I am not a shopaholic. I am helping the economy.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the most anticipated sales of the year for two kinds of people: those who love fall fashion and want to stock up for the holiday season and those who want to grab a few things to round out their closets. Personally, I’ve been guilty for both and I’m not ashamed to admit it. That said, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 preview is here!
Trust me when I say that this page is the only publication you’ll get from me.
Yep, this is it. Same page, annually updated with new details.
I know most of you are very annoyed about this sale from your experience in recent years. And for some, you just skip it altogether because the sale is overwhelming while the selection is underwhelming. I don’t blame you one bit either! I feel like the sale gets worse every year. Why do you think the last time I truly talked about this sale was four years ago?
This year, I wanted to talk about the sale again and publish this page for one reason: to talk about real purchases of items we would actually use or gift someone.
And no, you’re not going to get recommendations from me because “it’s going to sell out fast!” I’m just going to share what I personally think is worth purchasing that I know will make great gifts or something practical I know you will use.
Whether you are new to the sale or a veteran shopper, IF you want to shop this sale, keep reading. If not, that’s okay too because I know some people just like seeing what other people are interested in (buying).
Either way, I’m keeping my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale guide real for you.
Below you will find some quick bullet points about the sale, a shopping strategy with some tips (for the rare newbies who may not know about this sale), my personal picks, and what to really expect if you’re shopping this sale.
Here’s everything you need to know about the #NSale:
WHAT IS THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is essentially an early access event where you can shop new fall/winter arrivals at low price points.
Instead of waiting for cold weather items to go on sale, Nordstrom reverses it. Items are marked down first before the fall season begins. After the sale, prices go back up to retail costs and then get marked down again after the season is over. That’s it.
However, sometimes the “sale” is not all that great.
Yep, I said what I said. What you think might be a “major steal” isn’t. In the past, I’ve noticed that prices for certain items would drop even lower than the original NSale price. True story.
Just being honest because #SecretsDontMakeFriends.
NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE CATALOG
Here’s the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Catalog. Last year, Nordstrom provided an online preview prior to the start of Early Access shopping. It was much easier than previous years because it allowed shoppers to create wish lists and add to them. Good thing they did it again this year.
I also got a catalog sent to my home which was nice. I also heard some people didn’t get one mailed to them. Anyway, I’m not sure why they did away with it before because their customers requested them to do away with the catalog.
NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE KEY DATES & TIERS
This year’s sale will run from Tuesday, July 11 – Sunday, August 6.
Depending on what “tier” you fall under is when you can shop the sale. If you’re curious, tiers are determined by spend levels:
ICON STATUS — $15,000+ spend per year
AMBASSADOR STATUS — $5,000+ spend per year
INFLUENCER STATUS — $500 spend per year
Early Access to the 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 for Nordstrom cardholders. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Public Access runs between Tuesday, July 17 – Sunday, August 6. Prices go back up on Monday, August 7th.
EARN NORDSTROM REWARDS
You don’t have to have a Nordstrom credit card to earn rewards. Take advantage of The Nordy Club, which is a free customer loyalty program where you can earn one point per dollar spent. If you do have a Nordstrom credit card, you’ll receive two points for every dollar spent.
Every 2,000 points gets you a $20 Nordstrom Note to use online or in-stores.
The great thing is you can earn points on every purchase made in stores and online at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.
Moreover, when you can get access to services and personalized experiences, make sure to stretch your dollars by using them.
**You can apply for a Nordstrom card if you want one. However, your financial situation and your relationship with your finances are more important. You do NOT have to apply for a credit card to shop this sale nor do you have to shop this sale because of FOMO.**
ANNIVERSARY SALE BEAUTY GIFTS WITH PURCHASE
Typically, Nordstrom hosts events throughout the Anniversary Sale. The ones I liked the most in the past were the Beauty Bash events they did in stores.
In the past, this event gave you access to beauty exclusives, complimentary applications, and consultations. I’m not sure about this year, but in previous years, brand reps gave you tips and free samples.
Some gifts are available both online and in-store, but some are online only. If you have one you work with, make sure to check with your sales associate.
If they don’t know, before purchasing any beauty products, look online at the Gifts with Purchase first to make sure you get what you spend your hard-earned money on.
Don’t miss out on beauty freebies! You work way too hard to earn your living not to get some free product!
WHAT TO EXPECT
First of all, expect to NOT get what you want. You heard me right. Just because you placed an order online (whether or not you did it for in-store pickup) doesn’t mean it won’t be canceled. This company has this same problem every year.
This year, the IT team accidentally opened the sale early. They ticked off many people who had already shopped the sale and tried to check out only for their orders to get cancelled. Oops, haha!
Anyway, don’t be surprised if you run into website issues due to heavy traffic too. Just expect this issue like you expect not to find someone to help you when shopping in Walmart.
Secondly, shopping for this sale can be overwhelming as Nordstrom’s inventory is massive. That said, even with a lot of product, the selection is terrible. To me, last year’s inventory was underwhelming.
The verdict this year?
This year’s inventory is still underwhelming like last year’s offers.
