Navigating the Best Nordstrom Clearance Deals of 2026: A Complete Guide

Top Deal Categories to Watch in 2026

While the exact items change with the seasons, Nordstrom's clearance events consistently feature incredible markdowns across several key departments. Based on historical trends and shopper demand, these are the categories expected to offer the most significant savings in 2026. Focusing your search on these areas can lead to substantial discounts on high-quality merchandise.

1. Designer Handbags and Accessories

The handbag section is often the star of Nordstrom's clearance sales. Look for mid-tier luxury brands like Tory Burch, Kate Spade New York, Coach, and Marc Jacobs to be featured prominently. These deals typically range from 30% to as high as 60% off the original price. The best time to find these markdowns is often at the end of a season, such as late winter or late summer, when the store makes room for new inventory. Beyond just handbags, this category includes wallets, cardholders, and tech accessories from these same designers, making it possible to get a coordinated set at a fraction of the cost.

To maximize your chances, pay close attention to classic silhouettes in seasonal colors. A timeless tote or crossbody bag in a color from the previous season is a prime candidate for a deep discount. These items retain their style and functionality long after the season has passed, offering incredible value. Don't forget to check the "New to Sale" filter online, as the most sought-after bags tend to sell out within days, if not hours, of being marked down.

2. Premium and Designer Denim

Premium denim is an investment, and clearance sales are the perfect opportunity to acquire high-end jeans without the high-end price tag. Brands like AG, Frame, Mother, Good American, and Paige frequently appear in the clearance section. Discounts often start around 40% off and can go deeper on specific styles or washes that are being phased out. This is a fantastic chance to try a new trend, like a wide-leg or straight-leg cut, or to stock up on a favorite skinny or bootcut style you know and love.

The key to shopping for denim on clearance is to be flexible with washes and finishes. The core fits often remain, but the specific washes from one season are replaced by new ones the next. This is why you'll find excellent deals on perfectly good styles. Be sure to use Nordstrom's detailed online size guides and read customer reviews, as sizing can vary significantly between these premium brands. Filtering by your size first will save you the disappointment of finding the perfect pair only to realize it's sold out in your size.

3. Women's Footwear: Boots, Sandals, and Sneakers

The shoe department is another treasure trove during Nordstrom clearance events. The discounts are heavily influenced by the season. For example, the best deals on leather boots, booties, and weather-resistant footwear will appear in late winter and early spring (February-April). Conversely, sandals, wedges, and espadrilles see their most significant price drops in late summer and early fall (August-October). This predictable cycle allows you to plan ahead and purchase quality footwear for the next year at a steep discount.

Beyond seasonal styles, look for deals on athletic and comfort brands like Nike, Adidas, Hoka, and Birkenstock, which may have select colorways or older models marked down. Designer shoes from brands like Stuart Weitzman or Sam Edelman also make frequent appearances. These deals provide an excellent opportunity to snag a pair of high-quality heels for special occasions or durable, stylish boots that will last for years.

4. Men's Suiting, Dress Shirts, and Accessories

For men, the clearance section is an ideal place to build or refresh a professional wardrobe. Look for significant markdowns on suits, blazers, and dress pants from house brands like Nordstrom Men's Shop as well as popular names like BOSS, Ted Baker, and Peter Millar. These sales often occur after major holidays or at the end of traditional business seasons. You can often find a complete suit for the price of what a single jacket would cost at full price.

Don't overlook the accessories. High-quality leather belts, silk ties, and dress socks are consistently on sale and make excellent wardrobe staples. It's also a good time to look for deals on men's watches and cologne gift sets, especially after Father's Day or the winter holidays. These items are often overstocked and get moved to clearance to make way for new products.

5. Beauty and Fragrance Value Sets

While individual beauty products are less likely to go on clearance unless being discontinued, the real value lies in the gift and value sets. After major holidays like Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day, Nordstrom often marks down the remaining exclusive sets. These kits from brands like MAC, Kiehl's, Estée Lauder, and Lancôme already offer a built-in value, and the extra clearance discount makes them an incredible bargain. This is the best way to stock up on your favorite skincare, makeup, or fragrance, or to sample a new brand at a lower price point.

Pay special attention to the fragrance section. Gift sets that include a full-size bottle along with a travel spray or lotion are often discounted to a price that is less than the full-size bottle alone. These deals are typically available online and can be found by filtering the beauty sale section for "Gifts & Sets."

