Nordstrom Rack and its sister store, Nordstrom share a lot in common. After all, they both carry on-trend apparel, accessories and decor from coveted brands. But Nordstrom Rack differs from its luxury sibling in one crucial way: Compared to the original Nordstrom, the discount division offers dramatically lower prices. As in up to 70% lower.
But why stop there? You can save on Nordstrom Rack’s already low prices with a bit of resourcefulness and a pinch of retail magic. Ahead, we’ll explain how to save even more on fashion, accessories and home goods at Nordstrom Rack.
What Is Nordstrom Rack?
Nordstrom Rack is a budget fashionista’s dream. A subsidiary of the Nordstrom family, the off-price store carries items from well-known and designer brands at discounts ranging from 30% to 70%.
A lot of the merchandise you’ll find at Nordstrom Rack is sourced from Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com. Nordstrom Rack also offers exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Nordstrom Rack opened as a clearance center in the basement of a Seattle Nordstrom store back in 1973. Today, Nordstrom Rack stores outnumber regular Nordstrom stores with over 200 locations.
7 Nordstrom Rack Savings Hacks
Below, we’ve outlined tips and tricks for maximizing your savings at Nordstrom Rack.
1. Join the Nordy Club
The Nordy Club is a free joint loyalty program shared by Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. As a member, you get points back on purchases at both stores, plus other perks. Here are the benefits of joining the Nordy Club:
- Earn one point per $1 spent at Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom.
- Earn two points per $1 spent at Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom if you use a Nordstrom credit or debit card.
- Get a $10 Note for every 1,000 points you earn, which you can spend on anything at Nordstrom Rack or Nordstrom.
- Get early access to the Clear the Rack Sale.
- Score first dibs on top brands.
- Enjoy free basic alterations.
- Get invited to Nordstrom events and workshops.
The perks get even better as you get higher in membership status. For example, once you reach Influencer, Ambassador and Icon status, you unlock Personal Double Points Days and get priority access to style events.
How to Join the Nordy Club
You can sign up for the Nordy Club for free online or in Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom stores. When you sign up, you’ll either be given basic “Member” status or premium “Influencer” status if you are a Nordstrom cardholder.
You’ll rise to higher membership tiers the more you spend at Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom. Spend $500 per year to hit Influencer Status or $5,000 per year for Ambassador status. To achieve the highest tier, Icon status, you must spend $15,000 per year using a Nordstrom credit card.
2. Download the Nordstrom Rack App
Nordstrom Rack has its own app, a handy tool that lets you shop its online selection with your phone. The Nordstrom Rack app also alerts you when sales are happening, including the highly anticipated Clear the Rack sale (more on that later), and new markdowns arrive.
How to Get the Nordstrom Rack App
You can download the app for iOS or Android.
3. Sign Up for Nordstrom Rack Emails
Just as Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom share a loyalty club, the two sister stores also share an email list. As a subscriber, you get updates on upcoming sales, new markdowns and Flash Events.
How to Sign Up for Nordstrom Rack Emails
It’s free and easy to sign up — just register online by entering your email address.
4. Know the Nordstrom Rack Sale Schedule
Like Nordstrom and many other retailers, Nordstrom Rack holds sales to celebrate holidays and special events. During these sales, Nordstrom Rack discounts its already low prices even further (if you can believe that).
If you’re a Nordstrom Rack frequenter, it pays to memorize the sale schedule. We’ve created a quick guide to major Nordstrom Rack sales below.
Nordstrom Rack Clear the Rack Sales (Dates Vary)
Nordstrom Clear the Rack sales occur around four times per year — typically at the start of a new season. The sales usually last two to four days and include discounts of up to an extra 25% off already discounted items for a total savings of up to 75%. Nordy Club members get early access to Clear the Rack events.
In the past, we’ve seen Clear the Rack sales run in March, May, July and November. To stay updated on the latest sales, subscribe to Nordstrom Rack emails or download the app.
Nordstrom Rack Flash Events (Daily)
Flash Events are daily deals that run for a limited time. Nordstrom usually offers Flash Event promotions on specific brands or items — for example, 60% off sweaters or Adidas activewear from $20.
