Fall is likely the last thing on anyone’s mind right now as Miami turns into the swampiest mosquito playground in the country. But the end of June also signals the onset of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, an annual shopping event, happening in July, that looks ahead to fall with brand new styles priced at big discounts. (Though July 17th is the official start date for the public, Nordstrom card holders get in as early as July 9th.) I’ve been shopping this sale for years with my personal shopper (and now very good friend, Rosi). So this year, I’ve decided to share some of my tips with anyone who wants to take advantage of the sale. Ready to update your look? Read ahead for some tried and true methods. Happy shopping!
A Guide to Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Take inventory of your closet and beauty drawer: Before you even begin to look through that catalog, take inventory of your closet to have a better idea of what you actually want to purchase, rather than stocking up on items you won’t wear. I’ve found that the best deals are in shoes, handbags, and coats. Jewelry and watches are also fantastic at this time.
Team up with a personal shopper: While this may sound a little more frivolous than it actually is, teaming up with a complimentary personal shopper allows you to navigate the sale with someone who is well aware of what’s in store. They know where to find everything and can help you narrow in on some of the best styles and pieces. You can also email them questions or wish list items to have them help you find them. There’s a lot to see at this sale. It helps to have someone who knows the lay of the land. (I’ve been shopping with my friend and personal shopper Rosi–at Dadeland– for years. She now knows my style better than I do and suggests stuff I love.)
Get your hands on a catalog and take notes: If you’re already on the mailing list, chances are you’ll receive a catalog with a preview of some of the items you can expect to see. Take a look and mark down what you like. There’s so much packed into the store, it can be hard to zero in a specific item if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for. You can also now scan the items in your catalog via their app, here. (I confirmed with Nordstrom Customer Service that catalogs are out for delivery this week.)
Sign up for a card: You don’t necessarily have to sign up for a credit card in order to take advantage of this sale. Nordstrom also links up to your debit card so you won’t have to open a charge account. But in either case, whether credit or debit, if you have a Nordstrom card, you can reap the rewards of having a points system adding up for you to later convert into Nordstrom Notes (much like gift cards to the store), which are usable at Nordstrom store, Nordstrom Rack, and Nordstrom Bistro (which has the best bread pudding I’ve ever tasted).
Shop early: If you become a card member, you’ll have early access to the sale (about a full week) where you can shop ahead of the crowds in a closed-off area, allowing you to score the best pieces before they sell out. Even at this point, items sometimes sell out, so making an appointment with a personal shopper early in the preview is key to getting full access to the styles you want. So make an appointment with a shopper!
Use your personal triple points day: If you’re going to shop, make it count. If you’re a card member, make sure your personal shopper knows this will be your annual triple points day (depending on your card level you get one or more). If you shop online, you can also select this option at checkout.
Stock up on items you use regularly: I’ve been hooked on wearing Hanky Pankys for years, but they do tend to run a bit on the pricier side. Since they rarely go on sale, I stock up when the Anniversary Sale comes around. Same goes for my husband’s work shirts; the wrinkle-free options are fantastic and usually priced really low. Stock up on the things you use most often.
Buy beauty, fragrance, and skincare items: Beauty items rarely ever go on sale, so this is the time to take stock of your fragrance, moisturizers, and even makeup for special sets, limited edition colors and palettes, and gifts with purchase at special prices.
Allow yourself the time to sort through the racks: Part of the fun is finding interesting, new pieces for the season ahead. But you have to allow yourself the time to sort through it all. Looking through the catalog is only the start, since that’s just a preview. Book an appointment with a shopper and block off an hour or two to really look at the selection.
Try everything on: Allow yourself the time to experiment with new styles and try things on. Certain items may look a little boring on the hanger but come to life when worn and styled properly. You may just discover more interesting things than your usual go-to’s.
Here’s a peek at some of the stuff we might see at this year’s Anniversary Sale:
Believe it or not, this was not at all a sponsored post – I’ve just been shopping the sale for that many years. This is my annual event to treat myself and my family to a wardrobe upgrade while blocking out a few hours for myself – plus it’s a great chance to see what’s coming up for the season ahead. Even if you don’t plan to shop for much, I highly recommend checking out the sale for a few key pieces to update your closet for fall. Hope you found this helpful! And if you have a few tips of your own, let me know in the comments!