoping this turns out to be a mistake that gets corrected, but I’m angry on your behalf. I return a ton of items to N and have for years. I order all sorts of items I can’t view in my four nearby stores, and often end up having to try a different size. If I can’t continue to send back colors, styles and sizes that didn’t work out IRL, I can’t really shop there. I definitely return more than I keep.<br /> I’ve always felt like this was part of their business model to ensure customer loyalty and it has indeed made me a very faithful customer. This seems like you are being scolded for asking them to hold up their half of the deal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125674 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 11:42:03 +0000 anchie 2125674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is really upsetting. Hopefully you will be able to sort it.<br /> I often worry that it will happen to me because I shop online mostly exclusively and have high return rate. One retailer that I use often is tracking percentage of returns, and if you are over certain amount they start charging for shipping, and if you are under, shipping is free. I think that is a fair approach. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125672 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 11:28:32 +0000 Staysfit 2125672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did they close your credit card account or tell you that you they no longer want you to shop at their stores? &nbsp;While both are upsetting, I can somewhat understand the rationale behind closing a credit card account. &nbsp;When there are multiple returns vs. the % of merchandise kept the account becomes suspicious for someone who is using it fraudulently. &nbsp;For example, making a purchase, wearing the item once, and then returning the item. &nbsp;All department stores try to eliminate this type of activity and have algorithms to weed it out. &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>When you called Nordstrom, did you speak with a sales associate or did you call someone from the credit department (probably at TD bank). &nbsp;They are different. &nbsp;Personally, I find using my Nordstrom card confusing and frustrating. &nbsp;The monthly bill, does not show an itemized list of what has been purchased or returned (at least now they list the amounts credited per item returned, although you still need to look up the individual items to figure out what they were....) and the website account also does not always accurately reflect what has been returned. &nbsp;I have made frequent calls to either the sales or credit departments to manage these issues, &nbsp;I much prefer using my non-department store/bank VISA card for purchases because it is easier to track the returns. &nbsp;The only advantage of the Nordstrom card is earning points towards purchases. &nbsp;I am willing to give that up given the time and aggravation spent tracking down returns and ensuring accuracy of my bill.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125640 Sat, 06 Jun 2020 01:11:41 +0000 DonnaF 2125640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did you use a Nordstrom debit card, Nordstrom store card, or Nordstrom Visa card? I can see (sort of) closing a Nordstrom account, but how could they close a Nordstrom Visa card which can be used at other places? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125603 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:50:35 +0000 catherine 2125603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How insulting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125596 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:16:45 +0000 slim cat 2125596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Chris,&nbsp;</b>your example is maybe a solid one - that's how I feel about $$$ purchases versus $ multiplying returns. That's the impression I've got from a Rack' representative. Similar for Lucky Brand it's about 75-80% return I think ( maybe I'm wrong ). Keep us posted - it's an important issue for everyone. Good luck - I'll keep fingers crossed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125595 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:16:34 +0000 Sal 2125595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How disappointing. I suspect kkards is correct and it is algorithm related. And I suspect it could be overturned.</p> <p>Angie’s advice is sound. See how you feel after a day or two and whether you want to be reinstated or not. And I think they would be wise to have clear policies on this.</p> <p>I have had issues with three retailers over the past 20 years and two I have returned to eventually (a supermarket where my two year old and myself were very rudely spoken to about him eating a tomato, and an appliance retailer). I have never returned to the local boutique who didn’t value my custom over faulty trousers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125593 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:13:26 +0000 Janet 2125593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, that’s crazy! I remember when this happened to JAileen with STP. I would definitely escalate to a higher level of management. </p> <p>As someone who is losing the nearest Nordstrom store (which has been under stocked in the last couple of years anyway), and is forced into shopping online more and more, I would not be happy with this policy either. In these days when retailers are struggling so, I doubt they’d want to lose their remaining customers with such draconian measures. </p> <p>Good luck and let us know what happens! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom/page/2#post-2125591 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:53:19 +0000 LaPed 2125591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, super lame! I don't shop much at Nordstrom, but I'm pretty sure my returns add up to a greater dollar amount than my purchases. I don't have a brick-and-mortar store anywhere near me to go try things on in person, and this makes me much more hesitant to order. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom#post-2125590 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:49:29 +0000 LaPed 2125590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, super lame! I don't shop much at Nordstrom, but I'm pretty sure my returns add up to a greater dollar amount than my purchases. I don't have a brick-and-mortar store anywhere near me to go try things on in person, and this makes me much more hesitant to order. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom#post-2125588 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:30:10 +0000 Style Fan 2125588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, I am sorry to hear this after all the fantastic things I have heard about Nordstroms.&nbsp; I rarely buy anything online, and now I have another reason.<br />Exactly, how are you supposed to know your size if you don't order a couple of different ones?&nbsp; I took three sizes in today when I was shopping.&nbsp; Fortunately, one of them fit.&nbsp; That doesn't always happen.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom#post-2125587 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:19:42 +0000 The Cat 2125587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I were you, I would bring this matter to the attention of that Senior Vice President or another person at management level. When I feel unjustly or badly treated, I contact people at top level and tell them what I have experienced. In general, they are (and of course rightly should be) very interested in knowing how customers are treated and in people's impression of the company. In several cases, presidents, managing directors and the like have thanked me for bringing matters to their attention, have made excuses, have told me which actions they would take in order to avoid similar cases in the future, and have even offered me free items, stays, etc. in the hope that I will remain one of their customers and recommend their company to others. :-)<br /> So it is worth giving it a try, Chris. I wish you good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom#post-2125586 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:13:27 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2125586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keep us posted!</p> <p>A retailer that behaves like it’s a privilege to spend your money at their store, clearly doesn’t deserve your time or your money.</p> <p>Regardless how this turns out, I think you should send a letter to their corporate office, about this entire debacle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom#post-2125585 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:08:44 +0000 Chris987 2125585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>slim cat</b> your idea of keeping track of purchases/returns is a great one, and I already do that with a lot of detail. But for Nordstrom, how many "keep" vs how many "returns" is an acceptable ratio? Or is it by $$ and what is the acceptable ratio there? Or if I bought 3&nbsp; items that cost $3000 apiece could I then do 40 returns at $50 each? I'm getting a little silly with these examples, but you get my point. :-)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom#post-2125584 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:06:04 +0000 Chris987 2125584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Unfrumped</b>, I get what you are saying. With online purchases you just can't guarantee the sizing, the fabric, the color etc and so stores have to find a way to make returns work for their customers AND for them financially. Charging ship/return fees is how a lot of them do it, and even though I don't like to pay those fees I will do so sometimes because I get why they are doing it. if I knew how to limit my Nordstrom returns so I didn't cost them money I'd be totally ok with that, but I have no data to work with.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Joy,</b> I would buy in store if I could find things that fit, but I can't. The two stores near me stopped carrying petites about 2 years ago, and at 5'1" I can't generally wear regular sizes in tops/jackets/coats. I'm not going to buy things that don't fit. :-)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/didnt-expect-this-from-nordstrom#post-2125578 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 19:45:34 +0000 Anonymous 2125578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, I am so sorry this happened to you. I return a lot up mostly buy in person. Our nearest Nordstroms was one that recently closed so I though I would probably be ordering more on-line. Now I’m not so sure. </p>