Before I became a shopping editor, I spent years working on the sales floor at Nordstrom. And long before that, 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, from how the sale works to the pieces you need to shop first, before they sell out.
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.
In preparation for the sale, I've spent hours browsing the nearly 10,000 items on sale (up from 6,000 last year), and now, a few days into the sale, that number has ballooned to over 20,000. That's a lot of savings to be found, so I'm here to share what's actually worth it and what you should skip.
Categories that have the best deals:
While the entire store participates in the Anniversary Sale — with most discounts falling in the 30% to 40% off range and marquee Big Deals reaching up to 50% off—the real value lies in exclusives and premium brands that rarely go on sale, particularly on limited-edition colorways.
These are my favorite categories to shop first:
- Wardrobe staples & seasonal trends: This is the absolute prime time to stock up on high-quality basics that rarely go on sale—specifically denim, lingerie, activewear, sneakers, and boots. To protect their pricing, premium heritage labels often release exclusive colorways or unique denim washes specifically for this event. It is also an excellent opportunity to safely incorporate a few upcoming autumn trends in apparel and accessories before they hit full price later in the season.
- Beauty exclusives & tools: Nordstrom partners with top-tier beauty brands to create limited-edition jumbo sizes, exclusive shade palettes, and bundled sets that offer value you simply cannot find at other times of the year.
- Premium bedding and cookware: With home products as my editorial expertise, I love seeing Nordstrom carry a varied selection of direct-to-consumer and heritage luxury brands. I notice the specific categories frequently beat the direct-buy discounts offered on the brands' own websites.
What to skip during the sale:
I go a bit more in-depth about what I'd skip and why at the end of this story. In-house lines like Halogen, Caslon, and Open Edit are made specifically for this sale cycle, meaning their future markdowns are already baked in. Expect to see them at even deeper discounts come October. Deeply out-of-season products like winter coats 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.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale dates:
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale takes place July 18 through August 9. Nordstrom Credit Card members received Early Access to the sale starting July 14.
Shop all Nordstrom Anniversary Deals.
Editor picks for the top 5 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals
This petite off-white pocketbook can be carried like a shoulder bag, or you can attach its crossbody strap to wear it hands-free.
These breathable, moisture-wicking leggings comfortably support you through any workout.
We love Spanx AirEssentials for the breathable fabric and stylish cuts. Equal parts cute and cozy, this half-zip pullover has a flattering, roomy drape.
Executive editor Sally Kaplan swears by this serum like no other. "It's the best skincare product I've ever discovered in my 10+ years covering beauty and skincare. It's non-negotiable in my regimen and leaves my ultra-dry skin feeling so much more hydrated than I've ever experienced."
The Nordstrom Sale pricing on this buzzy air fryer oven beats what we've seen on Prime Day, making it one of the best deals around.
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 boots to kick off fall, a Ugg slipper refresh, and Barefoot Dreams loungewear. Plus, I've even found a few BI-editor approved buys, from our favorite workpants to flip flops with excellent arch support. 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, 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.
Deals that are gone included up to 40% off my favorite Lola Blanket, the Therabody Theraface Depuffing Wand, and classic Vuori wide-leg pants.
First look at fall trends
Get ahead of the fall trends and start building your wardrobe early. Nordstrom's trend edits break down the season's must-haves: including sneakerinas, faux fur, lots of suede and warm browns, sculptural necklines, and a return to classic stripes and plaids.
Designer denim
Our team has lots of thoughts about the best brands and cuts, from our Madewell denim try-on to going deep into scouting the 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. My visit to the store during Early Access found a very picked-over denim table. If you're a little lenient about fewer wash options, you're sure to find your new favorite pair.
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). Perhaps, we're most excited about red light therapy deals at their peak, with $80 of our top red light therapy mask from Therabody.
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 women's walking shoes are on sale, including the retro sneakers that dominate our social feeds. On the boots front, I see a pair of weatherproof Blondo booties I'm eyeing for my collection. And beyond these fall essentials, there's also a ton of ballet flats and loafers.
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 see on sale during Black Friday.
Shop all lingerie and loungewear basics on sale.
Handbags and luggage
If you're in the market for your perfect fall bag or a new work tote, I've put together a full list of bags I'm dreaming of adding to my cart. For upcoming travels, you can find exclusive Beis and Away colorways on our favorite carry-on bags or sets from top luggage brands like Samsonite, Tumi, and Travelpro.
Shop all handbags and luggage.
Bedding and housewares essentials
Nordstrom has somehow arranged special prices on essentials, even lower than when shopping these designer-favorite bedding brands directly, 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.
On the housewares front, you can save big on cookware from Our Place, Le Creuset, Made In, and Viking. There are even unexpected finds, like a Smeg stand mixer or a 4-piece Our Place Cookware Set deal, which essentially gives you a mini Always Pan and a mini Perfect Pot for free.
Shop all kitchen items on sale.
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, and these characteristics are on full display in the sale. However, from a strategy standpoint, the Anniversary Sale isn't the time to buy them.
Unlike third-party designer brands that offer rare markdowns on staple items, Nordstrom-made brands are structured to be promoted and marked down. You aren't catching a rare glitch in the pricing matrix here—most of these items will still be around, and likely discounted even further, by the October sale cycle. Save your budget for the items you truly can't get on sale any other time of year.
If there is a piece you love and feel special in, or it matches the price point you're looking to spend, 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 high-quality cashmere 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, but from a budget-allocation standpoint, most of them can wait. Mid-tier cold-weather staples from brands like Bernardo, Avec Les Filles, or Sam Edelman follow a highly predictable seasonal promotional calendar, and soon enough, you'll find very similar styles at Nordstrom Rack. My exceptions: investment pieces on labels that rarely offer markdowns, like Barbour, The North Face, Fleurette, and Reiss.
Skip: Designer sunglasses
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is full of luxury eyewear. 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: Impulse home decor and candles
While the Anniversary Sale has historically been a great time to stock up on premium candles and home fragrances, the curation strategy has shifted this year. I still see mainstays like Capri Blue Volcano and lots of Pura sets, but this year I'm noticing the absence of my favorite Voluspa and Diptyque sampler sets, along with a heavier focus on jumbo formats. If you already know and love these scents, the bulk value makes sense, but this isn't the environment for discovering new favorites or finding curated lifestyle gifts.
As for the broader home decor section, it has never been the standout category of this sale. Unlike the highly curated fashion and beauty departments, much of the general decor—from picture frames to small tchotchkes—comes from unrecognizable brands that lack that typical Nordstrom "need-to-have" factor. These items rarely reflect the store's normal premium curation; instead, they often serve as promotional filler designed to capitalize on sale FOMO. Stick to high-value textiles from known brands (I suggest premium throw blankets) and save your budget, rather than settling for impulse decor you could easily match in price and quality elsewhere.
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.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.
