Dillard's vs. Nordstrom: Which brand is better? [2026]

Dillard's is a department store that offers a broad mix of mid-range and luxury brands at accessible price points, with a style that blends classic and trendy pieces. By contrast, Nordstrom is a premium luxury retailer focused on a curated selection of high-end designer labels, exclusive collaborations, and exceptional, personalized customer service. While both sell apparel, beauty, and home goods, Dillard's emphasizes value and variety, whereas Nordstrom emphasizes a sophisticated, high-fashion experience.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right department store for your shopping needs.

Dillard's: The Accessible Department Store

Dillard's is a long-standing American department store that serves as a one-stop-shop for a wide demographic of shoppers. It's known for bridging the gap between affordable fashion and designer labels, appealing to customers who appreciate quality and timeless style but are also looking for a good deal. With a strong presence in the southern and midwestern United States, Dillard's provides a welcoming and straightforward shopping environment both in-store and online.

• Product mix: Offers a wide variety of brands covering women's, men's, and children's apparel, as well as shoes, accessories, beauty, and home. You can find brands like Coach, Free People, Michael Kors, and UGG alongside more exclusive house brands.
• Price point: Price points are flexible, ranging from $20 for basic clothing items to over $500 for designer handbags and dresses. The store is famous for its frequent sales, permanent clearance centers, and New Year's Day sale which make it a great place to find off-season deals.
• Style: The aesthetic is generally classic and traditional with infusions of current trends. It's a go-to for finding reliable workwear, special occasion dresses, and everyday outfits that balance style and practicality.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is typically consistent and straightforward, especially across its private-label brands. They offer a good range of standard, plus, and petite sizes to accommodate different body types.
• Return policy: You can return merchandise within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. The policy is consumer-friendly and fairly standard for the retail industry.

Dillard's is the perfect destination for the practical shopper who wants access to both dependable favorites and a taste of luxury without committing to high-end prices.

Shop Dillard's: dillards.com

Nordstrom: The Premium Luxury Retailer

Nordstrom is a leading name in luxury retail, synonymous with high-end fashion and unparalleled customer service. With a carefully curated collection of designer brands, exclusive collaborations, and cutting-edge beauty products, Nordstrom caters to a fashion-forward audience willing to invest in quality and style. Their commitment to the customer experience, from personalized styling services to the famous generous return policy, sets them apart in the department store landscape.

• Product mix: Features a curated selection of luxury and premium contemporary brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Fendi, and Reformation. Their beauty and fragrance departments are particularly strong, carrying sought-after products from brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Dior.
• Price point: Prices are firmly in the luxury and premium categories. Basic items might start around $50, but apparel often ranges from $150 to several thousand dollars for designer pieces. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and regular markdowns offer opportunities to shop these brands at a lower price.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern, sophisticated, and trend-driven. It's the place to find the latest runway-inspired looks, high-quality investment pieces, and exclusive items that are hard to find elsewhere.
• Sizing/Fit: Since it carries many different designer brands, fit can vary significantly. However, Nordstrom provides detailed size guides, customer reviews with fit feedback, and in-store alterations to ensure a perfect fit.
• Return policy: Nordstrom is legendary for its flexible, case-by-case return policy, which does not have a set time limit for returns and aims to satisfy the customer. This provides an exceptional, risk-free shopping experience.

Nordstrom is designed for the discerning shopper who values curation, trend-forward fashion, and a premium service experience from start to finish.

Shop Nordstrom: nordstrom.com

Dillard's vs. Nordstrom Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between Dillard's and Nordstrom is pricing. Dillard's caters to a wider audience with a mix of affordable, mid-tier, and luxury brands. It's common to find stylish pieces for under $100, and their frequent sales and deep clearance sections make even designer labels more attainable. You can build a versatile wardrobe without a major financial investment.

Nordstrom operates in the premium and luxury space. While their famous Anniversary Sale provides markdowns on new-season items, everyday prices are considerably higher. The entry point for most categories is steeper, reflecting the designer brands and high-quality materials of the merchandise. Shoppers at Nordstrom are typically prioritizing brand name and exclusivity over budget pricing.

Product Selection & Style

Dillard's offers a more traditional and classic style with a broad appeal. Their selection is extensive across categories, making it a reliable destination for everything from work attire to furniture for your home. While they keep up with trends, the overall aesthetic leans towards timeless and wearable pieces suitable for a wide range of lifestyles.

