I’ve shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for almost 20 years. In that time, I’ve learned many tips & tricks in order to get the best deals! Today, I’m going to teach you how to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale like a pro!
Back when I was working, July meant it was time to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! This is my very favorite sale, and its my only big shopping trip each year. It is such a treat.
Now that I’m a stay-at-home mom, my budget is much smaller than back then. But, I still love the Anniversary Sale & there are great deals!
What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
If you’re not familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, it is the one sale all year where Nordstrom puts Brand New, Fall Merchandise on sale for 3 weeks. After the sale is over, the prices go back to normal. Everything is new for the upcoming season & available in very limited quantities. There is a ton of excitement about this sale, and things sell out really fast. Last year, a ton of stuff sold out on the first day of Early Access and never came back!
That’s why its essential to prepare and know how to shop the sale for the best deals so you don’t miss out!
2025 Anniversary Sale Changes
First, the very best change from the 2020 sale, your ability to save items to a wishlist before the sale starts, continues this year! Preview starts June 27th for everyone, and you can save to your wishlist then. You can also save items that are sold out and receive notifications if & when they restock!
The staggered start for Early Access depends on your Nordy Club Level & Cardholder StatusThe reward categories have been consolidated so there are only 3 levels. This year’s Early Access begins July 9th for Icons, July 10th for Ambassadors, and July 11th for Influencers.
I am the lowest level, so I will be shopping on July 11th. However, I will be scouring the online look book and saving my favorites to my Wish List and sharing on the blog starting June 27th! I can’t wait! See what’s on my wishlist for this year’s sale!
For everything 2025 Anniversary Sale, be sure to check out our Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Page! Don’t forget to flip through the 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Catalog when it goes live on June 27th!
How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Like a Pro
Today, I’m going to show you my favorite tips on how to shop to get the most out of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I’ve been shopping this sale every Summer since 2006, so I’m a total pro. See what I bought at the sale last year and what some of my all-time favorite NSale purchases are!
Make sure you’re following me In the FREE LTK app, on Instagram & my Facebook Page because I’ll be posting my favorites there throughout the sale!
1. Get the Credit Card…or Don’t!
This year’s sale runs from July 15th through August 4th, but if you’re a Nordstrom Credit Card Holder, you can start shopping the sale early on depending on your Nordy Club Level. The Anniversary Sale is meant to reward Nordstrom’s loyal customers who have the store’s credit card. Between limited availability and supply chain issues, shopping early is important.
I know what you’re thinking. Credit cards are bad. You certainly don’t need to get the credit card, just know that things on your list may sell out if you can’t shop before the sale goes public. This is why I have a category in my YNAB budget for this sale. I just use the credit card so I can shop the Early Access before the sale opens to the public, and to earn reward Notes to shop later. Then, I pay the card off in cash. I don’t spend more than I have the cash to pay for. Early Access is so important because the really hot items sell out on the first day and never make it to the public sale.
2. Set a Budget
Every item included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will be available to look at and save to your wishlist starting June 27th, and it is a great tool to start planning! As with all shopping, sticking to a budget is really important. I set aside a little money all year in a sinking fund especially for this sale.
Every year, I try to stick to a budget of $1,000, which seems like a lot, but this is my only big shopping trip all year, and I budget for it. By “Big” shopping trip, I mean I spend a lot but I stock up on basics that I need to replace: underwear, bras, pajamas, layering tees, foundational pieces. I also always get a few Beauty Exclusives, since those are always a really good value and have a lot of extras. I might add one or two Fall items to add to my wardrobe. It adds up.
Sometimes I spend more, sometimes less, but that’s always the goal. It helps that my birthday is at the end of June, so I usually have birthday money to pad my Anniversary Sale budget.
3. Plan Ahead
Planning is a must for this sale. Because things sell out during the card holder pre-sale, having a Nordstrom Credit Card to access the sale early helps. Sometimes, they restock items for the first day of the sale, but those restocks go really fast. So you have to be ready. As people return things that didn’t fit, some items come back in stock before the sale is over.
The ability to see every item and save it to your wish list weeks before the sale start is a total game changer in how to shop the sale! The sold out item notification is going to help too. I also put mine in a spreasheet with my budget to make sure everything fits. In the past, the catalog had a very limited number of items included in the sale, and you’d have to ask a sales associate to see a lookbook. Not anymore! It’s so easy!
