If you can believe it is already that time of year again – time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ( which you may see referenced as NSale, #NSale). Below I’m laying out everything you need to know from what the sale is, when it starts, when you have access, and my best tips for how to prepare. I’ll also be sharing the best kept secret/my number one tip about the sale. There are also a few things about the sale that are different this year so I’ll be covering those too! Feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM on Instagram if you have any other questions. I’ve been shopping this sale for years so I know all the ins and outs! Okay enough chit chat, let’s get down to business!

What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is an annual sale at Nordstrom where you can get brand new arrivals from top brands on mega sale! You read that correctly – these are BRAND new items that you get on sale. These include items from brands new fall lines like boots, jackets, jeans, etc. Accessories including handbags and jewelry, shoes, beauty, and home items are included in the sale. (For an example of what type of things are included in the sale you can check out a post from last year here.)

When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

When you can access the anniversary sale depends on your Nordy Club cardmember status. Everyone is able to access the sale starting August 19 – August 30 this year. But if you are a Nordstrom cardmember you can access the sale much sooner. Below are all the dates the sale can be accessed depending on your status. If you decide to shop online, you’ll be able to get access starting at 6:30am PT.

What’s Different About the Anniversary Sale This Year?

In light of COVID-19, quite a few things about the sale have changed, the most obvious being the dates. The sale usually takes place in July but has been moved to August this year. While Nordstrom hasn’t made any official announcements, I imagine the in-store shopping experience may also change depending on your state’s health and safety guidelines. I will update this post with any more information as I hear it. Here’s what Nordstrom has said so far: “Anniversary Sale has always been a time of celebration. To continue that tradition this year while adapting to the unique impacts of COVID-19, we took a little extra time to ensure your comfort and safety. This year Anniversary Sale will be from August 19–30. While the dates have changed, what makes Anniversary Sale special hasn’t—new arrivals from top brands at great prices. And with more ways to find the best deals—plus our convenient services—we’re committed to making this year one to remember.”

Another change this year is one I’m very excited about! Instead of the print catalog of a selection of preview items, you’ll be able to preview the entire sale online starting July 24th. This means you’ll be able to save items to your wish list, making it even easier to shop! Once this goes live I’ll have a full roundup posted on the blog of all my picks!

Any Tips for How to Prepare for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

• Know Your Nordy Club Status: If you’re already a Nordy Club member, make sure to know your status so you know when you have access to the sale.
• Make a List: Before I even look at the preview of the sale, I always make a list of what I actually need/am shopping for. This allows me to prioritize when I start the preview so I make sure I’m getting those items first. Then I make a list of nice-to-have’s that I can work in as budget allows.
• Know Your Budget: Sales are a LOT of fun but it’s always important to go into it knowing what you feel comfortable spending. Set a budget you feel comfortable with and then use your prioritized list to decide what you want to get.

And if you get nothing else from this post, this is my number 1 tip/best kept secret for the sale:

• Make a Stylist Appointment For the Sale! I did this last year and it was AMAZING. It is seriously the best kept secret of the Anniversary Sale. I met my stylist for my appointment time (when the store opened) and we shopped the entire store together (every department) to start my appointment. I showed her what I wanted to try on and she grabbed every item. She also made great recommendations as we went. We were also able to shop shoes and accessories and have everything brought to my reserved dressing room. I was able to try everything on, mix and match, and not worry that there was another department in the store that I hadn’t hit yet. This also allowed me to skip lines in departments like shoes. And the best part about this service? It’s completely free. One note: it is possible that this year due to COVID-19 that this service won’t be offered. My local Nordstrom is opening soon so I’ll call to find out and report back.

So that’s everything you need to know for the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Be sure to check back as we get closer for more details and my picks!