Can someone explain the allure of Nordstrom Rack (and other discount stores)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s one of those right place, right time things. I popped in once and found lots of Baby Boden on the final markdown rack. For less than $35 I got $200 worth of Baby Boden (that had the original prices still on it). But that doesn’t happen every time. You need to know when to time the shipments.

Imagine being this gullible. They put fake tags on inferior B-grade and defective crap.

Occam's Razor says you're just mad you paid full price for something that later ended up on a clearance rack.

Not PP, and I shop discount stores, but I agree that the "original price" stickers are total BS. Very little of Nordstrom Racks merch is actually discounted designer. It is mostly stuff manufactured specifically for discount or outlet stores. That's not a dig, and you can certainly find some quality merchandise in these stores on occasion.

It’s very easy to tell which is which. A single 100% wool Lafayette jacket on the rack vs a rack stuffed full of polyester sweaters is not the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love buying Boden for my kids from the Nordstrom Rack.

I got a great Madewell tote for a bargain.

The shoes are the best, though. NAOTs at 1/3 off? Yes please.

I don't find something every time, but that's fine. It's a great place to get Nordstrom clothes at a discount, but you have to be picky. There is better stuff on the clearance racks than on the main shelves there. That's why they are so crowded. Things come straight from the Nordstrom clearance racks to the Nordstrom Rack clearance racks.

This. Paying full prices for kids clothes is silly since they grow so fast and if you know your brands it’s nice to get them discounted.

[Anonymous]

Just bought 2 Chantelle bras — for a bit less than the price of 1.

[Anonymous]

TJ Maxx had some amazing clothes on the Runway recently. An Etro dress that was so beautiful. Not my size of course. They had classic Burberry coats and sweaters, a Gucci rack which I don’t like so I didn’t really look, plus some other brands more expensive than their usual Vince and rag and bone. I love Farm Rio and they always have that. Much better than Nordstrom Rack.

[Anonymous]

I have better luck in TJM and Marshall’s
Tons of amazing one of finds.

To each their own - shop where you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need to understand someone else’s preferences or decisions? If there is no “allure” for you, why are you not simply moving on with your day?

True Toots!

[Anonymous]

(zombie thread alert -- this thread is more than 7 months old)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I consider myself pretty thrifty but it’s all such junk. Feels gross to even shop in these stores. And such a waste of time. I feel happier at and have more successful shopping experiences at regular flagship stores.

OP I used to shop at these stores but agree with you I now just feel ick, post-Covid. Like I don't even want to touch stuff or take off my clothes in a dressing room. I'm not otherwise that squeamish!

That said, I don't shop as a hobby - when I need something I'm okay going to a nice store like Bloomingdale's for what you're calling a nice experience. I WFH and most of my free time is kid stuff. I occasionally buy a dress for a nice event etc. I see the appeal of NE etc for people who always want new stuff (and don't have a ton of $$)

[Anonymous]

Burlington is, of course, a few notches below Nordstrom Rack--the store named by OP. I'd rank NR over TJ Maxx and Marshals, and TJ Maxx and Marshals over Burlington.

This is the correct order, and Ross goes just above Burlington. I’m frequently at TJ Maxx/Marshall’s but never bother with Ross or Burlington because it’s chaos in there compared to the others which is saying a lot.

[Anonymous]

Nordstrom used to include markdowns from the regular store. I used to find great shoes there. Lately, not so much.
Too many made for NR items.

I found a great purse there a few years ago at a great price. Lately, nothing.

[Anonymous]

I never shop at these types of stores. I do not get the appeal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I consider myself pretty thrifty but it’s all such junk. Feels gross to even shop in these stores. And such a waste of time. I feel happier at and have more successful shopping experiences at regular flagship stores.

This. A lot of the store are dirty and chaotic and overrun except maybe during certain times mid- week but having gone to the same stores in other areas of the country I can safely say it's the region.
Been to discount stores outside the dmv area that are clean, orderly, friendly, good inventory, not 40 people in line with 2 cashiers or looks like a tornado just hit it with a healthy mix of true retail surplus vs made for the store with fake retail price merch, the shelves and fitting rooms don't double as garbage cans or diaper pails (Ross).
When friends visit I tell them to avoid discount stores here for their sanity. There is something seriously off with them that so many are kinda vile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These stores are a waste of time.

+10000 I've never understood the mentality of hunting for hours while shopping trying to find anything at all to buy. These places usually have nothing good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bit of a tangent - but, does anyone know someone (or perhaps yourself) that’s addicted to shopping at these stores? I honestly think a friend of mine has an addiction. She is there several times a week. She ALWAYS buys something. Anything. Clothes. Household items. Etc. her house is neat and organized but I’ve noticed tons of stuff, especially clothes still with the tags and closets full of new kitchen supplies or towels and sheets. I don’t think a day goes by where she doesn’t think about stopping at one of these stores.

Sounds like my retired and widowed mother in law. Bored and lonely, sadly, so she just makes the discount retailer rounds all week. Buys and returns 90% of it because she has no use it.

Returning it because she has no use for it is better than what many who can't stop buying "bargains" do -- which is hoard.

But why waste your time to begin with? Buying and returning as sport or a hobby it's just sick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
(zombie thread alert -- this thread is more than 7 months old)

7 months doesn’t seem that old?