Nordstrom focuses on a more curated, fashion-forward assortment. They are known for introducing emerging designers and securing exclusive collaborations. Their style is distinctly modern and chic, making it the preferred retailer for customers who want to stay on top of the latest trends, discover new brands, and invest in high-fashion statement pieces.

Fit & Sizing

Both retailers offer inclusive sizing, but their approaches differ. Dillard's provides consistent sizing across its house brands, making online shopping relatively predictable. You'll find a solid selection of petite, standard, and plus sizes available in their classic styles.

At Nordstrom, sizing can be less predictable because it's determined by each individual designer - a European size 40 can fit very differently from an American one. To counter this, Nordstrom offers excellent support with detailed fit notes on product pages, helpful customer reviews, and expert services like in-store alterations and personal stylists who can guide you to the perfect size.

Shopping Experience

The in-store experience at Dillard's is friendly, clean, and straightforward. While the service is helpful and reliable, it’s a more traditional department store model where you navigate the store on your own. Their website is easy to use and a great tool for catching flash sales and finding online exclusives.

Nordstrom is renowned for its customer-centric model. Associates are highly trained to provide personalized service, from fetching different sizes to offering styling advice. The stores are designed to feel luxurious and inviting, with amenities like cafes, express returns, and in-store pampering events. The entire experience - online and offline - is built around convenience and catering to the customer's needs.

Return Policies

While Dillard's offers a perfectly reasonable 30-day return policy for unused items with a receipt, it's a standard policy that meets but doesn't exceed industry norms.

Nordstrom, on the other hand, is famous for its exceptionally lenient return policy. With no formal time limit and a willingness to handle returns on a case-by-case basis, they set the industry standard for customer trust and loyalty. This no-hassle guarantee allows shoppers to buy with complete confidence.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you value most in a shopping experience. Both retailers are excellent, but they cater to very different priorities.

Choose Dillard's if:

• You're looking for quality clothing at a wide range of price points.
• You love a good sale and are thrilled by hunting for deals in a great clearance section.
• Your personal style leans more classic, timeless, and traditional.
• You want a reliable, one-stop-shop for the entire family's needs without the pressure of a high-end atmosphere.

Choose Nordstrom if:

• You prioritize discovering the latest trends and exclusive high-end designer brands.
• Customer service is paramount, and you value perks like personal stylists and free alterations.
• You want an exceptionally flexible, risk-free return policy.
• You enjoy a more luxurious, curated shopping experience and are comfortable with higher prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dillard's or Nordstrom cheaper?

Dillard's is significantly cheaper. It offers a much broader range of price points, including many affordable and mid-tier brands. Their frequent sales and substantial clearance racks also provide more opportunities for savings compared to Nordstrom's luxury-focused pricing.

Which store is more luxurious?

Nordstrom is the more luxurious retailer. They focus specifically on high-end designer labels, offer a curated shopping experience similar to a boutique, and provide premium services that cater to a luxury clientele.

Does Dillard's or Nordstrom have better quality?

Both stores sell quality merchandise, but since Nordstrom specializes in designer and premium brands, its average item quality is higher. Their selection focuses on brands known for superior materials and craftsmanship, while Dillard's offers a mix that includes high-quality brands alongside more budget-friendly options.

Which has a better return policy?

Nordstrom indisputably has the better return policy. Their approach is famously generous and flexible, handling returns on a case-by-case basis without strict time limits. This focus on customer satisfaction is a core part of their brand identity.

Which is better for formal dresses?

This depends on budget and style. Dillard's has a vast selection of classic-style formal dresses for events like prom and weddings at a more accessible price. Nordstrom offers more high-fashion, designer, and couture options for those seeking a unique, trend-led look for a high-end event.

Do both stores offer personal styling services?

Nordstrom is famous for its free personal and virtual styling services, which are a central part of their customer experience. While some Dillard's locations may have associates who can provide assistance, they do not offer a formalized personal stylist program on the same scale as Nordstrom.

Can you find the same brands at both stores?

Yes, there is some brand overlap, particularly with accessible luxury brands in shoes, handbags, and beauty (like Coach or MAC). However, the overall brand mix is quite different. Nordstrom carries much higher-end designers that are exclusive to luxury retailers, while Dillard's has its own private labels and leans more heavily on mid-tier brands.

Which store has a better online shopping experience?

Both have user-friendly websites, but Nordstrom's is often considered superior due to its advanced features. These include better product filters, influencer-curated edits, virtual styling appointments, and seamless integration with their app and loyalty program, creating a more dynamic and personalized online experience.