If you work at Nordstrom—or are thinking about joining their team—one of the sweetest perks you’ll hear about is the employee discount. It’s not just some minor price cut either; we’re talking real savings on some of the trendiest clothes, shoes, and even home stuff.
Let’s break it down in plain English: how it works, who gets what, what you can (and can’t) buy with it, and how to actually use it. Plus, I’ll answer some of the most common questions employees have.
What’s the Nordstrom Employee Discount?
At Nordstrom, employees get either 20% or 33% off, depending on their role.
Regular employees (think sales associates, backroom staff, etc.) get 20% off.
Management-level employees (store managers, department heads, etc.) get a generous 33% off.
It’s a pretty solid perk, especially considering you can stack it on top of sale and clearance items. So, if something’s already marked down, your employee discount still applies.
Who’s Eligible?
This part’s pretty simple. To qualify for the discount, you must:
Be actively employed at Nordstrom (either part-time or full-time).
Have received your first paycheck and been issued an employee number.
Even seasonal and temporary employees may be eligible, depending on how long they’re working and what the employment agreement says.
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Family Discount: Who Else Can Use It?
Here’s where it gets a little more specific.
You can’t just hand out your discount to your friends or extended family. Nordstrom is strict about this, and for good reason—it’s a valuable perk and they want to avoid misuse.
That said, your spouse and direct family members under 25 who live with you are allowed to use the discount—but there’s a catch:
The employee must make the purchase.
Family members can’t just walk in and use your number or log into your online account and place an order.
Also, any purchases made by family members using the discount won’t earn Nordstrom Rewards points.
How to Use the Discount (In Store & Online)
Once you’re eligible, here’s how to actually use the discount:
In Store:
- Bring your employee shopping pass.
- Choose your items and head to the cashier.
- Show your ID and employee pass.
- Boom—your discount gets applied at checkout.
Some stores might ask for ID, especially if the staff doesn’t recognize you. That’s just a precaution to prevent non-employees from trying to sneak one past the system.
Online:
Using the discount online is actually pretty simple. Just a heads up though—you do need a Nordstrom card that’s tied to your employee number. No way around that. So here’s what you do: First, log into your Nordstrom account (if you don’t have one yet, just make one—takes two minutes). Then, just shop like normal—add whatever you want to your cart. When you’re checking out, put in your Nordstrom card details and your billing info. Once that’s done, your discount should kick in automatically. Honestly, it’s super easy once you’ve done it once. Just don’t forget to use the right card or it won’t work.
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Are There Any Restrictions?
Yep, a few:
Gift cards are the one major exception. You cannot use your employee discount to purchase them.
Only the employee and eligible immediate family members can use the discount.
Abuse of the discount policy is taken seriously—if you’re caught sharing it improperly, it could lead to disciplinary action or even termination.
Can You Use It on Clearance and Sale Items?
Absolutely! One of the best parts of the Nordstrom employee discount is that it works on sale and clearance items, including final markdowns. That means you can snag a high-end jacket that’s already 50% off and get an additional 20–33% off, depending on your role.
That’s when things really start to feel like a steal.
Extra Discounts During the Holidays
During certain peak times—like Christmas or special store events—Nordstrom may bump up the employee discount for a short period. The exact increase can vary depending on the store and the manager, but sometimes employees can get up to 33% off, even if they’re not in a management role.
It’s not guaranteed and it’s not across all stores, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
Also, Employees of the Month often get a 33% discount as part of Nordstrom’s reward system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often can I use my employee discount?
As often as you like! There’s no limit—you can use it every day if you want, as long as you’re eligible and following the rules.
2. Can I share my discount with friends?
Nope. Only direct family members under 25 who live with you—and your spouse—can use it. And even then, you have to make the purchase.
3. What if I get promoted? Will my discount change?
Yes! If you move into a management role, your discount bumps up from 20% to 33%. Pretty great incentive, right?
4. Do I get points on my purchases with the discount?
Not always. If you’re using your employee discount, you generally won’t earn Nordstrom Rewards points on those purchases.
Final Thoughts
The Nordstrom employee discount is one of the better retail perks out there, especially considering it applies to clearance and sale items. Whether you’re working part-time or managing a store, getting a break on top-quality fashion and home goods never hurts.
But remember—don’t abuse it. Nordstrom has strict rules about who can use the discount and how. Use it the right way, and it can really be a great little boost to your wardrobe (and your bank account).
So, if you’re just starting out at Nordstrom or thinking of applying—yes, the discount is definitely worth it.
