The featured store this month is The Nordstrom Rack. I have to say, hands down, I find the best deals here over any other discount store. I’ve taught many clients how to shop the Rack. (yes, there is an art to it!)
It wasn’t that many years ago when I was overwhelmed by this store. I walked in and everything was messy. I had to dig and often really didn’t know what I was digging for.
When I started my stylist business, I knew I would have clients on a budget. I “forced” myself to learn to shop the Rack, and I have not been disappointed. I like quality clothes. There is certainly a time/place for inexpensive brands of less quality. But after shrinking, pilling, stretching and ripped seams, I would rather buy the quality at a discount price than buy at a store known for their low regular prices.
Recently I trained two new stylists. I offer them ongoing support which means occasional get togethers to bounce ideas back and forth. And besides talking, what do stylists do when we get together? We SHOP!
Sometimes we shop for ourselves, and sometimes we shop for our clients. My VIP clients love it when I’m out and about and run across something I think will work for them. I buy it, show to them and if they don’t like it, I’ll return it. Did you know you can return Rack purchases at any Nordstrom store?
The day that Leigh Anne, Kat and I hit The Rack, they were having a “red tag” sale. This meant an extra percentage off already low prices. Kat was not a regular Rack shopper and I think I’ve converted her!
Leigh Anne had to leave earlier, so I didn’t get a photo of a top she bought for her daughter and a very cute cardigan I found for her. I’m pretty sure she walked out of there paying under $25.
Here are a couple recent RED TAG favorites.
After writing my post on COATS a while back, I was on the hunt for a red one. This shade was perfect and not too bright. It was over $300 and the extra 40% off brought it down to $83. Later, I found this Tory Burch dress. It was normally $350, marked down to $129. The extra 60% off brought it down to $53! I simply threw some pearls on for the photo, but I can’t wait to style this one–so much potential here!
My best advice for shopping The Rack: Grab a cart, and move your way through each clothing rounder slowly. If you shop the regular Nordstrom stores, take note of brand names you like and that fit you well. Some rounders are marked by brand name and some by the department. For example, Individualist, Savvy and t.b.d are higher priced departments. I start there. Narrative and Point of View are departments that are pretty affordable at regular price so you will see items on the racks for 14.97! The extra discount rounders are found in the back of the store. The denim is displayed separately by brand name.
Don’t let the ACCESSORIES overwhelm you. You may want to skip this section on the first trip and pick another time to shop belts, jewelry, scarves and handbags! Make sure you bring clothes from your closet along to coordinate. Choose wisely. It’s easy to get caught up in the low prices and buy on the impulse.
Oh, and did I mention SHOES?
Only TEN items are allowed in the dressing room. If you have a full cart, ask for a sign to put in the cart so no one takes your precious finds while you are in the dressing room. If you are going to try on many clothes, it is best to shop The Rack with a friend OR a personal stylist! I run clothes back and forth for the client and help with the choices. I help save time, money and energy!
My husband and boys have found some great things as well. I’m fortunate. We have THREE stores to choose from in the area. Overall, The Nordstrom RACK gets a 5 star rating from my family. Join the mailing list so you’ll be notified of new arrivals and extra special sales.
I’m curious to know–do you shop The Rack? I’d love to take a poll and find out how many of you reading shop here or feel overwhelmed and avoid it. I know you’re out there reading. Let’s get the comments rolling!
I agree with everything you said! The only thing I would add is that you have to be in the right mood to shop the Rack and you can NOT be in a hurry! I’ve found some amazing deals there too… My favorite was a pair of $110 gold pointy-toed slingbacks for $11. Woo hoo!
Jenni–that is a great point!! Be in the mood, go with a plan and give yourself some time or you WILL be frustrated!
The Rack is overwhelming, I agree. Especially when you’re in a hurry which is usually how I’m operating these days b/c I’m paying a babysitter to watch my kiddos. It’s hard for me to know what looks good on me, or what’s worth the price. I don’t shop at Nordstrom often enough to know what brands I like either.
@ Merri. A couple quick scans through the regular Nordstrom store will help. Go early to make the most of your time. @ Barbara, Paula and Linda. Anytime you want to go-just let me know.
Nordstrom Rack totally overwhelmes me…..I get sensory overload & want to run screaming! HA! Maybe I need you to go with me! I did buy some cute shoes there at a great price, but clothing often alludes me. Do you have a favorite location? I usually go downtown, but I hear that there is a fabulous store in Clackamas. Great post!
