Nordstrom vs. Nordstrom Rack: What's the difference?

Nordstrom is a full-price, high-end department store known for its luxury brands, current-season styles, and exceptional customer service. In contrast, Nordstrom Rack is its off-price outlet, offering deeply discounted merchandise that is typically past-season overstock, clearance items, or made-for-outlet products. The primary difference comes down to product selection, price, and the overall shopping experience.

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

Nordstrom: The Premium Department Store

Nordstrom is a luxury department store that has built its reputation on a curated selection of high-end merchandise and an incredible level of customer care. Shoppers visit Nordstrom for the latest collections from top designers, a premium environment, and services like personal styling and in-house alterations. It's the destination for investing in current-season, high-quality wardrobe pieces.

• Product mix: Features brand new, current-season apparel, shoes, handbags, and accessories from luxury and designer brands. It is also an authorized beauty retailer for brands like Dior, Chanel, and Gucci.
• Price point: Premium pricing is standard, with items reflecting their full retail value. Expect to find designer handbags from $500 to $2,000 and tailored suits from $800 and up.
• Quality: Merchandise is first-quality and pristine. You're buying directly-from-the-brand, unworn items from the latest collections.
• Shopping Experience: Offers a luxurious and service-oriented experience with well-organized stores, attentive sales staff, and services like personal stylists, on-site alterations, and beauty consultations.
• Sales: Famous for its annual Anniversary Sale, where brand-new Fall merchandise is discounted for a limited time, as well as seasonal Half-Yearly Sales.
• Return policy: Famous for its highly flexible and generous return policy, which is managed on a case-by-case basis to ensure customer satisfaction.

Nordstrom is ideal for shoppers looking for the latest designer trends, a guarantee of high quality, and a full-service, premium experience.

Shop Nordstrom: nordstrom.com

Nordstrom Rack: The Off-Price Outlet

Nordstrom Rack is the company's off-price division, created to sell Nordstrom's clearance inventory at a significant discount. The experience is more of a "treasure hunt," where shoppers can find amazing deals on designer brands if they're willing to browse. It appeals to budget-conscious customers who love brand names but not brand-name prices.

• Product mix: A wide assortment of items from Nordstrom stores, including past-season merchandise, overstock, and returned items. It also includes items made specifically for Nordstrom Rack from well-known brands. You will find brands like Nike, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors.
• Price point: Significantly lower, with discounts ranging from 30% to 70% off original retail prices. Here, you could find a designer handbag for $300 to $800 or casual wear for $20 to $100.
• Quality: The merchandise comes from quality brands, but the condition can vary. Items can be from previous seasons and may sometimes have minor imperfections from being handled in a retail environment.
• Shopping Experience: A more casual, self-service shopping experience. Stores have a larger, warehouse-like feel, and the focus is on discovering deals rather than personalized service.
• Sales: Known for its "Clear the Rack" events, which offer an extra 25% off red-tag clearance items for even deeper savings.
• Return policy: More restrictive than Nordstrom, typically allowing returns within a 45-day window for a full refund.

Nordstrom Rack is the perfect destination for bargain hunters who love the thrill of finding a designer piece for a fraction of its original price.

Shop Nordstrom Rack: nordstromrack.com

Nordstrom vs. Nordstrom Rack Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two is price. Nordstrom operates on a full-price model, offering the newest items at their standard retail cost. While they have sales, the prices reflect the products' timeliness and premier quality. A pair of new-season designer shoes at Nordstrom might cost $650.

Nordstrom Rack is built entirely around discounts. Its purpose is to move inventory from Nordstrom's main stores. That same $650 pair of shoes could show up at the Rack a season later for $250. The core value proposition of Nordstrom Rack is brand-name access without the brand-name price tag.

Product Selection & Quality

At Nordstrom, you will find complete, current-season collections. If a designer releases a new handbag, you'll find it there in multiple colors with matching wallets. The quality is flawless and directly from the brand.

