Before I became a shopping editor, I spent years working on the sales floor at Nordstrom. Growing up, I have fond memories of shopping at the store for life's major moments: from back-to-school to prom. Now, I'm using that insider knowledge to break down the legendary Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
This sale is unique among all other sales: rather than dropping prices on old, picked-over merchandise, Nordstrom's seasoned buyers negotiate special price drops on the coming season's hottest trends and items that never go on sale. Simply put, this sale is for people who want to shop ahead for the new season or refresh their closet staples, from running shoes to beauty essentials.
This year marks 125 years of Nordstrom, from its humble origins as a shoe store in Seattle to becoming one of the most popular department stores in the country, so expectations are high for the momentous anniversary. I've spent hours browsing the nearly 10,000 items in the sale (up from 6,000 last year), adding quite a few to my cart along the way. Along the way, I'm here to share what's actually worth your money and what you should skip.
Categories that have the best deals:
All categories of the store are on sale. Most discounts typically fall in the 30-40% off range, but we do see some Big Deals as high as 50% off. Nordstrom works with top brands to curate special sizes and bundles that offer savings you won't find any other time of year, especially on beauty products and hair tools. In particular, I find it great for stocking up on basics like denim, lingerie, activewear, sneakers, and boots, as well as incorporating a few upcoming seasonal trends in apparel and accessories. In the home categories, bedding and cookware are smart areas to shop for both luxury and direct-to-consumer brands, with prices beating what you typically see when shopping these brands directly.
What to skip during the sale:
We recommend skipping Nordstrom's in-house brands like Halogen, Caslon, Open Edit, Treasure & Bond, and Chelsea28 because they'll likely go on sale in the fall at even steeper discounts.
Deeply out-of-season products like winter coats and are also typically not at their best prices yet, and items like designer sunglasses will almost always get discounted again and sent to Nordstrom Rack later in the season. Lastly, this year's candle selection isn't great, so we'd skip spending time on that. I go a bit more in-depth about what I'd skip and why at the end of this story, but these are the main categories.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale dates:
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially starts July 18 for the public. Nordstrom Credit Card members get Early Access during a presale period, with dates based on your status and annual spending at Nordstrom. Icons and Ambassadors can shop now, and Influencers or all Nordstrom credit members can shop starting July 16.
Prices go back up after August 9, when the sale ends.
If you're not a cardholder, I suggest saving your favorite items to a wishlist now for quick access when the sale goes public. If you're interested in applying for a credit card to shop the sale now, you can apply online and get $60 toward a future purchase.
Shop all Nordstrom Anniversary Deals.
Editor picks for the top 5 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals
The staples that never seem to go on sale
These staples become part of the N-Sale's mainstays, and you can expect to find them (or a variation of them) year after year. Let's focus on the basics: the Zella leggings I stock up on every year,timeless bootsto kick off fall, a Ugg slipper refresh, and Barefoot Dreams loungewear. These classic items go on sale just a few times a year and then remain in my wardrobe (and home) for years to come.
New to sale
Celebrating 125 years of Nordstrom, and still working to keep it fresh! This year's Nordstrom Sale includes new entrants, such as Ana Luisa, Staud, Lola blankets (my obsession), Vuori (never on sale), Reformation, Flamingo Estate, and even H&M.
Honestly, the list of new brands is lengthy (over 800 items), and you can see the full scope yourself.
First look at fall trends
Get ahead of the fall trends and start building your wardrobe early. Whether you're looking to try working a sneakerina, faux fur, or off-duty prep into your casual looks, or sprinkle in sculptural necklines, warm suede browns into workwear,Nordstrom's trend editsbreak down the season's must-haves.
Designer denim
Our team has lots of thoughts about the best brands and cuts, from ourMadewell denim try-onto going deep into scoutingthe best wide-leg jeans. Some of the most iconic and popular styles from premium denim brands like AG, Frame, Rag & Bone, Mother, and many more are up to 50% off. This definitely causes a denim frenzy, as we notice sizing on the most popular fits gets picked through fast. If you're a little lenient about fewer wash options, you're sure to find your new favorite pair.
Shop all designer denim on sale.
Beauty and skincare exclusives
Whether you're after makeup, skincare, tools, or fragrance, do not overlook Nordstrom's makeup and skincare deals. These beauty exclusives are designed to be stocked up on, featuring special sizes and gift sets like a Nars blush duo, a jumbo-sized Augustinus Bader Cream( or a sampler set to introduce you to the brand's most popular products). The latest Dyson AirWrap Co-anda2x is also $250 off, and is exclusive to cardmembers shopping Early Access only. Perhaps, we're most excited about red light therapy deals at their peak, with $80 of ourtop red light therapy maskfromTherabody.
