5 Secrets Nordstrom Rack Doesn't Want You to Know

1 | Not all the merchandise comes from Nordstrom.

As a discount offshoot, most shoppers assume that many of the products at Nordstrom Rack are markdowns from remaining inventory at its full-priced sister store. But according to experts, not everything you'll find came from Nordstrom.

"Some merchandise does make its way from one store to the other, to be sure. But if you see tags that say Nordstrom Rack, then the items were made or purchased specifically to be sold at the Rack stores and aren't markdowns from Nordstrom itself," says Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com. "However, if the tag only says Nordstrom, you can shop with confidence knowing that it's a true Nordstrom piece at a discount."

2 | You can't price match.

Most people shop at Nordstrom Rack knowing they're already getting a good deal on the items they find. But in the era of online shopping, some retailers go to great lengths to land each and every sale by offering to price match products advertised for less elsewhere.

However, despite previous policies, Nordstrom Rack is no longer one of those stores.

"At Nordstrom Rack stores and nordstromrack.com, we work hard to offer competitive prices on everything we sell," the store writes on the FAQ section of its website. "With this effort in mind, we do not price match or make adjustments, as our prices change often to ensure the best possible value, every day."

That's not the case for its sister store: For its part, Nordstrom will make price adjustments on items purchased that have gone on sale within 10 days of purchase and will also price match under certain conditions.

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3 | You should beware of extra markdowns.

Customers expect to find plenty of discounted items when they shop at Nordstrom Rack—and even discounts on top of discounts. But if you're not careful when you're shopping, you might be left disappointed when you go to pay.

"Many retailers will mark merchandise down by writing a new price on the tag, but if you come across this at Nordstrom Rack, the written price might not be what you pay," says Ramhold.

Instead, the written prices may be from previous markdowns performed at Nordstrom before the merchandise was moved, but the store strictly adheres to the price printed on the red clearance tag.

"Unfortunately, Nordstrom Rack doesn't have to—and won't—honor those handwritten prices," she says.

4 | You can really stock up during their big sales.

Every day can feel like a bargain shopping experience at discount stores like Nordstrom Rack. But the retailer still does hold regular events where prices can go even lower than usual.

"Nordstrom Rack has a handful of Clear the Rack sales every year, as well as big discounts for Black Friday, so if you're wanting to overhaul your wardrobe, it's a good idea to wait until one of these events to fill your cart," Ramhold suggests. "That's when savings typically reach up to 75 percent off, so you can find some true treasures throughout the year."

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5 | Nordstrom's loyalty program applies to Nordstrom Rack purchases.

Savvy shoppers know that signing yourself up for a loyalty program is one of the best ways to get rewards and even deeper discounts at your favorite stores. Fortunately, in the case of Nordstrom Rack, you can still accrue points when you shop at the full-priced sister store.

"The Nordy Club is free to join, and you'll earn points on all your purchases at both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack," says Ramhold.