At Nordstrom Rack, the selection is a mix. It's largely composed of items from past seasons sold at Nordstrom. Quality from brands remains high, but you are buying off-season merchandise. Some products might have been tried on or handled previously, and sizing and color options are often limited.

Fit & Sizing

Finding your size is generally much easier at Nordstrom. As a full-price retailer, they stock a complete range of sizes for the items they carry, from petites to plus sizes. The organized displays and knowledgeable staff make it simple to find what you need.

Sizing at Nordstrom Rack can be inconsistent. Since the inventory is clearance and overstock, you might find a sweater you love with only sizes XS and XL remaining. This is part of the "treasure hunt" experience - the deal is great, but only if you can find your size.

Shopping Experience

Shopping at Nordstrom is a premium experience. The stores are clean, beautifully lit, and well-organized, with spacious fitting rooms and attentive customer service associates. Services like personal styling, alterations, and curbside pickup add a layer of convenience and luxury.

Nordstrom Rack offers a self-service, no-frills environment. The stores are more warehouse-like, with long racks of clothing organized by size. The experience is about searching through the merchandise to find hidden gems. It's busy, energetic, and focused purely on the products and their prices.

Return Policies

Nordstrom's legendary return policy is a cornerstone of its customer service. Though not officially unlimited, they are known for handling returns on a liberal, case-by-case basis without a firm time limit, aiming for customer satisfaction.

Nordstrom Rack has a more standard retail return policy. Customers have a 45-day window to return most items with a receipt for a full refund. It’s a fair policy but lacks the exceptional flexibility of the main Nordstrom store.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both retailers serve their purpose wonderfully, but they cater to very different shopping missions.

Choose Nordstrom if:

• You are looking for the latest, current-season styles and runway trends.
• You value a luxurious shopping environment and personalized customer service.
• You need specific items for an event and require a full-size range and color selection.
• Your priority is flawless quality and you're willing to pay full price for it.

Choose Nordstrom Rack if:

• You are a bargain hunter at heart and love the thrill of finding a fantastic deal.
• You don't mind wearing past-season styles to save 30-70% on designer brands.
• You are on a budget but still want high-quality clothing, shoes, and accessories.
• You enjoy a more self-directed, "treasure hunt" shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nordstrom Rack cheaper than Nordstrom?

Yes, significantly. Nordstrom Rack's business model is based on selling clearance and off-price merchandise for 30-70% less than its original retail price at Nordstrom.

Is the quality the same at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack?

The brands are the same, so the inherent quality of the merchandise is comparable. However, products at Nordstrom are always first-quality, current-season items. Nordstrom Rack's inventory may include items from past seasons, customer returns, or pieces that have slight irregularities.

Can I return Nordstrom Rack items to a Nordstrom store?

No, you cannot. Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom operate separate inventory and return systems. Rack purchases must be returned to a Nordstrom Rack store or shipped back via their online return process.

Does Nordstrom Rack sell fake items?

No, Nordstrom Rack sells authentic merchandise. Its inventory is primarily sourced from Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom's e-commerce site, ensuring product authenticity.

Are all Nordstrom Rack items from Nordstrom?

Not always. The majority of items at Nordstrom Rack come from Nordstrom store clearance. However, some items are purchased directly from brands specifically for Nordstrom Rack, or are part of "made-for-outlet" lines.

Which store has a better return policy?

Nordstrom has a famously flexible and customer-centric return policy that is far more generous than the standard 45-day policy at Nordstrom Rack.

What is "Clear the Rack"?

"Clear the Rack" is Nordstrom Rack's biggest clearance event, during which shoppers can take an extra 25% off all red-tag clearance items. This offers some of the deepest discounts available at the store.

Which is better for gift shopping?

For a guaranteed pristine item, beautiful gift wrapping, and the latest style selection, Nordstrom is the better choice for gift shopping. However, if you know the recipient's style and find a great deal, Nordstrom Rack can be an excellent option for a budget-friendly gift.