Shop all beauty and skincare exclusives.
Shoes (specifically sneakers and boots)
Whether you're after running shoes or your new favorite pair of winter boots, you're bound to find great savings on a fresh set of kicks. Specifically, some of our favorite walking shoes for women are on sale, like the retro sneakers that consume our social feeds. On the boots front, I see a pair of weatherproof Blondo booties I'm eyeing for my collection.
Lingerie and loungewear basics
Your intimates drawer will thank you when you can scoop up staples from Natori, Chantelle, Wacoal, and more. The Natori Feathers Plunge T-Shirt Bra is a wonderful everyday option. I even spotted several sets of Bombas socks, which I typically only seeon sale during Black Friday.
Shop all lingerie and loungewear basics on sale.
Handbags and luggage
If you're on the search for your perfect fall bag, I've built a full list of bags I'm dreaming of adding to my cart, like exclusive Beis and Away colorways on our favorite carry-on bags, better prices that beat Prime Day on JW Pei, one of the trendiest crossbody bags of the moment from Clare V, and gorgeous Coach classics that could compete for your new favorite work bag.
Shop all handbags and luggage.
Bedding essentials
Nordstrom has somehow arranged special prices on essentials, even lower than when shopping thesedesigner-favorite bedding brandsdirectly, with discounts of up to 30% on Sijo, Boll & Branch, and Parachute. Some of these deals are particularly significant, like my favorite Tencel Lyocell Sheets (our top pick for the best cooling sheets) or the Cozy Earth Bubble Cuddle faux fur blanket for a whopping 40% off.
Baby gear
Expectant and young parents looking to build their registries hit the jackpot during the Anniversary Sale, with savings on premium children's brands for big-ticket items that rarely go on sale.
4 things to skip from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Skip: Nordstrom-Made brand clothing
Admittedly, this is a risky hot take. After all, a lot of my closet consists of Halogen, Caslon, Open Edit, Treasure & Bond, and Chelsea28. I love the quality, value, and designs from these brands. However, most of these items will still be on sale come the next Nordstrom sale in October, and the discounts may even be deeper. If there is a piece you love and feel special in, go for it, as a lot of these products do sell out. However, don't be surprised to see trendier pieces and some basics back on the rack during the next sale cycle. Of course, there are exceptions to everything, like a great genuine suede jacket or the Moonlight Eco Shorts Pajama Set. I will also die on the hill that everyone should own a pair of Zella leggings.
Skip: Winter coats
Yes, there are some absolutely stunning coats part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It's the dead of summer; unless you live somewhere cold and need a coat right now, you won't miss out on savings on cold-weather staples from Bernando, Avec Les Filles, or Sam Edelman in a few weeks, or you can find very similar styles at Nordstrom Rack. My exceptions: investment pieces on labels not known for discounts like Barbour, The North Face, Fleurette, and Reiss.
Skip: Designer sunglasses
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is full of sunnies galore. While very tempting for those after luxury, give it a few months, and you can likely find the same or similar shades at Nordstrom Rack for around $200.
Skip: Candles and random home decor
Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is typically a strong point for candles and sampler sets, but I'm a little disappointed in the selection this year. You can find mainstays like Capri Blue Volcano and lots of Pura sets, but this year I'm noticing the absence of my favorite Voluspa and Diptyque sets. The focus is definitely on large candle formats with deals on jumbo versions, which is ideal for stocking up on favorite candles and diffusers, less so for experimenting with a new scent.
I also find the home decor section to be a hodgepodge of items of art, picture frames, and tchotchkes from unrecognizable brands. I'd stick with the selection of throw blankets, but avoid the impulse of buying decor just because it's on sale.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale FAQ
What type of discounts can you expect at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale uniquely positions itself as an opportunity to shop the upcoming season's trends at a temporary discount (usually about 33% off, but as high as 50% off), plus find savings on items that almost never go on sale or are exclusives released just for the event. All departments take part, with options for women, men, and kids.
When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to everyone July 18 through August 9. Nordstrom credit card holders can shop as early as July 14, depending on their spending status. All cardholders get access starting July 16.
What are the best ways to shop the sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals are available both online and in-store. I suggest adding your favorite items to a wish list so you can easily access them once the sale starts. If an item sells out, you'll also be notified when it comes back in stock. Local stores will also be hosting events such as beauty previews, trunk shows, and giveaways.
The post The best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals and what to skip, according to a former employee appeared first on Business Insider
