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. Come 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 come 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
Activewear Pieces from Amazon that You’ll Swear are Lululemon
I got all excited since I live in Gilbert. But then I looked at the map 😭😭. Too far for a good deal. Maybe next zoo or hiking trip that I’m up that way….
Yes! I actually live north now so when I go to the airport or something I’ll stop. Lol
Looking for a location near MARYLAND
I use to live in Phx and loved going to Last Chance! I scored some really inexpensive cocktail dresses there.
Yes awesome! I see girls prom shopping there too 👍
Ps… Have you been getting any of this rain and dust storms?
It only seems to happen when i need to drive 😩 Last Chance was actually empty when I went (comparatively) I think cause it was storming.
Lina first let me say I love all of your tips. You saved my life with Chub Rub! We don’t have a Nordstroms last chance but we do have one for Macy’s! I always find something great there!
LOL 😂 Thanks! Oh I bet that’s a fun place, cool. Thanks Christine!
This is my favorite store of all time! I used to accompany my hubby on business trips to Phoenix and spend half a day there hunting for treasures! Best deal I got was a pair of Frye boots for 38.00! I highly recommend checking it out. Best time to get there would be when it opens.
This is my favorite store! I used to accompany my husband on business trips to Phoenix and spend half a day there hunting for treasures! Best find was a pair of Frye boots for 38.00!! Bring your patience though because it can get crazy. I highly recommend going right when it opens, and head straight for the purses. Lol this is Phoenix’s best kept secret!
That’s an amazing deal, Candy! I love Frye boots.
Oh how fun! Great find. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like so much fun!!….but I’m in MI 😖 Even so, you should keep posting all of your amazing finds. I’ll just live vicariously through you!
Aw thanks Allison!
I want to go!! There isn’t one by us though:( One time I bought a silk blouse that was cream colored from them and wore it to work, when I got there I happened to look down in the front pocket and it was full of dark brown hair! Someone had gotten a haircut or something while wearing it and then returned it. Btw, I have very light blond hair. So I know they do put some returns back to sell in the regular store.
Oh darn 🙁 and yikes about the top!
This used to be a good store. But now it’s such a waste of time. It is extremely overcrowded and they have raised the prices significantly. I can find better deals shopping other places. The store is extremely dirty and disorganized. Piles of stuff everywhere. Don’t waste your time
I LOVE the one in Phoenix. You def need to be patient but I find incredible deals! They usually have a few bins of mixed up stuff that you have to dig through- but it’s always worth it. They also have random sales on top of the discounts. I went a couple of weeks ago and got cute cover-ups for $4, hats for 97 cents, and lots of kids clothes for under $3, including a suit for my 10 year old for! All were new and in great condition!
Yes I agree! Love the additional sales! Sounds like you scored some great finds too 😍👏 Thanks Sam!
The one in Lombard is a lot nicer and newer than the one in PHX. Also, if you are looking for something in particular you can always call ahead and see the special daily deals.
Great tips thanks!
I want to go! Any housewares? I also read that Phoenix has a Dillard’s Clearance store too. Have you been?
I haven’t been but does sound familiar! Yes they do have housewares. 👍 I’ve seen bedding, rugs, and even holiday decor. 😉
Dillard’s Casa Grande is turning into a clearance center!
👍
So sad I live on the East Coast! But it is true that these tips work for clearance at other stores. My tip is that is if you can’t try on a pair of pants. put the waist (while buttoned) around your neck and that should fit you! It is weird but the neck is about half the size of our waist.
Oh that’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing ❤️
I live in PHX too, but have been there just once and bought a dress for an event.
If you ladies haven’t been to a DD’s Discounts, you’re missing out. It’s like a Ross, only cheaper, and there is a lot of low quality stuff, but I’ve found cute jeans for $10 (I’m a 14-16 and if you have trouble finding pants you know why this is a big deal), shoes, kitchen stuff, towels and cute wallets.
Awesome I’ll have to check that out! Thanks for sharing ❤️
This place is definitely a hidden gem but I agree with Lina! Lines to checkout can be long, lines to try on can be long, definitely inspect everything and definitely watch your items from being taken. It can be a frenzy, but I love finding special items in there and its so worth it! I’ve saved so much money on shoes there alone from gym shoes, evening shoes, to casual. I once scored a lenox holiday tablecloth for $4. I splurged on $99 prada pumps, they both looked brand new. Its worth the drive but like Lina said, bring your patience! 🙂
Ah thanks Janis! I love it too and think of it as a hobby lol. That’s a fun splurge! ❤️👠
Is there an online buying option? Just checking
No not for Last Chance.
I been to both Last Chance stores… Illinois and Phoenix and scored some awesome buys. Phoenix has been a prize because there were ton of boots and “winter coats” which is needed in Illinois where i reside. (Lombarb the picking are scare
My best buys were a burberry belt for $11.97 regulary over $200 and a Ralph Laurent coat for $22.97 regularly $360
This is better kept a secret. The more people know , the less good finds you will have. Stop spilling the beans about this place!
Haha 🤣 I see what you’re saying!
Does anyone know if they carry plus size clothing? (XXL or Size 18-20)
Yes they do!
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