Nordstrom Return Policy: Answers to Your Biggest Policy Questions

May 9, 2017 by Kyle James
Updated: December 13, 2024

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.

Nordstrom Return Policy: Answers to Your Biggest Policy Questions

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.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

73 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Anonymous

This article is definitely wrong, I had the tags on both by items and with no proof of purchase they will not take things back anymore

Becca

I actually recently returned an item I purchased in 2018 and it was refunded to my Notdy card. It’s definitely YMMV.

Lee

Will Nordstrom refund a designer shoe if it’s been worn but you have the receipt

Jaycie

No. Designer has a different return policy. Once a designer piece shows signs of wear, it cannot be returned

Brittany

This was many years ago, so likely irrelevant, but I figured I’d share anyway … I had a pair of Prada shoes I bought and wore a handful of times … not sure exactly how many times, but you could DEFINITELY TELL they had been worn, and not just inside in carpet or hardwood floors.

I can’t recall how I paid for them, but I likely used my Nordstrom credit card … they refunded me however I paid for it, I do remember that … around the same time, I had a pair of Seven Jeans with Swarovski crystals all over them … they cost me around $700-$800, and I wore them FREQUENTLY … the bottomed were even getting fringed.

However, I gained weight, and at some point, could no longer wear them, and returned them (WELL over a year after I bought them, I’m sure); again, they refunded me, no problem (also not as a gift card) … these were the only two times that I abused the return policy (and I still feel guilty) … that being said … I RARELY returned anything, and I had a credit card with a $10,000.00 limit, which allowed me to go over the limit by $10,000.00, but I had to pay the overage in full when the bill came.

I used that card to pay for EVERYTHING, so I frequently went over the limit, oftentimes all the way to the $20k max; therefore, I doubt they were going to quibble with me over a pair of shoes and a pair of jeans, regardless of how expensive they were, and how ridiculous it was for me to try and return them.

I no longer have that credit card (or that kind of money), but I found a dress my mom bought years ago to wear to my wedding that was ultimately called off; the tags are still on it, and it was never worn … it’s been in the garnet bag this entire time, and she has the receipt, so I’m hoping they let us return it for store credit.

Jasmine

Omg Brittany, what did you do for a living? I’m genuinely interested?

jill

Ive searched everywhere online to find this answer. does Nordstrom issue a credit for returns lost in the mail?

vito

Terrible with mail returns. Takes too long and I have to always call. Its resolved only after a few phone calls. Im done with this store.

Debra Morgan

I ordered a jacket and doc martins boots for my granddaughter.The jacket is perfect but the boots are to small.Can you advise me on how to return the boots?

Rita Flores

I also bought doc martins online and threw away the box, they were too snug for my liking, will I have any luck returning them by mail or in store?

Mayra Licon

I bought online and the system changed my email address and I did not received my online purchase or my money back, I called and put a request on the phone 2 times , I went there, I talked to the employees, once a week for one and a half month, I did not get the item or the money back and the only email I got still says the order is in process. So be careful..

ila

Nordstrom Rack accepts returns up to 45 days after purchase … not 90. And deeply discounted items are often “Final Sale”.

Adam C

FWIW, on price adjustments: I have read conflicting accounts regarding in-store designer items that were already marked down at initial purchase…some say you can’t do this, but it worked for me just now.

I bought a sweater locally at a 40% discount during a sale. 10 days later I saw the price got cut to 60% off online. The item was still available in that size for pickup at that store. I called CS at that Nordstrom, read off my receipt number, and immediately received credit back to my VISA card for the difference.

Holly Michel

I received a pair of shoes as a gift from my mom who lives out of state. They fit snugger than I like and just wanted to exchange them in store for another size. I did not have a receipt and they attempted to look it up via her phone number but could not find the order. I was told they couldn’t do anything unless I could get the receipt to prove they were purchased there. I dont want to make a return…just want to be able wear the shoes that were bought for me by making an exchange. I’ve worked retail forever and have never not taken care of a guest especially for an exchange for the same thing.

Ronnie

And it does not say if you can EXCHANGE an item bought at a regular Nordstrom, at a Nordstrom’s Rack. Does it?

Jennifer W

I think the agent you spoke with provided inaccurate information – maybe John is a new hire on the Nordstrom.com side and unfamiliar with Rack vs Full Line Store policy differences.

Nordstromrack.com’s website states the following regarding exchange options in their site FAQ: “Sorry, we do not provide an exchange option at this time”.

Stating this as a former Nordstrom employee, they don’t cross-train the N.com customer care team on policies specific to N Rack (at least they didn’t during the 5 years I worked with that team) – So if you showed up wanting to do an exchange, they would likely refund you the amount of the purchase (if within their policy guidelines) and you would then need to repurchase the preferred item you wanted to exchange for initially.

Ginny

Your information is incorrect. NORDSTROM WILL NOT OFFER STORE CREDIT OR EXCHANGE FOR ITEMS WITH TAGS ATTACHED IF THERE IS NO PROOF OF PURCHASE. Aka you cannot return gifts even if they have tags. Their website gives false information as well and says they will offer store credit. I have been trying to exchange Christmas gifts with no luck. They need to be called out on their inconsistent and unfair policies.

Stephanie Mobley

Can I return my purchase to Nordstrom rack if I bought it from Nordstrom‘s

Anon Obvi

As long as it’s not designer you can

Kady

No you cannot.

Anon Obvi

If it’s something like a pair of Levi’s jeans or Dr. Martens boots, obviously they’re not going to return them without finding the transaction because Nordstrom is not the only place that sells them. And sometimes they won’t return an item even if it says Nordstrom on the tag because people steal from Nordstrom every day for the sole reason of “returning as a gift” and getting free money.

Anon Obvi

Abusing Nordstrom’s return policy is directly taking away money from employees, not the company. Nordstrom sales associates are commission-based and any returns affect their paychecks. Wearing a pair of $200 shoes for a month and then retuning them because you found a cuter pair is not only wrong, but is (in every employee’s eyes) theft.

Igor Sandler

And what about their policy when they(Nordstrom return department) admit receiving a return, then they lost it on their premises and because of that they are refusing a refund? What are we supposed to do in this case? In this is not a single case, it’s all over the internet including BBB

Twana

I went to return a pair of designer sneakers I purchased 2 years ago and wore 2 times. The left foot didn’t feel right. I checked the website about returns and it said no time limit. It also stated case by case and if you abused their return policy. I never did, I talked to the store manager on duty y and he refused my return stating they don’t do returns on designers.

He tried to show me a card, which I stated I never received 2 years ago, which I read is part of a new return policy. I asked can he show me the return policy he is quoting in writing and he said it is not in writing and I asked him, how would I know about this policy if I can’t read it.

I left a message for the regional manager and I will call the store manager tomorrow. I don’t feel comfortable with his reasoning and I will take it further if need be.

unknown sender

Hia, not sure if you are going to see this but i am a current employee. The store manager was correct in the sense returns for designer would not be accepted after two years. Most brands like YSL and similar have a 30 day window, as other brands have a 14 day return window.

Itza

Hey I have a question, I want to return a Moncler jacket I bought a year ago but never wore it. The jacket has the original tags and everthing but I lost the receipt and paid cash would they accept the return?

John chew

I was denied because the Canada goose coat was too dirty. This issue , the dye will run if cleaned , so coat was ‘dirty’. A classic catch 22. Service manager did not seem very willing to accept returns.