Nordstrom’s Last Chance Store is My Secret Destination for Deals (+ Tips & Tricks)
Ever wonder where Nordstrom’s returns go and how you can buy them?
If you love clearance shopping 🙋, today I’m sharing Nordstrom’s Last-Chance Store, my favorite place to find deals on high-quality Nordstrom’s clothes and accessories for the entire family at bargain basement prices! It’s a fashion lover’s dream if you’re on a budget, and yep, it’s literally in a basement!
Hi all – it’s Lina, one of Collin’s sidekicks!
I usually dish up easy recipes and DIY projects, but today I’m spilling the beans about Norstrom’s clearance center, called Last Chance, here in Phoenix where I live. Last Chance is a magical place where Nordstrom’s and Nordstrom’s Rack send final sale overstock and returns from their stores. It’s a money-saving destination you NEED to know about!
Last Chance = My Happy Place
I love it because you never know what you’re going to find in there, as it’s different every single time! They re-stock constantly throughout the day, and if you get lucky, the shopping gods will shine down and present some fun finds! For instance, this week I was there as they rolled out three large bins of new in box UGG boots all marked down to half off, so women’s UGGS were just $30! Say, what!??
8 tips & tricks for shopping Norstrom Last Chance
1. Bring your patience.
This will not be the most glamorous shopping experience, but the savings, in my opinion, are worth it. There are separate shoe and clothing sections for men, women, and children; however, you may be digging in bins or unorganized racks of clothes. If you’re not interested in bin searches, go right to the shoes. I think that’s the most organized department.
2. onlinee during the week.
I’ve been on the weekends, and you can definitely expect larger crowds. The line to check out can be very long, too, even though they do have a ton of registers checking people out. I spoke with a cashier who told me the best time to onlinee in is about 30 minutes after opening on a weekday, as there’s a line at opening and then it gets pretty quiet.
3. Have an open mind.
Don’t go expecting to find a particular item or brand. Much like thrift store shopping, you never know what the current inventory (or additional sales) will be. Look for the red signs that indicate additional discounts on marked items. On this day, all boots except some designers and UGGS were an additional 85% off, and also all kid’s clothing was an additional 40% off!
4. Bring a crew.
It’s helpful to shop with friends and family to divide and conquer. If I know my friend is looking for a Kate Spade purse, or that her daughter wants a North Face jacket, I’ll grab those for her if I see it, and vice versa. Also, remember NOT to leave your basket unattended. Things could “disappear” from it, so guard your finds! LOL!
5. Check for damage before buying.
At Last Chance, all sales are FINAL. Because of Nordstrom’s generous return policy, some of the items there have been worn or damaged, so make sure you inspect for holes, and check every zipper, button, and strap, before buying. On the other hand, if you’re a gifted seamstress and can fix things, you can really score here!
6. Skip the dressing room if possible.
The line to try things on can be painfully long. Wear a form-fitting top or something you can quickly stand in front of the clothing racks and try tops or jackets on. If you really need to try things on, I’d go on a weekday.
7. Remember: not all pricing will be super cheap.
Since there’ll be some higher-end designer brands like Burberry, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, etc., you still may get sticker shock in Last Chance, although it’s all relative to the brand. Just be careful and check prices before getting excited or attached to something. Sometimes I’ll grab a bunch of $5-6 tops for myself, and then a $150 shirt will get mixed in, and it’s a little shocking at checkout.
*Also worth noting is that you can use your Nordstrom’s card and gift cards here. Points accumulated here also count toward their rewards program.
8. Don’t forget to check out the men’s section.
The men’s clothes and shoes are always less crowded and filled with great inventory! Although I usually have to force my hubby to go inside, he’s found some great steals on very high-end Italian leather dress shoes and shirts for work.
Want to see my recent Last Chance Haul?
I went on a weeknight one day this week, and here are some of my favorite finds.
TWELVELittle Quilted Baby Diaper Bag: Nordstrom $179.00 / Last Chance $18.45
Earth Suede Slip-On Wedges: Nordstrom $114.95 sale ($68.96) / Last Chance $23.97
Kids Love Fire Sleeveless Top: Last Chance $3.58
Gentle Souls Kenneth Cole Velvet Mules: Last Chance $20.97
Gossip Girl Kids Swimsuit: Last Chance $4.18
Tucker & Tate Kids Shorts: Last Chance $2.38
Adriano Goldschmied Kids Jacket: Last Chance $7.78
And the one that got away!
I found these Tori Burch wedges in my size for $45, but I put them back because I don’t wear high heels much anymore. They are so cute, and originally over $150-$200… Kinda wish I would have grabbed those… oh well!
I know the Last Chance experience may not be for everyone, but it’s a fun pastime for me. I happen to enjoy the hunt and think of it as “me” time in a fun way. My girlfriends and I have long enjoyed this store since our 20s. It’s a perfect girls day where lunch is followed by some Last Chance time!
Also, note that there is a second Last Chance location in the Chicago area! Go HERE for the store locator.
Current Last Chance Locations:
Phoenix Area:
1919 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Chicago Area:
100 Yorktown Shopping Ctr.
Lombard, IL 60148
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