Similar to Costco’s return policy, the “Unlimited Days” return policy at Nordstrom is really liberal and quite popular. But as with any retailer’s policy, there are always questions that many shoppers have, especially since Nordstrom changed some of their policies recently. Here are the 8 most popular questions that shoppers have about their return policy. Some of these answers can’t be easily found on the Nordstrom website.

Yes, Nordstrom Actually Offers Unlimited Return Days

While Nordstrom reserves the right to handle returns on a “case by case basis” they do NOT have a set number of return days in place.

I’ve actually heard of some shoppers return items that are well over a year old and have clearly been worn.

But be warned, if you abuse Nordstrom’s return policy to often you’ll probably end up getting banned as they’ve been tightening the reins recently.

See Also: Nordstrom Price Match Policy: Everything You Need to Know (and Much More)

BEWARE OF “MARKETPLACE” ITEMS RETURN POLICY

Nordstrom has recently partnered with 16 designer brands to offer their clothing through Nordstrom Marketplace.

These 3rd party brands all sell via the Nordstrom website but ship items themselves. Because of this, they offer a more restrictive 90-day return policy. So be sure to notice if you’re buying from Nordstrom directly or a 3rd party designer brand.

When you’re on the product page, it will tell you if the item has a 90-day return window or unlimited days. (see screenshot above)

Take Advantage of Their Extended Holiday Return Policy

I’m a little confused why Nordstrom offers an extended holiday return when they have unlimited return days.

But…for all purchases made between 10/16/24 – 12/23/24 you have up until 1/15/25 to return.

While Helpful, A Receipt is Not Necessary

It definitely helps (speed wise) if you have your receipt but it IS NOT required.

If you return something without a receipt, Nordstrom will attempt to find your purchase within their computer system.

If they can’t find your purchase they’ll refund you the current price of the item in the form of a Nordstrom gift card.

See Also: All the Stores That Allow you to Return Items Without a Receipt

You Can Even Return Worn Shoes or Clothing

Nordstrom does almost everything possible to keep their customers happy, this includes allowing returns on items that have been worn.

All they ask is that you treat them fairly and don’t abuse their liberal return policy.

The Wording “Case by Case Basis” Seems Bad for Shoppers…

While the policy states you can return stuff at any time, many of the folks in the comments have had their returns denied recently.

It’s safe to assume that Nordstrom management is taking a stricter stance on those returning items 1-2 years after they bought them.

They definitely are using the wording “case by case basis” to their advantage and denying returns when items are clearly worn and not in saleable condition.

PRO TIP: STAND STRONG ON “USED ITEM” RETURNS

I recently had a loyal blog reader email me with a Nordstrom return experience that she wanted me to share with everyone. So I thought I’d let her do it in her own words…

“First off, I’m an avid Nordstrom shopper and have NEVER had a problem trying to return something before this…so they’re definitely buckling down.

I recently treated myself to a $975 Burberry handbag that I’d been eyeing for months. After using it sparingly for a few weeks, I noticed the leather was peeling along the edges—a defect I obviously didn’t expect from such an expensive item. Confident in Nordstrom’s famously lenient return policy, I headed to the store to exchange it for a new one.

At first, the associate seemed accommodating, but then things took an unexpected turn. Since I had purchased the bag during a special promotion, the associate claimed they couldn’t issue a full refund or exchange because the original tags were removed and the bag had visible wear.

I politely explained that I’d only used the bag lightly and the damage was clearly due to a manufacturing defect, but the associate held firm, citing an exception to the return policy for “heavily worn or altered items”.

Frustrated, I asked to speak with the floor manager. The manager reviewed the situation and apologized for the confusion. After inspecting the bag, he agreed it was likely a manufacturing flaw and offered a replacement.

However, the replacement was out of stock in the same color, so I had to settle for store credit instead of an exchange. While they did eventually resolve the issue, I was surprised by the initial resistance as this never would have happened in the past. It was first experience with them cracking down on shoppers returning used items. Buyer beware.”

Surprisingly, Used Makeup Is Also Returnable

Both used and unopened.

If you’re not happy with it, for any reason, just bring it back in (hopefully with the receipt) and get a full refund.

No Tag? No Problem

Did you remove the tag? Not a problem, still bring it in for a refund.

Heck, you can even return it if the item doesn’t have a tag and it’s been worn.

Online Returns Have 2 Options

You can either mail them back with the enclosed return label or bring them back to your nearest Nordstrom location.

If you don’t have a Nordstrom account or are missing your order information, you can click here and print out a blank return form.

The best part? Return shipping is FREE.

“Special Occasion” Dresses Without Tags Are a No-No

Because of recent abuse of Nordstrom’s return policy, “Special Occasion” dresses now come with a tag that reads “if this tag is removed the garment cannot be returned”.

After all, nobody wants to pay big bucks to wear a beautiful dress that’s already been worn once, or multiple times.

See Also: Macy’s Return Policy: We Untangle ALL the Confusion

Cash Refund Only Available In One Sceanrio

As of January 2017, you can only get a cash refund if the purchase was made in cash.

All other refunds will be given in either store credit, or put back on the credit card you originally used to make the purchase.

Nordstrom is cracking down on shoppers who abused their return policy, especially those whose store account shows more in returns than actual purchases.

Nordstrom Return Policy “Nitty Gritty” Stuff:

1. Be Prepared to Show your I.D.

When returning anything without a receipt they will ask you for your I.D. and enter your info into their system.

This is how the keep track of those who abuse their return policy.

2. Nordstrom Rack has Different Policy

If you make a purchase from their “Outlet”, known as “The Rack”, be aware that they have a less lenient return policy.

Namely, they only give you 30 days to make a return and you better have your receipt with you.

Also, they will NOT take back items that have been worn.

3. You’ll Catch More Flies with Honey than Vinegar

Make sure you’re polite and conversational when making a return at Nordstrom, especially when returning used items without a receipt.

Employees are much more likely to help you if you are. It’s simply human nature.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever returned anything to Nordstrom and was it an easy process?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Phillip Pessar.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)