Nordstrom
Last updated: January 31, 2026 Recently updated
Nordstrom is an American upmarket department store chain headquartered in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1901 by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin.[1] The company began as a modest 20-square-foot shoe store, becoming the largest independent shoe chain in the United States by 1960.[2] In 1963, Nordstrom acquired Best’s Apparel, marking its strategic entry into women’s fashion and transforming into a full-line department store by 1971.[1] Today, Nordstrom operates as a leading fashion retailer offering an extensive selection of clothing, footwear, accessories, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and home furnishings for men, women, and children.[4] The company is known for its exceptional customer service, quality merchandise, and personalized shopping experiences, competing with premium department stores including Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.[1] In December 2024, Nordstrom transitioned to private ownership through a $6.25 billion acquisition led by members of the Nordstrom family and Mexico’s El Puerto de Liverpool, allowing the company greater flexibility to focus on long-term strategic goals.[5] Beyond its full-line stores, Nordstrom operates Nordstrom Rack, an off-price division launched in 1973 that provides high-quality merchandise at discounted prices,[4] and Nordstrom Local, a neighborhood retail concept introduced in 2017 that offers services such as online order pickup, returns, and express alterations without maintaining inventory.[2]
How to Save More at Nordstrom
- Shop Nordstrom Rack for the same quality merchandise at discounted prices, as the off-price division offers high-quality items at reduced costs.[4]
- Use Nordstrom.com for convenient online shopping with access to their full selection, launched in 1998 to provide easier access to fashion and new arrivals.[2]
- Visit a Nordstrom Local store for personalized services including styling consultations, same-day delivery options, and convenient online order pickup and returns without the need to visit a full-line store.[5]
- Take advantage of Nordstrom’s reputation for exceptional customer service and quality merchandise, which has been a core business principle since the company’s founding in 1901.[6]
Nordstrom Loyalty Program
Nordstrom offers a proprietary Visa card launched in 1994 that provides rewards benefits to cardholders.[3] The company also maintains customer loyalty programs designed to nurture repeat business and enhance the shopping experience.[5]
Evergreen Nordstrom Discounts
Beyond promo codes, Nordstrom offers these year-round discount programs:
🎖️ Military & Veteran Discount
Nordstrom offers a military discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Verify your status through ID.me or SheerID to unlock savings. This discount is typically available online and in-store.
- Typical discount: 10-15%
- Verification: ID.me, SheerID, or military ID
- Eligible: Active duty, veterans, reserves, National Guard, military spouses
🎓 Student Discount
Students can save at Nordstrom by verifying their enrollment. Use UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your .edu email address to unlock exclusive student pricing.
- Typical discount: 10-20%
- Verification: UNiDAYS, Student Beans, .edu email
- Eligible: Currently enrolled college and university students
📚 Teacher & Educator Discount
Teachers and educators receive special discounts at Nordstrom. Verify your teaching credentials through ID.me to access savings.
- Typical discount: 10-15%
- Verification: ID.me, school ID
- Eligible: PreK-12 teachers, college professors, school administrators
🚒 First Responder Discount
First responders can save at Nordstrom. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel can verify through ID.me or GovX.
- Typical discount: 10-25%
- Verification: ID.me, GovX
- Eligible: Police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers
🏥 Healthcare Worker Discount
Healthcare workers receive special pricing at Nordstrom. Nurses, doctors, and medical staff can verify their status through ID.me.
- Typical discount: 15-30%
- Verification: ID.me
- Eligible: Nurses, doctors, CNAs, pharmacists, hospital staff
How to Save More at Nordstrom
Maximize your savings with these insider tips:
- Sign up for the email newsletter to get 10-20% off your first order.
- Download the Nordstrom app for exclusive mobile-only deals and early access to sales.
- Check the clearance or sale section first - items are often marked down 50-70% off.
- Stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons for maximum savings.
- Shop during major sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Presidents Day.
- Follow Nordstrom on social media for flash sales and exclusive promo codes.
- Sign up for the loyalty program to earn points on every purchase.
- Use a cashback browser extension like Rakuten or Honey for additional savings.
Nordstrom Coupon Policy
Before you shop, here's what you need to know about using coupons at Nordstrom:
- Stacking: Most retailers allow one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon per item. Learn how to stack coupons for maximum savings.
- Exclusions: Sale items, clearance, and gift cards are often excluded from additional discounts.
- Expiration: Always check expiration dates - expired codes typically won't work.
- One per order: Promo codes are usually limited to one per order. See our complete guide to using coupon codes.
- Minimum purchase: Some codes require a minimum purchase amount to apply.
Pro tip: Use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to automatically find and apply codes at checkout.
Note: Policies vary and may change. Always check Nordstrom's current terms before purchasing.
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How to Use Nordstrom Promo Codes
- Anniversary Sale: Huge annual sale in July with deep discounts
- Nordstrom Rack: Off-price division with 30-70% off
- Price matching: Nordstrom matches its own sale prices retroactively
- Nordy Club: Free rewards program with tiered benefits
- No time limit returns: Legendary return policy
- Half-Yearly Sale: Additional seasonal sales in January and May
Nordstrom FAQ
When is Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The Anniversary Sale happens every July. Cardholders get early access, then it opens to all. It features new fall items at sale prices.
Does Nordstrom accept coupons?
Nordstrom rarely offers coupons or promo codes. Savings come through sales events and Nordy Club rewards.
What is Nordstrom's return policy?
Nordstrom has no time limit on returns with receipt. They handle returns case-by-case, but are famously generous.