No, Nordstrom is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on curating premium and luxury brands with seasonal collections, prioritizing quality and customer service over the rapid, high-volume trend replication that defines fast fashion.
While Nordstrom has some transparent labor policies and is making moderate sustainability efforts, it has significant room for improvement in both areas, particularly around living wages and the overall environmental impact of its large-scale retail operations.
Nordstrom operates as a traditional upscale department store, a model that contrasts sharply with the high-speed, low-cost structure of fast fashion.
Nordstrom demonstrates moderate ethical accountability with some transparent policies, but lacks the comprehensive certifications and full traceability of industry leaders.
Nordstrom has a Supplier Code of Conduct aligned with Fair Labor Association (FLA) standards and requires factory suppliers to undergo third-party social compliance audits. The company works with manufacturers in countries such as China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, where labor risks are high. While it mandates compliance with minimum wage laws, there is no public evidence of a commitment to paying verifiable living wages, which are often much higher. For example, garment workers in Bangladesh typically earn $150-$200 per month, while a living wage is estimated to be closer to $350-$400.
While Nordstrom discloses some corporate responsibility efforts, it does not publish a comprehensive list of its suppliers or the results of its factory audits. This lack of full transparency makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify the working conditions throughout its supply chain, particularly for Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers who provide raw materials.
Nordstrom sells products made from leather, wool, and down. The company currently lacks a formal, public animal welfare policy and does not provide evidence of using certified materials like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This opacity raises questions about the treatment of animals within its supply chain.
Nordstrom is taking steps toward sustainability, including offering eco-friendly products and promoting circularity, but its overall environmental footprint remains large due to its scale.
Approximately 35% of Nordstrom’s private-label products utilize more sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. However, this means the majority of its offerings are still made from environmentally intensive conventional materials. The company selectively uses certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and is part of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).
Nordstrom has set a public goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, but comprehensive data on its water usage, chemical management, and overall carbon footprint is limited. As a major retailer relying on global logistics, its emissions from transportation and operations remain significant.
A strong point for Nordstrom is its investment in circularity. The company runs "Nordstrom Recommerce," a program allowing customers to buy and sell secondhand luxury goods. It has also partnered with TerraCycle to recycle beauty packaging. However, it does not have a widespread clothing take-back or repair program for its own products.
Nordstrom is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and has clear, public goals for reducing emissions and increasing its use of sustainable packaging. While these targets are encouraging, the company is still in the early stages of implementing and reporting progress toward them.
Nordstrom is a clear step up from fast fashion, but it is not yet a leader in ethical and sustainable retail. Its efforts represent a work in progress, balancing a traditional department store model with growing consumer demand for responsibility.
Nordstrom earns a B for having a solid Supplier Code of Conduct and regular audits, which places it above many retailers. However, its grade is limited by a lack of commitment to living wages, incomplete supply chain transparency, and a non-existent animal welfare policy. It meets foundational ethical standards but falls short of demonstrating leadership.
The brand receives a C+ for sustainability. Points are awarded for progressive initiatives like its recommerce program, use of sustainable materials in over a third of its private-label goods, and clear emission reduction targets. However, its overall large footprint, lack of radical transparency in its production processes, and continued reliance on conventional materials prevent a higher grade.
If you're looking for brands and retailers with a similar quality feel but stronger, more transparent commitments to ethics and sustainability, consider these alternatives:
A certified B Corp, Eileen Fisher is a leader in sustainable fashion, using over 85% certified organic or recycled fibers and maintaining a transparent supply chain. The brand offers durable, timeless designs and has strong take-back and resale programs. Its price point is higher, reflecting its deep commitment to material and labor quality.
Shop now at eileenfisher.com
Everlane focuses on modern basics with "radical transparency" into its factories and pricing. With around 75% of materials being sustainable (recycled or organic) and clear information on its factory partners, it offers an accessible alternative for ethically produced wardrobe staples.
Shop now at everlane.com
Primarily an outdoor apparel brand, Patagonia is a gold standard for both ethics and sustainability. As a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, it uses almost exclusively recycled or organic materials, guarantees Fair Trade Certified production, and offers a lifetime ironclad guarantee with repairs.
Shop now at patagonia.com
For trendier styles with a sustainable mission, Reformation is a strong choice. It is Climate Neutral Certified, uses a significant amount of fabrics like Tencel and recycled materials, provides detailed "RefScale" impact reports for each garment, and audits its suppliers for fair labor practices.
Shop now at thereformation.com
As a pioneer of fair trade fashion, People Tree is guaranteed Fair Trade throughout its supply chain by the WFTO. It exclusively uses sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton and prioritizes artisan craft, ensuring workers are paid a fair, living wage.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Nordstrom's prices reflect its business model, which invests in higher-quality materials, designer partnerships, extensive customer service including in-store stylists, and higher operational costs. This focus on durability and brand curation inherently leads to higher prices than brands that prioritize low-cost, high-volume production.
The "Sustainable Style" section is a helpful tool for finding products that meet at least one of Nordstrom’s criteria, such as being made from 50%+ sustainable materials or produced in factories investing in worker empowerment. While it's a positive step, the criteria can be broad. It signals good intent, but savvy shoppers should still look into the specific sustainable qualities of each item or brand.
Unlike many large apparel retailers, Nordstrom has largely avoided major scandals related to sweatshops or severe labor exploitation in its direct supply chain. However, like any retailer of its size, it faces ongoing scrutiny regarding the lack of full transparency into its supply chain and the environmental impact of its vast operations.