6. Outerwear and Seasonal Coats

Patience pays off when it comes to buying outerwear. The deepest discounts on winter coats, puffers, and trenches happen in the spring and summer when demand is lowest. This is your chance to get high-quality coats from brands like The North Face, Barbour, Cole Haan, and Patagonia for up to 50-60% off. While it may feel strange to buy a heavy parka in May, you'll be thankful when winter arrives and you're already prepared with a premium coat you bought for a fraction of the price.

When shopping for off-season outerwear, focus on timeless styles and neutral colors like black, navy, camel, or grey. These pieces will remain stylish for many seasons to come. Be sure to read reviews regarding fit and warmth to ensure the coat meets your needs, whether you're looking for a lightweight transitional jacket or a heavy-duty parka for harsh weather.

The Nordstrom Sales Cycle: More Than Just an Anniversary

Many shoppers know about the famous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but the store's clearance strategy is a year-round affair. Understanding this calendar is key to anticipating when the best deals will drop in 2026. Nordstrom typically operates on a schedule of major and minor sales. The major events are the Anniversary Sale (July/August), the Half-Yearly Sales (May/June and December/January), and Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November).

However, clearance markdowns happen continuously. The store regularly adds new items to its sale section, usually at the end of each month as seasons change. These smaller, ongoing sales are where you can find hidden gems. For example, spring clothing goes on sale in late June to make way for pre-fall collections. This constant flow of new markdowns means it's always worth checking the clearance section, not just during the well-publicized events. Setting up alerts on the Nordstrom app for specific brands or items can help you catch these deals the moment they happen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping Nordstrom Clearance

How can I find the best deals before they sell out?

The most popular clearance items, especially in common sizes, can sell out very quickly. To get ahead, preparation is key. Use the "Wish List" feature on Nordstrom's website or app. Add full-price items you're interested in to your list, and you'll receive a notification if they ever get marked down. This saves you from having to constantly check the site.

Another effective strategy is to regularly browse the "New to Sale" section. You can filter this page by category, brand, and size to quickly see the latest markdowns. The best time to check is often early in the morning, as the website is typically updated overnight. Finally, consider following Nordstrom on social media or subscribing to their email newsletter for announcements about upcoming sale events, which can give you a heads-up before the general public starts shopping.

What is the difference between Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack clearance?

This is a common point of confusion for shoppers. Nordstrom is the company's full-line, premium department store. Items found in its clearance section are first-quality merchandise from the most recent seasons that have been marked down to make room for new inventory. These are the same products that were recently sold at full price in the store.

Nordstrom Rack, on the other hand, is Nordstrom's off-price retail division. Its inventory is a mix of several sources. Some of it is clearance merchandise that was transferred from full-line Nordstrom stores. However, a large portion of its stock is made specifically for Nordstrom Rack, or it's purchased from brands that are liquidating past-season inventory. While you can find amazing deals at both, the clearance section at a full-line Nordstrom store is where you'll find the most recent styles from their core brand offerings.

Can you return items bought from the Nordstrom clearance section?

One of the best things about shopping at Nordstrom is its customer-friendly return policy, which generally extends to clearance items. Unlike many retailers where sale items are "final sale," Nordstrom typically allows returns on clearance merchandise. The policy is handled on a case-by-case basis, but for the most part, items that are unworn and in their original condition can be returned for a refund or exchange.

It's always a good practice to double-check the product page for any specific disclaimers before purchasing. Occasionally, items with extremely deep discounts (e.g., 70% off or more) might be marked as final sale, but this is the exception rather than the rule. This generous policy removes much of the risk of buying on clearance, as you can feel confident trying a new size or style knowing you can likely return it if it doesn't work out.

Conclusion

Shopping the Nordstrom clearance sales in 2026 is an excellent strategy for acquiring high-quality fashion, beauty, and home goods at a significant discount. By focusing on key categories like designer accessories, premium denim, footwear, and seasonal outerwear, you can find incredible value. Understanding the store's sales calendar and using tools like the wish list feature can give you an edge, ensuring you find the best items before they sell out. With a bit of planning and strategic browsing, you can elevate your wardrobe and home without breaking your budget.

Related Resources:

• Official Nordstrom Sale Section
• Nordstrom Main Website