Everything You Need to Know to Shop the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
All the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deets. 🛍️💸
Yes, even Nordstrom has sales and Nordstrom shoppers don’t just live for summer, they live for this legendary event that happens in August! During this biggest fashion sale of the year, shoppers will score incredible savings on thousands of items – up to 75% off!
Read on to find out tips & tricks to shop their next biggest sale in 2021.
1. Know when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is happening.
You can shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in-stores or online which typically starts mid-August however, the next one is said to start as early as July 2021! The release date typically isn’t leaked until a few weeks prior, but just for reference 2020’s sale started on August 19th and ran until the 30th (while supplies last, of course). 😉
If you want to be in the know earlier this time around make sure to become a Nordstrom cardholder so you get to start shopping the big sale early! (Psst…you’ll get $40 when you sign up and make your first purchase!)
Live in Canada? It’s your lucky day because as of last season’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, you can now shop their Canadian Nordy sale so keep your eyes peeled for more details once the 2021 sale has been announced! To learn more in the meantime you can go to nordstrom.ca/anniversary.
*Keep in mind that if you’re shopping in stores, Nordstrom is currently requiring face masks for all customer’s safety.
2. Get early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale if you’re a Nordy cardholder.
If you want early access to shop the biggest deals during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, become a Nordy cardholder (if you aren’t already).
Last year, they offered an incredible $60 Bonus Note (currently just $40) to spend on your next purchase so if you don’t foresee yourself using your Nordy card before the big event, consider holding off closer to the 2021 date to try and score more free cash to spend! Keep in mind that you must be approved for the Nordstrom credit card in order to receive the Bonus Notes.
Here are the perks to having a Nordy Card during the Anniversary Sale:
-
Start shopping over a week before everyone else.
-
Score items that sell out during early access and won’t be restocked.
- Receive rewards 3x faster for every dollar you spend at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook, and Trunk Club.
- Get a Bonus Notes (AKA – free money!) to spend on future purchases when you use your card the day you’re approved.
- Get free basic alterations on regular-priced items and other alteration benefits.
- Enjoy free Contactless Curbside Pick up when you order online and choose store pick-up.
- No annual fee! (Woohoo!)
Already a member?
During the last Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, there were rewards for everyone! If you’re already a Nordy Cardholder, you might be able to expect a little Bonus Note in the mail prior to the 2021 event, so keep your eyes peeled as the Anniversary Sale gets closer.
Last year, I hadn’t used my card at all in the last year and still received $10 to spend – valid until the last day of the sale! Slick move, Nordy. 😉
You can still shop like everyone else…
There’s no denying that this sale is great no matter how you shop, so if the credit card and shopping early to snag the most popular items aren’t your thing, then shopping the Public Sale will be your best bet!
But keep in mind, if there’s a hot item you’ve got your eye on, chances are it’ll sell out early, so don’t say I didn’t tell ya so! 😉
3. Stock up on new fall items (and save almost $100 on The North Face jackets).
Historically, items hitting the sale rack range from summer clothes and home savings to first dibs on dreamy, new fall styles and some of the best workout clothes – all at huge discounted prices.
This Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is also a great time to stock up for back to school kid’s clothes and stuff for the guys, too! 😍
Here are just a few examples of the savings we saw in 2020:
- Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – $38.90 (reg. $59)
- The North Face Women’s Hooded Parka – $224.90 (reg. $320)
- Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter-Zip Jacket – $83.90 (reg. $119)
- Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan – $68.90 (reg. $116)
- And SO many more deals for everyone!!!!!
4. Nab huge deals on items like Anthropologie Home Candles.
Anthropologie candles have been a team favorite FOREVER! They smell so amazing, and I promise they’ll be even more magical when you score them during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Some have even been seen to be marked over 50% OFF! 😱
Not only will there be amazing deals on Anthropologie Home candles, but keep an eye out for discounted home decor, both online and in their home section! But be ready – the candles will be one of the first items to sell out fast!
5. Score cosmetics from brands like LORAC, MAC, Laura Mercier, & Bobbi Brown!
Don’t forget to check the makeup section when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts. In fact, you might want to head there first! The special edition items and value kits fly off of the displays and online.
