Thoughts and insider intel on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

What you *should be buying* (from a 20+ year consumer and former employee)

Disclaimer: This is all just my opinion as someone who has worked in the influencer space but also worked at a Nordstrom-owened company for 6+ years. (RIP Trunk Club). Nordstrom holds a special place in my heart and I am rooting for them! Retail is a very tough space right now and I want them to win.

I’ve been in the affiliate space for a LONG time. In fact, Amber Venz Box herself called me personally back in 2011 to ask me to join the RewardStyle platform; “sure..?” I said not fully appreciating how I could possibly make money at blogging.

Turns out a lot has changed in the past decade plus. And as someone who worked at a company that Nordstrom acquired in 2014, I was able to watch first hand the power of the digital blogger/influencer and what a little commission could do to something like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I am pretty sure there was a point when Nordstrom would pay influencers 20% commission on this sale and for context that is A LOT. Most brands pay 8-10% commission—industry average. Throw in a huge sale where people tend to over spend and that’s a lot in commission, depending on your audience size. I remember seeing stats thrown around that some influencers would make 50% of their annual affiliate commission from this sale alone (that was never me, ha).

So now that you have context into why you’d see this sale SO MUCH over the past decade, let’s talk about why coverage has slowed down:

1. First, I’d blame the commission reduction; at the end of the day, this is a business for so many and if commission dips drastically, it hurts your bottom line.

2. Second, I’d say there’s a lot of monotony in the coverage of the sale. If you follow a lot of influencers (I do—it’s my job!), watching them try on the same Barefoot Dreams cardigan year after year can get old quickly.

3. Lastly, the strategy of the sale has changed. Again, I’ve been shopping this sale since college; I miss the contemporary and designer brand exclusives and shopping the sale as a way to get a great pair of jeans or boots for fall at a great price. Over the past few years I’ve noticed that it’s become more beauty-focused (probably due to lower returns and better margins) and in-house Nordstrom brands (again, better margins).

I’m not sure if we’ll ever see the exclusive IRO leather jacket or Chloe bag made just for Nordstrom (I used to go to some of those buying meetings—it was a thing!) but those were my favorite years of the sale, which is why coverage from me has waned.

I’ve always covered the sale in some capacity but my personal strategy has shifted. I used to set an alarm in the middle of the night to find MY picks and the best deals that would be sure to sell out. And to be honest, I’m not seeing that type of inventory these days. All this being said, there certainly are things worth buying and deals to be had! It’s a great time to buy items from your wishlist at a deep discount.

Personally, these are some things that I think are worth looking at from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

What I love/own/recommend:

Dyson Hair Dryer - HIGHLY recommend, have owned for 5 years. Always buy on sale!

GHD Curling iron - Have owned since 2019 and the only curling iron I use.

Le Creuset - Again, always a good sale purchase! But notice a lot of these items AREN’T clothes? Ha

Uppa Baby Vista - Now, I know I no longer have babies, but I DID and know baby gear that worked for me. I don’t know if Uppa Baby Vista stroller is cool anymore but it got me through THREE boys. I loved it. (Finally just gave it away, 10 years later, RIP)

L’Occitane Shower Oil Duo - I usually buy this on Prime Day but this is a VERY good deal (basically a BOGO). Thank you to the Four Seasons Denver for introducing this shower oil to me in 2019.

Big Buckle Birks - A favorite mom shoe of mine. So comfy! I’ma 7.5 and wear the 38.

Adidas Gazelle in blush - My go-to sneakers all year. Comfy enough for Disney, too.

Bombas socks - Always grab these on sale or with my code ANNAJANE21 on Bombas.com

Hanky Panky Cotton Briefs - I was JUST bitching to a friend about how dumb it was that HP briefs are $36 (sorry, but it’s true). At $21, it lessens the sting but still. I wish I didn’t love these—I’m over thongs and love briefs. (Tommy John are also legit)

Farm Rio Dress - I don’t own this particular dress but $139 for a dress you can wear to a wedding or event is a pretty good deal, plus I love the brand. (ONLY item from Farm Rio in the sale - it’s criminal!)

Loeffler Randall sandals - I own last year’s version and love them - a real staple and low enough heel that they’re comfortable.

Vince Cashmere sweater - I used to live for all the Vince cashmere the Anniversary Sale would have but it’s slim pickins’ this year. I do love their cashmere and would probably go up a size in it.

Sadly, the clothing just isn’t really doing it for me! I would love to see more contemporary brands like AGOLDE, Staud, Citizens, or items from the good old days like Vince cashmere, IRO jackets, and Loeffler Randall boots. A little wishful thinking I’m putting out there!

I shall leave you with this hot tip (it doesn’t exactly apply to beauty/baby because I don’t know what happens to that category) but usually, the clothing from the Annniversary Sale will go on sale again come October if it’s still in stock. And an instagram reader also said the Anniversary Sale beauty often ends up at Nordstrom Rack come holiday (cannot confirm this but interested to see if that’s true!).

THOUGHTS? CONCERNS? If you’re still shopping the sale, talk to me! I want to hear your thoughts!