Where are the deals? Experts weigh in on Nordstrom sale as people complain about small discount (PHOTOS)

Nordstrom Canada’s highly anticipated liquidation sales have begun, but Canadians are  unimpressed with deals currently offered by the retailer. In Toronto and Vancouver, shoppers encountered minuscule 5% discounts on clothing, bags, and shoes. Lisa Hutcheson, retail consultant at J.C.

Williams Group, visited the sale at Nordstrom’s Toronto Eaton Centre location (which is conveniently near their office) on Tuesday. She found that it was busy, with people doing a lot of window shopping, but not a lot of buying.

nordstrom

Lisa Hutcheson “I think they were all expecting more, and then seeing the 5%, and moving on,” she told Daily Hive over the phone.

nordstrom

Lisa Hutcheson

It was the same vibe in Vancouver, where customers milled around the Pacific Centre location, but most didn’t seem too keen on making a purchase.

Daily Hive Vancouver “Five per cent discounts are insulting to shoppers, but not surprised they are starting low,” David Ian Gray, retail strategist with Dig360 told Daily Hive over email. He says that it’s important to note that Nordstrom is no longer making pricing decisions.

“This is in the hands of the Canadian liquidators, who are not in the business of good customer experience,” explained Gray. “It’s not their job.” The liquidation sale, led by Hilco Merchant Retail Solutions ULC and Gordon Brothers Canada, is expected to be completed by late June. A Nordstrom spokesperson did clarify with Daily Hive that the maximum discount its currently offering is one-fifth off the base price.

“Customers can shop up to 20% off beginning today, March 21. We do not have details about any further discount at this time.” But it seems like not many shoppers aren’t seeing this higher markdown.

Liquidation sale @Nordstrom is 5% off right now.

What a joke. — Lindsay Harris ?? (@lindsayGlowbaby) March 21, 2023

On top of the small start, shoppers hoping to get deals on Chanel bags or Gucci belts are probably out of luck. Hutcheson says products from those luxury brands have most likely been shipped off to their standalone stores in the US.

“When I see the amount of merchandise that’s here now, I don’t think [Nordstrom] is going to go super deep with sales in the coming days,” she said.

So, what do customers really have to look forward to then?

Gray says it would be reasonable for liquidators to begin by keeping items as close to full value as possible. He adds that discounts on popular brands, styles, and sizes will go first. Since luxury brand items have most likely been taken back, that’ll leave shoppers to choose from Nordstrom’s private labels and other brands that aren’t contracted to retain ownership of unsold items.

And when we get past this liquidation, shoppers can also look forward to what could be replacing the gaping hole in malls left by Nordstrom. Hutcheson attributes the downfall of the Seattle-based company to the unnecessary amount of store locations, the effects of a pandemic that shut down in-person shopping and decimated fashion retailers, and not knowing the Canadian customer’s needs. “The spotlight will now be firmly on US performance in the next year or two and I expect to see store closures there,” added Gray.

Hutcheson says the exit of Nordstrom will force shopping centres to diversify what they choose to fill these spaces with. “Having it not just retail focussed, but having some tourism and some entertainment sprinkled amongst the mix to make it a little bit more diverse of a property,” she said. The retail consultant gives the example of a German outdoor retailer called Globetrotter, which has a pool and a rock climbing space available for customers to use.

“Customers drive two to four hours and they spend two hours when they come to the store, so it’s a very immersive experience,” she said. “So it’s really seeing things like that in terms of trying to create more destination-type shopping.”

Before you head out to check out the sale, make sure you’re up to date on information regarding Nordstrom gift cards, returns, and the Nordy Club Canada Program.

With files from Megan Devlin.

Tags:

attractiontix listed on couponmatrix.ukbar-block listed on couponmatrix.ukemp listed on couponmatrix.ukhippowaste listed on couponmatrix.ukhouse-of-fraser listed on couponmatrix.uksimply-scuba listed on couponmatrix.uk
attractiontix listed on couponmatrix.ukAttractionTix are one of the most trusted suppliers for tickets to the best attractions, theme parks and tours all over the world. Offering advance tickets that can get you into attractions quicker and easier, AttractionTix offer exclusive UK packages that just aren't available with other suppliers. So why not use an AttractionTix discount code and select your perfect ticketed treat or day out?
bar-block listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you’re looking for a full and flavoursome breakfast to start your day, something delicious for your lunch break, a bit of luxury for dinner with friends, or a special date night, you’ll find everything you need and more at Bar and Block. Famous for their succulent steaks, you’ll also find plenty of veggie-friendly meals, so you can use your Bar and Block voucher with confidence knowing no-one will feel left out. There’s something for everyone at Bar and Block.
emp listed on couponmatrix.ukEstablished over 30 years ago, EMP is Europe’s largest store for TV, gaming, movies and music merch, stocking over 20,000 products. With a EMP voucher code from us you can save big on incredible apparel and collectors items. Re-discover the world of Harry Potter, Marvel Universe and latest from DC blockbusters, or wear your heart on your sleeve with your favourite band tee from EMP.
hippowaste listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re planning a renovation, a major clear out or demolishing an old shed then you have to think about what you’re going to do with the waste. Do you have to hire a flatbed and go to the dump? Do you try to hide it all in bin bags so your binman takes it all or is there a better solution? Well, this is exactly why HIPPO exist. They offer waste collection services for all kinds of waste. Hippo provides heavy duty waste bags and skips you can fill them with whatever waste you have that they will come and dispose of. Make use of our voucher codes and save yourself money on the UK’s premier waste removal service. HIPPO is the answer for cost effective and convenient rubbish removal. If you’re clearing small amounts of garden waste or completing a major home renovation, HIPPO’s range of skips, bags, and Man & Van services mean there’s always the right option for you. Over One Million satisfied customers have found the right solution with HIPPO. Don’t just take our word for it, you can check out the reviews on Trust Pilot where they have an overall score of 9.2 out of ten from thousands of satisfied customers’ reviews.
house-of-fraser listed on couponmatrix.ukWant to find all your favourite brands in one place? From fashion and fragrances to lingerie and linen, House of Fraser stocks every brand imaginable, putting prime catwalk items and designer deals at the forefront of the store. Whatever department you’re after, use your House of Fraser discount code to get all your luxury labels for a lot less. You’ll have baskets filled with bargains in no time.
simply-scuba listed on couponmatrix.ukGet out and explore the ocean with Simply Scuba. They are the UK’s leading supplier of all things scuba diving and underwater exploring. With your Simply Scuba discount code you can bring home everything you need to explore the ocean without breaking the bank. Whether you like free diving, deep sea excursions, or pottering around the shallows, Simply Scuba have everything you need. Get equipped from head to toe so you can hit the sea swimming.