What Nordstrom Rack is and how it differs from regular Nordstrom
Nordstrom Rack is the outlet division of Nordstrom, the department store chain. It sells clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods at lower prices than you'd find at a full-price Nordstrom store. The merchandise comes from three sources: overstock from regular Nordstrom locations, items made specifically for the outlet, and previous-season inventory that didn't sell at full price.
The main difference between Nordstrom Rack and a regular Nordstrom is price and selection. Nordstrom Rack stores are smaller, carry fewer brands, and don't offer services like personal shopping or alterations. Return policies are also stricter — you have 30 days to return most items at Nordstrom Rack, compared to Nordstrom's more flexible policy. Items marked "Final Sale" cannot be returned at all.
Nordstrom Rack does not have a separate credit card. If you have a Nordstrom credit card, you can use it at Nordstrom Rack locations, but the card itself is issued by Nordstrom, not Nordstrom Rack.
Key Takeaways
- Nordstrom Rack prices are lower because the store sells overstock, made-for-outlet merchandise, and previous seasons' items that didn't sell at full price.
- You have 30 days to return most items, but anything marked "Final Sale" cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstance.
- Nordstrom Rack stores are smaller than regular Nordstrom locations and don't offer services like tailoring or personal shopping information.
- A Nordstrom credit card works at Nordstrom Rack, but there is no separate Rack-only card.
- Prices vary by location and item availability, so the same product may cost different amounts at different Nordstrom Rack stores.
How pricing works at Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack prices are set lower than Nordstrom's regular prices, but the exact discount varies. Some items are marked down 30 to 40 percent off the original Nordstrom price, while others may be discounted more or less depending on how long they've been in the store and how quickly the store needs to move inventory.
Prices are not negotiable. The tag price is the price you pay at checkout. However, Nordstrom Rack does run sales and clearance events throughout the year, particularly at the end of seasons. You can sign up for the Nordstrom Rack email list on their website to learn about upcoming sales, though you do not have to be a member to shop there.
Prices can differ between Nordstrom Rack locations because each store receives different inventory. A dress that costs $35 at one Rack location might cost $40 at another store 20 miles away. This is normal and reflects the fact that each store buys its own stock independently.
What to know about returns and exchanges
Nordstrom Rack allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase if you have your receipt. You can return items in person at any Nordstrom Rack store, or by mail if you don't have a store nearby. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with all tags attached.
Items marked "Final Sale" cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded under any circumstance. These are usually clearance items or merchandise that has been in the store for a long time. Always check the tag before you buy to see if an item is marked Final Sale.
If you lose your receipt, you can still return items if you used a credit card or debit card — the store can look up the transaction. If you paid cash and don't have a receipt, the store cannot process a return.
How to find a Nordstrom Rack location near you
Nordstrom Rack has over 250 locations across the United States. You can find the store nearest you by visiting the Nordstrom Rack website and using their store locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all nearby locations, hours, and phone numbers.
Not every city has a Nordstrom Rack. The stores are concentrated in areas where there is enough population to support an outlet store. If there is no Nordstrom Rack near you, you can shop online at nordstromrack.com and have items shipped to your home.
Online shopping at Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack's website works like most online retailers. You can browse by category, search for specific items, and add things to a cart. Shipping is free on orders over a certain amount, which changes periodically — check the website for the current threshold. Orders under that amount have a flat shipping fee.
The return process for online orders is the same as in-store: 30 days with a receipt, items in original condition. You can return online purchases by mail using a prepaid shipping label that Nordstrom Rack provides, or you can return them to a physical Nordstrom Rack store if one is near you.
Online inventory is separate from in-store inventory. An item you see on the website may not be available at your local store, and vice versa. Sizes and colors also sell out faster online, so if you see something you want, it's worth buying sooner rather than later.
Using a Nordstrom credit card at Nordstrom Rack
If you have a Nordstrom credit card, you can use it at any Nordstrom Rack location. The card earns the same rewards points at Nordstrom Rack as it does at regular Nordstrom stores. You do not need a separate card for the outlet.
Nordstrom does not issue a credit card specifically for Nordstrom Rack. The Nordstrom card is a single card that works at both the full-price stores and the outlet. If you don't have a Nordstrom card and want to open one, you can explore in person at any Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack location, or online through Nordstrom's website.
What brands and products you'll find at Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack carries many of the same brands as regular Nordstrom, including Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and others. However, the selection is smaller and changes frequently. You won't find every size or color of every item, and popular sizes often sell out quickly.
The store also carries some brands that are made specifically for the outlet and sold only at Nordstrom Rack. These are typically lower-priced lines from the same parent companies as the full-price brands. For example, you might find a lower-tier version of a designer brand that is not sold at regular Nordstrom.
Home goods, shoes, and accessories tend to have better selection and deeper discounts than clothing. Seasonal items like winter coats or summer dresses are often marked down more aggressively as the season ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return something to Nordstrom Rack if I bought it at regular Nordstrom?
No. Items purchased at a regular Nordstrom store must be returned to a Nordstrom store, not to Nordstrom Rack. The two divisions have separate inventory systems and return policies. Make sure you return items to the same type of store where you bought them.
Does Nordstrom Rack have a membership program?
Nordstrom Rack does not have a paid membership program. Anyone can shop there without joining anything. You can sign up for their email list to receive notifications about sales, but this is optional and free.
Why is the same item different prices at different Nordstrom Rack stores?
Each Nordstrom Rack location receives its own inventory independently. Prices are set based on how long an item has been in that specific store and how quickly it needs to sell. An item that arrived at one store last week may be priced higher than the same item at another store that received it two months ago.
What does "Final Sale" mean on a Nordstrom Rack tag?
Final Sale means the item cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded for any reason. These are usually clearance items or merchandise that has been in the store for an extended period. Always read the tag carefully before you buy to see if an item is marked Final Sale.
Can I order online and pick up in store at Nordstrom Rack?
Nordstrom Rack does not currently offer buy-online-pickup-in-store service. You can order online and have items shipped to your home, or you can shop in person at a store location. Check the Nordstrom Rack website for the most current information about available services.