Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s that time of year again, the highly anticipated shopping sale of the year for fashionistas at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.   Significant savings are made and anyone’s closet can benefit from this annual sale.  Unlike any other sales where discounts are only on end-of-season items, the Anniversary sale is all about saving on new and upcoming Fall season trends.  And it just so happens my favourite season to style is Fall, so I especially get excited for this event that runs from August 16-18th for Early Access and August 19 – Sept 3 for everyone.

Tackling this sale requires a bit of strategy in order to avoid crowds, frustration and missing out on your desired pieces.  Below I am sharing a few tips and considerations in hopes to make your shopping experience a pleasant one this year.

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Shopping Strategies and Tips

1. Timing:  Early Access vs Public Access

If you are a Nordstrom credit card holder, you will get early access to the sale so I highly recommend getting the card even if for just this sole purpose.  It is the only reason why I got it last year (I don’t use it for purchases).  With the card, you will get first dibs on discounted goodies, increasing your chances of getting what you want before it sells out.  Probably most importantly, you won’t be fighting the enormous crowds once the sale opens up to the public on August 19th.  Early access is best for cardholders who reside in the USA which starts even earlier and this year, Fashion Youtubers have already been vlogging about it weeks in advance.  Unfortunately for Canadians like me, this early access doesn’t start until a bit later on August 16th.  However, I do get a “sneak peak” at the sale online.  

2. But first, new Nordstrom.ca website for Canadians.

This year Nordstrom launched its new Canadian website nordstrom.ca so Canadian shoppers are now limited to shopping online on this site only unless you have access to a US shipping address.   Sadly, I do find the selection somewhat limited compared to nordstrom.com With COVID as another reason to avoid crowds, shopping online is your best and safest option this year.  But if you prefer the in-store experience, read on for tips and strategies.

3. Sneak a peek and start a wish list

The key to getting what you want before it sells out is deciding what you want ahead of time.  Go online to take a sneak peek at sale items and even though you can’t add them to your cart until you have access, you can add pieces you want or are considering to your wish list.

4. Make a wish list in advance

Whether you choose to shop online or in store, having a wish list handy will help you prioritize and stay focused on the pieces you really want.  If you are planning to shop in store, keep your list at your finger tips while you shop.  I also find access to the Nordstrom app and website is also handy for when I like to lookup or check if items come in other colours etc.

5. Book a shopping appointment at your local store

Contact your personal shopping stylist or sales associate at your local Nordstrom and let them know what is on your list.  Schedule an appointment on the first day you have access and he/she will pull your desired pieces for you to try on.  There’s nothing quite like having all your wish list items ready and waiting for you in a dressing room upon your arrival.

6. Dress appropriately to avoid dressing rooms

Dressing room lineups are usually horrendous so if you don’t have the patience to wait in line,  do what I do and dress appropriately.  Wear a black or white tank top/cami over leggings/shorts and you will never have to step into a dressing room the entire time you are shopping.  Most everything you try on can be thrown over what you’re wearing.  Just find one of the plentiful full length mirrors throughout the store and voila!  And remember to wear comfortable shoes.  I like the slip on kind like slides and mules which makes trying on shoes nice and easy.  And don’t forget to bring a bottle of water if you are the shop til you drop kind of fashionista.

7. Buy now, decide later

If you are debating to buy something or not, I highly suggest you buy now and decide later because chances are it will sell out if you hesitate or wait.  Should you change your mind later you can return it anytime.  With Nordstrom’s amazing return policy, there’s never a concern for buyers remorse.  If items are already sold out online, don’t despair.  Keep checking back – I’ve seen pieces magically re-appear back in stock from people returning items throughout the week or from inventory restocks.

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Time to Shop!

Mark your calendars for Aug 16th or 19th and get ready to shop.  I’ll come back and share my picks from this years sale soon.  

I’d love to hear about your picks and finds too so feel free to comment below!  Happy Anniversary Sale Shopping!

 

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