read this before shopping the nordstrom anniversary sale
harsh truths about the sale, plus what's definitely not worth it and what **maybe** is
The links in this post are NOT affiliate links!!
Another July 4th has come and gone, temperatures across the country have reached annual highs, and your Instagram feed is being flooded with post after post of clothing backdropped by a garish shade of yellow.
What does this all mean?
It means that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has once again graced us with her presence and for the next two weeks influencer content regarding the sale is going to be damn near impossible to escape from. Which is unfortunate because a lot of what we are being encouraged to buy is…
Um… let’s see, how do I say this politely?
Not worth spending your money on?
Yeah. Not worth spending your money on. We’ll go with that.
As you can probably tell, I have a lot of thoughts on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Let’s do little deep dive.
what’s the deal with the nordstrom anniversary sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale originally began as a ‘reverse’ sale. What is a reverse sale? Traditionally sales are used to get rid of old inventory that a store needs to clear out to make room for new inventory. Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale was unique as it featured brand new items at a discount to highlight trends for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Back in the day you could find amazing deals on designer bags, shoes, clothes, etc. and it was totally worth shopping.
These days? It’s a little meh.
There are definitely still some good deals to be found, but due to the way the sale is structured — access is rolled out over the course of a week, starting with cardholders based on their status and eventually opening to the masses — the best deals are usually sold out by the time the average shopper can access them.
Another issue I have with the sale is the fact that a lot of what you are seeing is produced specifically for the sale using lesser quality materials and craftsmanship. Basically, it’s outlet quality.
I have no problem with outlets, I shop at them quite frequently!! What I have a problem with is Nordstrom and other brands trying to pass off outlet quality products as standard products to trick consumers into thinking they are getting a good deal.
Something else I take issue with is price inflation. I have heard/noticed that Nordstrom will inflate the MSRP of an item to make shoppers think the discount is bigger than it is.
Also, I have sometimes noticed that when I search the internet for items that are supposedly either Nordstrom exclusives or deeply discounted at Nordstrom only, I can find them cheaper or at the same price elsewhere.
This all being said, there are still some things I think are worth it and some that are not. Let’s look at some examples.
probably not worth it
The links in this post are NOT affiliate links! Also, there are THOUSANDS of items on sale and these are just a few examples!
First and foremost, the brands Treasure and Bond, Caslon, Zella, BP, and Halogen are all owned by Nordstrom. I’ve looked at items from all of these brands before and don’t feel the quality is anything special. Items from all of these brands can also be found for discounts that are deeper than the Anniversary Sale prices at Nordstrom Rack all year round.
These JW PEI bags are on sale for $74.99… On JW PEI’s website there are so many similar bags (Harlee Shoulder Bag, Joy Shoulder Bag, Lily Shoulder Bag) and through tonight JW PEI has a sale that brings the bags down significantly lower than the sale.
Hanky Panky original lace thongs are on sale for $17.99 each. On Zappos you can buy a three pack for $37.74… that is $16.23 less than buying 3 from the sale. If you use Rakuten1 Zappos also offers 4% cash back saving you another ~$1.51.
This is really nit picky of me, but I’ve had my eye on these New Balance 550 Basketball Sneakers for a while so it’s particularly irritating LOL. At Nordstrom they’re on sale for $87.99… direct from New Balance’s website they’re $84.99. Both websites also offer 2% cashback through Rakuten.
This Barbour jacket is an example of something that is made for the sale every single year and is, in my opinion, outlet quality that is being advertised as Barbour standard quality.
Madewell jeans are an example of something that, in my opinion, are fine to buy during the sale, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an insane deal. You can find good/better deals on Madewell jeans throughout the year on their website as well.
Okay this is another kind of nit picky thing, but it’s about being an informed consumer!!! This is a decent deal on the Dyson Airwrap, but they want you to think the deal is exclusive to them and it’s not. It’s on sale at Bloomingdales for the same price.
probably worth it
The links in this post are NOT affiliate links! Also, there are THOUSANDS of items on sale and these are just a few examples!
Everyone should be sleeping with silk pillowcases and this is actually a fabulous deal on a set of two Slip silk pillowcases! I have Slip silk pillowcases and I highly recommend them.
I have always loved Longchamp bags and this is a good price! I am super into burnt orange right now and actually might buy this.
Ditto for these Burnt Orange Birkenstock Arizonas. Love burnt orange, love Arizonas. They’re on my list.
If you need new running shoes these are great deals on Hoka Mach 5 Running Shoes (regular $140) and On Cloud 5 Running Shoe (regular $140).
These Celine sunglasses are an unreal deal. I don’t buy sunglasses that cost more than like $50 because I lose or break them all, but if you’re a designer sunglasses person, I love these.
I think Free People Movement is slept on. I have a few sets from them and have been happy with the quality. The FP Movement All Clear Cami is on sale for $20 and is usually $30. I can’t find them for less than $24 anywhere else, so this is a good deal.
I don’t personally own Beis luggage, but I have heard great things and assuming these haven’t been manufactured for the sale, they’re a STEAL.
You can also find good deals on beauty and fragrance! Just do a quick search on the price per ounce of the product before purchasing :)
Ok that’s all I had time to research, but I might share more items I think are worth it/not worth it on Instagram in the coming days so follow along over there if you’re interested!
TLDR; the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is no where near as great as it once was but there are some deals to be found. Do your research so you can make informed purchases and be sure you are actually getting a good deal.
I’ll be back with the second edition of breakfast in bed on Sunday, but if you would like to see more from me in the meantime follow along over on Instagram!
XOXO,
Maddie
If you sign up for Rakuten using my referral code I receive a small referral fee at no cost to you, plus you receive an additional 10% cash back through September 30th 2024.
That orange longchamp bag is gorgeous 😍