Nordstrom vs. Bloomingdale's: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

While both Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are top-tier luxury department stores, they cater to different shoppers. Nordstrom is known for its world-class customer service, generous return policy, and a balanced mix of modern classics and accessible luxury. Bloomingdale's, on the other hand, positions itself as a trend-forward destination, offering more exclusive designer collaborations and avant-garde pieces at a higher price point.

Let's look at everything you need to know to choose the right department store for your style and budget.

Nordstrom: The Modern & Service-Oriented Retailer

Nordstrom is a high-end department store that has built its reputation on unparalleled customer service and a curated selection of quality brands. It appeals to a broad range of middle-to-upper-income shoppers who value timeless style, personalized service, and a hassle-free shopping experience. The environment is sophisticated yet inviting, focusing on making luxury feel approachable.

• Product mix: A wide array of apparel, shoes, accessories, and beauty from designer labels like Gucci alongside more accessible brands and strong in-house labels. Their selection is versatile, covering everything from professional workwear to evening gowns.
• Price point: Offers a wide spectrum of prices. While it carries high-end luxury items, Nordstrom is also known for its frequent sales events, including the famous Anniversary Sale, which provides better entry points for premium goods. Designer handbags often start around $300.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, clean, and sophisticated. The fashion is more about timeless elegance and contemporary classics rather than fast-moving, high-fashion trends. It's the ideal place for building a core wardrobe of quality pieces.
• Customer service: This is where Nordstrom truly excels. They are famous for personalized stylists, knowledgeable staff, a seamless online experience, and free alterations, which is a significant perk.
• Return policy: Legendary for its flexibility. The generous and easy return process gives shoppers confidence to try new things without risk.
• Rewards program: The Nordy Club allows members to earn points on purchases, which convert into "Nordstrom Notes" (cash vouchers). It also offers perks like early access to sales and exclusive event invites.

Nordstrom is the go-to for shoppers who prioritize an exceptional, service-oriented experience and want a versatile mix of high-quality, lasting fashion.

Shop Nordstrom: nordstrom.com

Bloomingdale's: The Trend-Forward Fashion Destination

Part of the Macy's Inc. family, Bloomingdale's is a historic luxury department store synonymous with a chic, cosmopolitan, and trend-focused aesthetic. It targets a fashion-forward customer who wants access to the latest runway looks, statement pieces, and exclusive designer collaborations. The store's atmosphere is glamorous, modern, and high-energy.

• Product mix: Leans heavily into cutting-edge designer labels, emerging brands, and exclusive collections. While you'll find classic designers, the emphasis is on what's new and next in fashion, beauty, and home goods.
• Price point: Generally maintains higher baseline prices focused on exclusivity. Designer handbags often start at the $500 mark and go up from there. Sales are common, but the overall cost of entry is higher than at Nordstrom.
• Style & Aesthetic: Bold, fashionable, and unapologetically trendy. This is the place for statement pieces, avant-garde designs, and seasonal "must-haves." The visual merchandising is vibrant and reflects a glamorous, modern feel.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is consistent with U.S. standards but can vary significantly between the many high-fashion designer brands it carries. It's always best to consult individual size guides for each label.
• Shopping Experience: More focused on experiential retail with exciting in-store events, pop-ups, and a glamorous, vibrant atmosphere. Online and in-store styling services are available for personalized advice.
• Rewards Program: The Bloomingdale's Loyallist program rewards frequent shoppers with points on every dollar spent, redeemable for rewards cards. Higher tiers offer free shipping and other perks.

Bloomingdale's excels at offering an exciting, current, and exclusive selection for shoppers who see fashion as a way to express themselves and stay ahead of the curve.

Shop Bloomingdale's: bloomingdales.com

Nordstrom vs. Bloomingdale's Comparison

Price Comparison

Both retailers are firmly in the luxury space, but Nordstrom often presents a better value proposition. It features a wider range of price points and hosts more frequent, large-scale sale events like the Anniversary Sale and Half-Yearly Sale. This makes premium and designer brands slightly more accessible to a broader audience.