I used to shop the Rack in Seattle but I can’t stand it in Portland. Not sure why.
I love, the rack. It is wise to have an idea of what you are looking for before you go in! Or of course, take Karen. Haven’t had the pleasure yet
Oh and gorgeous dress! Where are you going to wear it? Or did you buy it for me?
I don’t have a Rack close by and when I am in Portland, I’m usually hitting Nordstrom for the newest finds. It’s been years since I shopped the Rack and found it way too frustrating – the racks are crowded, sizes are mixed up and so I have not put it back on my shopping radar. Maybe I need to find time the next time I’m in the Portland area and have you, Karen, go with me to teach me how to ‘really shop’ the Rack.
I didn’t know that I can return my Rack purchases to any Nordstrom store. That will definitely save me time and gas next time. I don’t shop the Rack because it is a 25 minute drive no matter which location I choose. I have heard there will be a new one closer to me (Tualatin) but no one seems to know when. I’ve heard that to get the really great finds, like a Kate Spade purse for $100 reg 4-500, that you need to go weekly or very frequently. I can’t do that right now no matter how bad I want a great deal on a Kate Spade handbag.
To Cathy’s comment about the returns… you only have 30 days so the regular store for returning in Vancouver is much more convenient. So glad I learned about that.
The Rack is very hit or miss for me. It’s a quick drive but I really have to be mentally prepared with plenty of time to go in there. I don’t *love* shopping like you do but thanks for the great tip to join their email list!
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Thanks for all your response on shopping at The Rack! I hope I’ve helped a little because it sounds like most of you are frustrated! I just got home from DT Seattle and it was crazy at that store with it being a 4-day weekend. YIKES–even difficult for a die-hard like me. If you are novice Rack shopper go first thing in the AM when it opens. Be the first one in the store. I can almost guarantee this will help your experience. Things will be neat, straightened and less people. DO NOT go on a Saturday evening. I’m usually picking up clothes myself to get through the aisles. Employees spend a lot of time straightening after they close. I think they are really making an effort to keep the store orderly.
I have always been overwhelmed by the Rack and never had much luck. I could easily go in and grab my favorite jeans and if I knew just what I needed, but that was it. My daughter, niece and I then hit the shoes one day and had success. My daughter wears size 12 which is often hard to find in stores. The Rack has quite a few in her size. Finally, your sister, Marge, and I went together and pulled things for each other. We had fun trying on and giving our opinions. I definitely think you need to take someone with you! It really is fun if you are in the right mood with the right friend. I am thankful Marge told me about your blog! Thanks for all the tips!
Suzanne–although we haven’t met, it is really nice to hear from you as I’ve heard your name so many times. I’m glad you are going together as you’re right–it is a lot more fun and hopefully takes away the frustration and feeling of being overwhelmed. Those 2nd opinions are helpful too. I’m glad you like the blog. Thanks so much for reading!
I never used to have luck with the Rack but for the last year or so I have found tons of great deals. My only complaint is that the shoes are never in the correct boxes. I used to “surf” the shelves looking for a particular brands boxes, (Sofft) but realized you can’t trust the boxes! Also, because I live so close, I never try anything on. I just take it home and return what doesn’t fit. The lines never take long-unless you wait until the day your Groupon expires, like everyone else did!
I also did not know about returning to Nordstrom your Rack returns. As I shop at the one in Clackamas it is not too much of a problem as they are across the street form each other, but it is nice to know when I am in another location. I also was overwhelmed with the Rack until you and I went there and I now know what department and brands I like at Nordstroms. I was just there and since losing weight and 2 sizes in my tops and 4 sizes in my bottoms, need to replace all of my summer items. I made a killing with beautiful tank tops most of them normally $40.00 to $50.00, I got them for $7.97 and $9.97 each! And jackets for $10.00 and $15.00. For anyone unsure of the Rack, my advise is to schedule a shopping trip with Karen and let her guide you, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you Tami! I’m so glad you now feel confident to go there on your own and it sounds like some great finds. Honestly, anyone out there who has lost a bunch of weight as Tami has it is the only way to go.
thx for the comment.
Went to the rack today and wish you were there to help me navigate! Was thinking of your tips as I was combing the racks.