The Wishlist feature is great for after the sale too! It stays in your account so that you can monitor those items for late-season sales. Take a screenshot during the Anniversary Sale so you know what the price was. Then, check back in October or December and see if those items went on sale again. Most do. Sometimes, at the end of the season, they may get cheaper – but you have to be quick!
4. Use Your Double/Triple Points Day
I always try to buy the must-have items on the very first day of the pre-sale, and I use my Double or Triple Points Day to make the most of my rewards. Those points add up really fast when you’re getting triple points. Since the first day of Early Access is the biggest amount I spend on my Nordstrom card all year, using my Double or Triple Points day is a no brainer. Just make sure to turn it on at checkout & it’s good for all of the transactions you make that day.
5. Order Multiple Sizes
If you’re unsure about the sizing of an item, order 2 different sizes. If you just order one size, and then it doesn’t fit, that item WILL be sold out when you try to order it again. Nordstrom has free shipping & free returns, so if you don’t love something, you can always send it back. That way, you don’t suffer from FOMO. This has happened to me, and FOMO sucks. Knowing this upfront is a great tip for knowing how to shop the sale like a pro!
6. Know What the Good Deals Are
So what are a few of my favorite things to buy at this sale? Everything! There is A LOT of trendy stuff in the sale. I tend to skip those. My plan is always about purchasing basics that rarely get discounted, like tees, underwear, bras, jeans, socks. Then I usually get a few timeless & classic pieces to freshen up my wardrobe.
This sale is a great time to get a few investment pieces while they are discounted. In 2018, I bought a gorgeous Tory Burch Crossbody Wallet. It sold out in a nano-second, so I was so happy I was able to get the one I wanted. I still use it today. Two years ago, I got an expandable Longchamp Tote, and I don’t know why I waited so long. I’ve used it as my everyday purse for the entire year & it still looks brand new. I also love to use it for a personal item while traveling. It’s totally worth the money.
Natori Feathers Bras are my absolute favorite! They are so comfortable, feminine, not boring, and they come in a ton of colors. I also like that they have extended sizing both ways. I’ve even had the Nordstrom tailor turn one into a nursing bra for me! I also love these Natori Cotton Briefs. They are the most comfortable panties I’ve ever worn. I’m for sure stocking up on these this year.
The Shoe Department always has great deals! New Fall Boots, booties, and/or sneakers are always on my list! Some of my all-time favorite shoes & boots I bought at this sale, and the cost per wear is way less than $1/day now. I love the new Birkenstock Madrids in the sale. Don’t forget the kids department! I always get new pair of school shoes for my son.
This sale is a great time to buy a new jackets & coats if that’s on your list.
The Beauty Deals are my favorite part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! These special sets and jumbo sizes of favorite products are only sold during the Anniversary Sale. It’s a great way to get a good bang for your buck if you’ve been wanting an expensive beauty tool, like fancy hair tools or Skincare Tools. Not only is the device on sale, but the beauty sets usually include extras like travel accessories or full-size products! In 2020, I bought a BeautyBio Roller gift set that had a moisturizer that I fell in love with (this year’s set has the eye area roller head plus a luxurious cream). Many times, brands will discount their other products during the sale, and Nordstrom has special Beauty Buys each day during the sale, so keep checking back!
If you’ve got a baby on the way, don’t miss the baby gear! Several of my favorite items ever are included in this sale for insanely low prices, and they always sell out FAST! The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair is a must have that my family used for almost a decade! They always have great stroller deals too. These discounts are incredible!
This sale is also a great way to start your Christmas Shopping! The Home Department has items at all different price points. My favorite is the Voluspa Candle Set. They usually have 5 mini Voluspa Candles in a pack for under $40. The best throw blankets that I have all over my house are the Bliss Throw Blankets, and $5 cheaper this year! I’ve heard the Barefoot Dreams Blanket is amazing too!
Saving up to 40% off of new Fall clothing, shoes & accessories across the store in July gets you set for Fall! Now you know how to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale like a pro!
Everything Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Bookmark and check the special Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Page on the blog for everything NAS! Stay tuned & I’ll show you what’s on my list! Don’t forget to check out my post on my favorite Nordstrom Anniversary Sale buys of all time! I’m still loving this stuff all of these years later. Make sure you sign up for Stacy’s Savings Emails so you never miss a new post. I’ll also be posting my favorites from the sale on the FREE LTK app, in my Instagram Stories & on my Facebook Page.
It’s always nice to get a break on quality items that will last, and that’s why I love the Anniversary Sale. Knowing how to shop the sale will help you score the deals you really want. What are you looking forward to buying this year? Tell me in the comments!
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