Ask Angie: Nordstrom shopping

Sveta

That's it. I have heard enough about shopping the Nordstrom from this blog and this forum and I need to give it a try. The problem is - there is no Nordstrom in Canada...
On the bright side I live 2 hours away from the closest Nordstrom in Michigan so I am determined to take a shopping trip there.
I am going to take a day off for this shopping and I need to plan it perfectly so it is not disappointing. Good deals are also important to me.
When is the best time to plan this trip for and what strategy should I use? Any tips / help are much appreciated. Without your help I will be totally overwhelmed!

15 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Sparky

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wait for the NAS! It's on 16th July. Lasts for two weeks and then prices get marked back up.

15 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

So during this time is there any particular time which is better? Close to the beginning, to the end, day of the week, etc.? I need to book my vacation day

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Go the first day!

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Svetlana, good for you for making time to go to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I got some pieces through their online service last year, and let me tell you they were among the best buys I ever made. You'll find the trip worthwhile!! Dont' forget to report back on how you do.

15 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Michelle, I cannot make myself shop online from US yet. I know when I am in the store I try on tens of things and often come away with nothing: I am very picky. I just hate the though of paying all this shipping custom, taxes, etc. and then send everything back
Anyway I have a question. One of my goals is footwear. I wear size 12 and it is pretty hard to find anything in the stores even to try on. Often they only go up to size 10, sometimes 11...
I see that Nordstrom caries size 12 which gives me hope. My concern is that that particular store I am driving to will not have what I want in my size. Is there a way to pre-order shoes so they have them in my size for the day I come?

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Svetlana, I totally sympathize. I'm not keen on online shopping either, but for me it was the only option and fortunately most purchases worked out beautifully.
I don't know the protocol for making sure they have shoes in stock, but I know of size 12 customers who have had a lot of luck there. My advice would be to call the store you plan to visit and check in with their footwear department before you go. That way you'll at least know if they carry things in your size. They can answer your questions about pre-ordering there, too.

15 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yes, what Michelle said. Knowing Nordstrom, if you call the shoe dept you will easily make a connection with a salesperson. Book an appointment with the salesperson for NAS, and explain what you want so the salesperson can have it in advance.

I would also call your favorite Nordstrom department, connect with a salesperson, and book an appointment with that person for clothing.

15 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Sveta, I wear a size 12 shoe too! Finally another YLF member who shares my struggle! I'm excited.

Nordstrom always has size 12 shoes in stock. I get 99.9% of my shoes there. They may not have the style you ask for at first, but a good sales person will bring out 20+ boxes of shoes for you and you will be sure to find something.

Also, you can go on their website and check if the particular store has the shoe you're looking for. If they do, you can buy it online and select the "pick up in store" option. Good luck!

15 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

Another quick tip: you can go through the website to pick out shoes you like that are in your size. The website has a great feature where you can see if the shoe is in stock at a particular store, as Marianna mentioned. Even if it's not, print out the information to show to a salesperson when you go so that they have a better idea of what you are looking for. I find researching on the store's website first before going in helps me use my time better.

15 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the advice, ladies. I feel I need to be prepared well if i am to accomplish anything there.
Marianna, I hear you on the shoe topic: it has been my pain all my life. I buy all my footwear in TallCrest - I really enjoy coming into a shoe store where sizes start from 10, not end there. However for the past year selection there was not as good as before, especially for boots...I need to find a new source for shoes.
Laura, do I need to book appointments in all departments I plan to shop? I have never been to a store like this so it is all very new to me. If I plan to look for bottoms (jeans, dress pants, skirts) is it all in one department?
Also is this sale for sprig/summer stuff or fall?
I am very grateful to you for your help as this is really intimidating for me...

15 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

Not Laura, but my experience has been that once I have a great SA helping me at Nordies, that person is happy to search other parts of the store outside of her dept. for some things. I would say that would be the case with most of the apparel departments, except for hosiery and lingerie. But book separate appts. if you want to look at shoes, accessories, etc. Those are very specialized.

It took me about 6-8 trips to Nordstrom's for me to feel like I knew my way around the store and to not feel overwhelmed. But then, I don't think I am really good at shopping. (Another gal who dreams of a day shopping with Angie, sigh!) Items like bottoms are spread throughout the store in the different departments. It helps to get a sense of the departments' "personalities" before you go. I'm sure someone here can give you a better feel for those, or you can search YLF. I don't think I could do justice to explaining those well.

15 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

Oh, forgot to answer one of your questions. NAS is for fall items. BTW, this will be my first NAS too!

15 years ago

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