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Who’s excited for the best sale of the year? I know that I am!! After everything that happened last year, living in loungewear and having nowhere to go, I am especially looking forward to this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. To me, it’s the official reset point back to a normal life. Before the preview catalog goes live and I share ALL the recommendations, it’s important to PLAN for this year’s event. Keep reading to get all of my tips and tricks for the most successful and satisfying experience you’ll ever have shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
BASIC INFORMATION
Let’s start with the basics-what is the big deal about this sale and when exactly is it? The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a big deal because it’s the only sale that I know of that puts NEW inventory on sale before the season even starts. The Sale features clothing and products mostly for the fall and winter, with plenty of items that you can use right now, and discounts of up to 40% off. The sale itself is broken down into two shopping windows-starting with Early Access for Nordstrom cardholders, and then opening up to the general public. See the below infographics for the date breakdowns. Online shopping starts at 12 am PT/3 am ET on the designated days, so set your alarm if you want to get the best selection of items. This year they’re adding 100’s of more brands to the sale than in previous years-which means lots more options to shop!
I don’t normally recommend getting a credit card just to get one, but this is the only card that defies my rule. Having the Nordstrom card gives you a definite advantage to shop the sale, plus it rewards you with gift certificates (Notes) based on the amount you spend throughout the year to be used on future purchases. You can apply here to get one before the sale starts and they’ll even start you out with $60 in Notes! Some inside information-last year, 70% of my viewers made their Anniversary Sale purchases during Early Access for cardholders, and more people participated than in all the years prior!
SET A BUDGET
First things first, set a budget. Everyone has a budget-the only thing that changes is how much that budget is. It’s easy to get out of control and start adding everything in sight to your cart. Don’t do that-go in with a clear understanding of what your limits are, and stick to them. If you need help with setting up a household budget, take a look at my Budgeting video series that walks you through every step.
SET UP A WISHLIST
When the catalog goes live online on July 6th, make sure you set up a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale wishlist on the website and add EVERYTHING you think you might want (in preferred size and color) to that wishlist. I personally find this easier to do on a computer.
DOWNLOAD THE NORDSTROM APP
The only way to get notified about restocks is through notifications on the app. Turn those notifications ON! Getting those last-minute alerts are key to snatching up items that were previously sold out. When influencers share about new restocks, they don’t have inside information. They’re getting those app notifications too! It doesn’t mean you have to shop using the app-but it’s the only way to get alerts!
CARDHOLDERS-DESIGNATE A PERSONAL DOUBLE POINTS DAY!
Every Nordstrom cardholder gets at least one day a year to designate as a personal double points day. Don’t forget to set your assigned shopping day as a personal double points day BEFORE you shop to take advantage of those double points! You want to rack up those Nordy Notes faster! Make your money work for you!
WHAT SHOULD YOU BUY?
First, look through your closet. Do you have pieces that you never wear because you don’t have that perfect something to wear it with? Start making a list of specific items that you want to look for in the preview catalog. Do you want to wear more leggings this fall? Make sure you add longer length tops to your list. Sick of loungewear and pajamas? Focus your search on business casual/dressier items and put those on your list. Don’t forget about the holidays! This year we’ll most likely see holiday get togethers and parties again and you want to be prepared. Make sure you throw in a few hostess gifts just so you have them on hand. Make a list of everyone you know you’re getting gifts for this winter and see if you can find gifts on sale now! Again, set that budget for holiday shopping-just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you need it now. Better to buy something full price when you have the money in hand then to go into debt to get it “on sale”. You’ll end up paying more than full price if you have to pay it off on a credit card!
SHOP ONLINE
I know it’s more fun to shop in person, but the key to a successful shopping experience for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is to shop online. First of all, the website opens up to shoppers at least 6-8 hours before the stores open, so you can get a head start. Also, there is far more selection and inventory online than any store could have in person. And finally, if you order online but choose curbside pickup as an option, you will get a $10 gift card PLUS avoid the chaos of going in-store.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Obviously I’m planning on doing a lot of shopping for myself. I was a fan of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale long before I became a social media influencer. Coming this Friday, July 9th, I’m uploading my 7th Annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks on my YouTube channel and share them here as well. I’ll also break down (and add to) those recommendations by category, with individual pages on my website for every category you can think of in the sale. If there is a particular area or category of interest to you, please let me know in the comments. I will also post regularly on Instagram with shopping suggestions, hauls, etc. I’m not giving up my regular content here or on my YouTube channel, but you can expect to see more videos with dressing room try-ons, hauls, etc, dedicated to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel and my Instagram account so you don’t miss anything! I also plan to send out extra, dedicated newsletters with all things Nordstrom, so if you haven’t already subscribed to my weekly newsletter, please sign up here.
WANT TO SEE MORE?
Click on the thumbnail below or click here to watch me walk you through these tips, plus share what the top 8 viewer purchases were from last year-I bet you’ll be surprised! Fun fact-I was the very first person to do a Catalog Walk Through on YouTube! My 7th Annual Catalog Walk Through will go live this Friday, July 9th at 6 am Central!
Mel Braks says
Thanks Marnie! This guide is helpful. I love that you remind us to keep within our personal budgets. I’ve loved your recommendations and look forward to your recommendation this year. Enjoy the holiday! Take care!
Anne Leonards says
Im always amazed at how organized and thorough you are!!!! Its obvious a lot of hard work goes in to planning and making this sale list. You’ve left nothing out!!!! Thanks for keeping us informed. Always love getting your recommendations.