Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is one of the year’s most anticipated shopping events – and for a good reason! It offers a rare chance to stock up on new-season favorites at pre-season pricing. Unlike typical clearance events, this sale features fresh fall arrivals, all marked down for a limited time. With early access available to Nordstrom cardholders and a limited window for the general public, planning ahead is the best way to make the most of this sale.
Whether you’re shopping for wardrobe staples, beauty must-haves, or home essentials, timing and strategy are key to maximizing your savings. Here’s how to shop smart during the 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Know the Key Dates and Mark Your Calendar
Planning ahead is essential when it comes to making the most of the 2025 Anniversary Sale. Knowing the key dates can help you access the best inventory and avoid missing out on popular items. Nordstrom cardholders receive exclusive early access to the sale before it opens to the general public, giving them a unique advantage. If you’re a frequent Nordstrom shopper or planning a big purchase, consider applying for a Nordstrom card to get first dibs on in-demand items.
– Cardmember Early Access (all tiers): July 8-11, 2025
– General Public Sale: Starts July 12 and runs through August 3, 2025
– Preview Catalog Drops: Nordstrom’s preview releases June 26 this year, to help you start building your wish list.
– Icon or Ambassador cardmembers can shop earlier within the early access window.
Preview Items and Build a Wish List
The preview catalog is your secret weapon – it lets you scope out everything before the sale officially begins. Taking time to browse the preview allows you to spot what you want, plan your budget, and avoid impulse buys once the sale goes live. Nordstrom releases this preview in late June, giving you a head start on organizing your shopping strategy. A well-curated wish list will help you shop efficiently and avoid missing out.
– Check out the Preview Catalog, which launches June 26, 2025.
– Add must-have items to your wish list in advance.
– Track sale prices vs. full price so you know when you’re getting a good deal.
– Keep an eye on trending or limited-stock items – they tend to sell out quickly.
Shop Strategic Categories
The best values of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are found in specific categories that rarely go on sale otherwise. Knowing what to focus on can help you avoid distractions and hone in on truly worthwhile deals. From fall fashion to luxury beauty sets, there are plenty of areas where the discounts really shine. Planning what to buy in advance will help you prioritize your spending and get the most bang for your buck.
– Women’s fashion and denim – 30 to 40 percent off designer staples (e.g., Vince, AG)
– Beauty tools and exclusive sets – best prices on Charlotte Tilbury, La Mer, and more
– Shoes and outerwear – deep deals on Stuart Weitzman, UGG, The North Face, etc.
– Home and athletic wear – savings on Zella, Nike, and household basics
Compare Online vs. In‑Store Shopping
Each shopping method during the Anniversary Sale has its perks, and using both can help you maximize convenience and access. Online browsing offers the broadest inventory and allows you to start shopping at midnight, as soon as the sale goes live, while in-store visits let you try on items and potentially find those that are sold out online. Combining both approaches is the most strategic, and you can even opt for hybrid options, such as buy-online-pick-up-in-store, to get the best of both worlds.
When shopping online, install a free browser plugin, like Paypal Honey to earn cashback on your purchase.
Don’t Wait on Must-Haves
This sale moves fast – items sell out quickly, and restocks can be unpredictable. Shopping early and being flexible with back-up options can help you avoid disappointment. Nordstrom’s return policy is generous, so it’s smart to act fast and return later if needed. Make a plan, act quickly, and be ready to check back for restock updates.
– Popular items can sell out in minutes – prioritize the most important items and check out quickly. You can come back for more.
– Buy two sizes online if unsure – returning one is better than regretting missing out.
– Use Nordstrom’s curbside pickup option to avoid shipping delays and secure items before they sell out.
Maximize Rewards and Perks
With smart planning, the 2025 Anniversary Sale can reward you beyond just product savings. Nordstrom’s loyalty programs offer benefits, like points, Nordstrom Notes, and double-points days for extra savings. Combining rewards with discounts ensures you’re getting the most out of every dollar you spend. And don’t forget you can use the Nordstrom app to monitor restocks.
– Nordstrom cardmembers earn points that convert into Nordstrom Notes (2,000 points = $20)
– Schedule Personal Double-Points Days during the sale if eligible.
– Use the Nordstrom app to stay organized and get restock alerts for your Wish List items.