There are several ways to find out what’s on sale during today’s Nordstrom Rack Flash Events. You can check the Flash Events page on NordstromRack.com or sign up for their email newsletter to get Flash Event deals sent to your inbox.
Nordstrom Rack Labor Day Sale (September)
To celebrate the start of fall, Nordstrom Rack often runs a Labor Day sale with savings of over 80%. The sale usually kicks off on Friday and runs through the three-day weekend.
Nordstrom Rack Black Friday Sale (November)
The Nordstrom Rack Black Friday sale — affectionately dubbed “Rack Friday” — typically starts the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and spans multiple days. During the sale, Nordstrom Rack offers up to an extra 60% off clearance.
Nordstrom Rack Cyber Monday Sale (November)
The Nordstrom Rack Cyber Monday sale falls the Monday after Thanksgiving. During the sale, the retailer slashes prices on gifts and winter wear by up to 65%.
5. Shop the Nordstrom Rack Clearance Section
Sale or no sale, you’ll always find solid deals in the Nordstrom Rack clearance section. Look for discounts of up to 85% on hot brands like Birkenstock, Calvin Klein and DKNY. You’ll find the Nordstrom Rack clearance section in stores and online.
6. Get a Nordstrom Credit Card
If you frequent Nordstrom Rack (and/or Nordstrom), it may make sense for you to apply for the Nordstrom credit card. As a Nordstrom cardholder, you are automatically awarded elite Influencer status in The Nordy Club, and unlock these perks:
- Get a $40 Note to spend at Nordstrom Rack at Nordstrom.
- Earn two points per $1 spent at Nordstrom Rack or Nordstrom when you use your Nordstrom credit card.
- Earn three points per $1 spent at Nordstrom Rack or Nordstrom when you use your Nordstrom credit card after you reach Ambassador and Icon status.
- Earn one point per $1 spent everywhere else.
- Early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
- Enjoy up to $200 worth of free alterations.
- Unlock free two-day shipping in eligible areas.
How to Apply for a Nordstrom Credit Card
You can apply for a Nordstrom credit card online or in stores.
7. Hunt Down Nordstrom Rack Promo Codes
Wherever you shop online, it’s always good practice to look for promo codes before placing your order. To find a curated collection of the latest Nordstrom Rack promo codes, coupons and sales, check RetailMeNot. And don’t forget Nordstrom Rack offers cash back for your online purchases, so be sure to look out for the current one before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions for Shopping at Nordstrom Rack
Before heading to your local Nordstrom Rack, review these questions frequently asked by shoppers:
How Is Nordstrom Rack So Cheap?
In part, Nordstrom Rack manages to keep its prices low by carrying overstock and off-season items from Nordstrom stores. In addition, Nordstrom Rack further slashes items the longer they sit on the shelves, translating to extra savings and a constantly updated inventory.
What Is the Nordstrom Rack Return Policy?
The Nordstrom Rack return policy is different from the Nordstrom return policy. Unlike the Nordstrom return policy, which has no time limit on returns, the Nordstrom Rack policy has a time limit. To qualify for a full refund, online Nordstrom Rack purchases must be returned within 40 days, and in-store Nordstrom Rack purchases must be returned within 30 days. To qualify for store credit, eligible purchases must be returned within 60 days.
Can You Return Items From Nordstrom to Nordstrom Rack?
Yes, you can return most items from Nordstrom to Nordstrom Rack and vice versa. One exception to this is fine jewelry and designer items purchased at Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com, which cannot be returned to Nordstrom Rack.
Can You Use a Nordstrom Gift Card at Nordstrom Rack?
Yes, Nordstrom gift cards can be redeemed at Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom stores and online at NordstromRack.com and Nordstrom.com.
Does Nordstrom Rack Offer Free Alterations?
No, although select Nordstrom Rack locations offer alterations and tailoring on Nordstrom Rack purchases for a fee.
Nordstrom, on the other hand, does offer free basic alterations to members of the Nordy Club. To be eligible for free basic alterations, the item must have been purchased from Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com — items purchased at Nordstrom Rack or NordstromRack.com are ineligible.
The post Your Everything Guide to Saving at Nordstrom Rack in 2024 appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.