Bloomingdale's typically has higher prices on comparable designer items, reflecting its focus on exclusivity and the very latest collections. While they do have sales, their pricing strategy is geared more toward shoppers willing to pay a premium for new, trendsetting items and exclusive designer collaborations unavailable elsewhere.

Product Selection & Style

Nordstrom’s buyers create a collection that balances timeless style with modern trends. It's a fantastic source for building a sophisticated wardrobe with high-quality basics, professional attire, and classic luxury goods. Their aesthetic is polished and versatile, appealing to someone who values elegant, long-lasting style.

In contrast, Bloomingdale’s is for the fashion risk-taker. Its selection is more experimental, bold, and tied to current runway trends. If you're looking for a statement piece, an item from an emerging designer, or an exclusive collaboration, Bloomingdale's is more likely to have it. Their aesthetic is glamorous, energetic, and of-the-moment.

Shopping Experience

The shopping experience is a key differentiator. Nordstrom has built its brand on making the customer feel valued and supported. The atmosphere is generally calmer, with a heavy emphasis on personalized services like stylists, alterations, and impeccable customer support both online and in-store.

Bloomingdale's offers a more vibrant, high-energy environment. It's an exciting place to discover new things, often featuring in-store events, pop-up shops, and bold visual displays. While the customer service is excellent, the main draw is the thrill of fashion discovery in a glamorous setting.

Return Policies

This is a clear win for Nordstrom. The company is famous for its generous, customer-friendly return policy, handled on a case-by-case basis with no strict time limit for many items. This creates tremendous trust and makes it easy for shoppers to buy with confidence.

Bloomingdale’s has a more standard, though still fair, return policy. Most items must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a full refund. While perfectly reasonable, it doesn't have the legendary flexibility of Nordstrom's policy.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what kind of shopper you are and what you're looking for.

Choose Nordstrom if:

• Exceptional customer service and easy returns are your top priorities.
• You value timeless, elegant style over fast-fashion trends.
• You are building a versatile wardrobe with a mix of high-end and premium-but-accessible brands.
• You plan to take advantage of services like free basic alterations.

Choose Bloomingdale's if:

• You want the latest runway-inspired styles and exclusive designer collaborations.
• You love a bold, fashion-forward look and enjoy experimenting with trends.
• You get excited by a high-energy, glamorous shopping environment.
• You are looking for a unique statement piece that will turn heads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's more expensive?

Generally, Bloomingdale's is more expensive. While both carry high-end designers, Bloomingdale's tends to have higher baseline prices that reflect its focus on exclusivity and new arrivals. Nordstrom offers a broader range of price points and more frequent sales, making it slightly more accessible.

Which store has better customer service?

Nordstrom is widely considered the industry leader for customer service. Their policies, like free alterations and a highly flexible return policy, are designed around the customer experience.

What is the style difference between Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's?

Nordstrom leans toward modern classics, timeless elegance, and versatile wardrobe pieces. Bloomingdale's is more trend-driven, bold, and fashion-forward, focusing on current runway looks and statement items.

Which store has a better return policy?

Nordstrom unequivocally has a better return policy. It's famous for being one of the most generous and flexible in the retail industry, which gives shoppers peace of mind.

Does Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's have better sales?

Nordstrom is famous for its massive sale events, including the Anniversary Sale, where new fall merchandise is discounted for a limited time, and its Half-Yearly sales. These events often provide better overall value than the typical promotions at Bloomingdale’s.

Are their loyalty programs different?

Yes. The Nordy Club allows members to earn points that convert to "Nordstrom Notes," which are certificates you can spend like cash. Bloomingdale's Loyallist program also awards points, which are redeemed for a Rewards Card sent to members once they hit a certain threshold.

Which store is better for classic workwear?

Nordstrom is generally better for building a professional and classic work wardrobe due to its emphasis on versatile, well-made staples from brands that specialize in modern tailoring and elegant basics.

Which store is better for exclusive luxury items?

Bloomingdale's often has the edge here. They are known for securing exclusive collaborations and carrying collections from cutting-edge or emerging high-fashion designers that you might not find elsewhere.