Check out some of the hottest beauty deals we saw in 2020:
- MAC Cosmetics Love Me Lip Kit – JUST $35 ($54.50 value)
- Bobbi Brown Easy Essentials Eye, Cheek & Lip Set – JUST $79 ($250 value)
- And SO many more deals!!!!!
Hip Tip: Check out these team favorite beauty products that some of us have used for over 15 years!
6. Score Raise.com Nordy’s gift cards and save up to 10% more during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
Download the Raise app and purchase a discounted store gift card when the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is close. We’ve seen gift cards for Nordstrom go up to as much as 10% off your purchase!
How does this work? Just buy a gift card at a discounted price, and then use it toward your in-store purchase! Easy peasy!
Hip Tip: Cards out of stock? These gift cards normally sell out prior to the Anniversary Sale but if you keep checking you may get lucky enough so make sure to set the alert and get notified by email so you can snag yours early this time!
7. Make a list and set a budget before the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts.
Make a list and check it twice!
Every year the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview “leaks” about 3-4 weeks before the sale starts so you’ll have plenty of time to create a game plan.
Take a peek in your closet and decide what you’re missing to determine which purchases will be most beneficial to your wardrobe (or home). The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great time to invest in staple pieces for fall and winter that you might not buy later at a regular price.
Hip Tip: Speaking of staples pieces, check out how we’re helping people put together the perfect capsule wardrobe! We even have two printables to help you shop and put together outfits seamlessly!
Set a budget.
Just because items are marked 50% – 75% off doesn’t mean they’re in everyone’s budget (especially if you’re shopping multiple items during the sale). If you have a budget, decide what you absolutely can’t live without and what you can put back on the rack.
8. Don’t hesitate if you really want something.
Historically, all trending items that are at the top of most shoppers must-have lists WILL sell out and they’ll sell out fast. Almost 100% of the time, these items aren’t restocked during the sale either – another reason to consider becoming a Nordstrom cardholder.
All that said, there’s nothing worse than having your heart set on something, only to find it’s gone for good so don’t hesitate! This has happened to me multiple times, so lesson learned!
9. Subscribe to Hip2Save for the latest!
Subscribe to Hip2Save so you don’t miss out during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! We’ll always share the best deals, sales, and freebies you can score during these events and semi-annual sales so stay in the know all year round! 
Ever thought about posting your best finds, likes and dislikes as do other bloggers?
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I’ll be sure to pass this along! The stock does move very quickly. There are some suggestions in the post that have seemed to stay in stock for a bit but most items tend to get snapped up quick! Hope this helps!
Thanks, I shopped 2 weeks ago and already have my items in hand. I just enjoy seeing what others buy and enjoy or dislike.
You’re welcome! Glad you could snag some great items!
I shopped 2 weeks ago and still haven’t gotten my order:(
Stuff is selling out crazy fast!
I was able to shop on the 4th and out of 20 items I ordered, they were all delivered separately by yesterday. I have heard about others saying they haven’t received anything yet. Possibly your more popular items are being delayed
I have thought about that, frugal-fit-sexy! Thanks for asking, I’ll be sure to pass this along to the team. 🙂
I am a Nordstrom cardholder and was able to shop early but this year I wasn’t early enough apparently as many of my wish list items were gone in hours 😢I will keep checking stock as people do return things and possibly I’ll be able to snag something I missed
I was able to get the Zella joggers that keep going in and out of stock:)
I’m sorry you missed out on some items, danafrench! Fingers crossed that next year will be better!
I’m a cardholder but everything I wanted is sold out. On the flip side, I’m June there was a major sale at Nordstrom. I found North Face jackets that are now part of this sale for $25 and $35, now $67 and $77 on anniversary sale. Ugg slippers for less than $50. So I don’t feel bad I missed out.l, just wished I could have gotten the Anthropologie volcano candles I love.
I’m so sorry you missed out on the Anthro candles, Sherry! Those are our favorites too, so be sure to keep an eye on our site for future sales! 🙂
The anniversary sale is more of an event than a great sale. Wait a few weeks – things on your wish list will be priced lower at their fall sale, and will be fully restocked again.
Thanks for sharing that tip with us, Mo!
at least 2 photos show the female without a mask….
Hey, Frankj! Those pictures were taken last year before the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so it was long before COVID. Sorry for any confusion!