However, it’s not as horrendous as last year’s buy. It’s just okay because I feel like there’s no newness, especially in the beauty and shoe departments. Having said that, that doesn’t mean you won’t come across a few great finds.
On that same note, restocks are never guaranteed so don’t get emotionally attached to your order(s). Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
One last thing to expect: Inventory can change during the sale. Colorways offered on items can also be added or taken off. In the past, I noticed some items I had on my wish list were no longer marked as part of the sale. Um, what? How does Nordstrom not know what’s part of the sale and what’s not? To me, they always have a year in advance to plan and I feel like they constantly miss the mark.
#NSALE TIPS
No promo code is needed when shopping online. This event doesn’t require a discount code like other sales. Anniversary sale items will be clearly marked on the website with Anniversary Sale highlighted in yellow.
If you visit Nordstrom in person, anniversary sale items will be sectioned off from the rest of the store with yellow tape and signage. Sale products with have bright yellow bows attached to them and signs will be very clear. Even if you can’t shop the sale yet, you can still browse, and take notes to add items to your wish list.
The top three most important tips I can give you are to 1) use your Double Points Day during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, 2) Filter your selections with “Sort by Newest” to see if there are any new additions to the sale, and 3) do not buy basics during this sale. You can always buy basics elsewhere for much less.
MY PERSONAL SHOPPING STRATEGY
It’s important to be strategic when shopping. Here’s how I personally shop the sale:
- After I survey my closet and beauty drawers, I make a budget and a list of everything I need. Since Nordstrom has free shipping and returns, I ordered everything and returned what didn’t work/didn’t want.
- Add everything you want on your wishlist. When the sale goes live, add it all to your cart and check out — fast. Denim, cult-favorite beauty items, and affordable fine jewelry usually sell out fast so I check out with those categories first.
- In the past, I opted for in-store pick-up. Even though I’m not a fan of huge crowds, I do NOT recommend it. By the time sellers pull your order, items will already be sold out. Just place your entire order online so you have a higher chance of getting what you want.
- Once I get everything in, I get honest with myself. If it’s not a “10” to me, I return it right away so someone else can have it.
- Lastly, as mentioned earlier, I use my double points day when I shop the sale to earn Nordstrom notes for other future purchases.
CLOTHING/SHOES NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE PICKS
Below are brands I love and already own or think are worth adding to my cart.
ALLSAINTS — I’ve been a long-time fan of this brand. If you’re going to get one wardrobe piece, let it be this buttery staple Dalby leather jacket you’ll love!
REISS — This brand is great especially when you’re looking for workwear. I’d pair this rib sweater with these wide-leg trousers with booties for the fall.
STUART WEITZMAN — These over-the-knee boots are so classic, they will be on rotation in your wardrobe for years.
SPANX — I own their Get Moving shorts and LOVE them. Since their shorts are not part of sale, try these high waist leggings that are part of the sale. Perfect for tennis, running, and the gym this fall!
TRUE & CO. — I own this convertible bra in black and nude and they’re a 10/10!
BEAUTY NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE PICKS
Add these brands to your beauty arsenal to replace purged products.
BEAUTYBIO — If you’re looking for a high-quality face roller, this cryo roller set is a must-have!
ELEMIS — This cult skincare favorite is a MUST if you’re going to make one beauty brand purchase. I missed this resurfacing face wash last year…twice!
GHD — I bought this flat iron during last year’s sale and was impressed with the quality!
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN — This fragrance discovery set is perfect to sample cult-favorite scents before committing to a pricey full bottle!
MARIO BADESCU — Although it’s not part of the sale, one of my very first Nordstrom sale purchases many moons ago was this drying lotion. This beauty brand is so underrated!
HOME NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE PICKS
I love picking up something from these brands for myself or as gifts.
DIPTYQUE — In the past, I purchased this candle set for myself and one to split and give as gifts. Although the price has increased and there are four candles instead of the usual five, note they are bigger at 2.4 oz. each (instead of the 1.23 oz travel size).
JO MALONE — This diffuser duo is actually worth it in my opinion. Almost everyone I know loves this scent!
LE CRUESET — This oval dutch oven is perfect for soups, stews, and bread you’ll be making during the fall and holiday seasons!
NEST NEW YORK — This votive candle set is perfect to split up and gift your dinner hosts.
NORDSTORM — This Hydrocotton Bath Towel Set is worth stocking up on!
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to live more sustainably by buying less or are a luxury lover like me, you just want to cut through the crap and get to the good stuff, am I right? Well, here are my “quality over quantity” picks:
I really hope this guide helped you if you’re planning on shopping for the sale! Are you shopping it or skipping it this year?
Personally, I’m scaling wayyy back this year. I’ll be purchasing one outfit, some beauty, one pair of earrings, and a few undergarments this year. That’s it.
One last note: I really wanted to title this page: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Know What You Want, Get In, Get It, and Get Out, haha!
Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. I was not gifted any products nor was I compensated by Nordstrom or asked to write about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. All opinions are my own. If you choose to use my links, thank you SO much! I do make a small commission when you make a purchase. I appreciate your support as this is one way I provide for my family!