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.

ihg-hotels listed on couponmatrix.ukkitbox listed on couponmatrix.ukkrispy-kreme listed on couponmatrix.ukmac listed on couponmatrix.ukonepiece listed on couponmatrix.ukpretty-little-thing listed on couponmatrix.uk
ihg-hotels listed on couponmatrix.ukAn unforgettable experience awaits at IHG. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet on a business trip, a memorable romantic getaway or celebration for all the family, you’ll find your dream home from home at an IHG hotel. Save on the price of your next trip away with our IHG discount codes and offers – thanks to our round-up of discounts, you can easily book the best hotels in vibrant cities across the globe. Expect amazing membership rewards and incredible prices when you travel the world with IHG.
kitbox listed on couponmatrix.ukPower your workouts with Kitbox, the fitness clothing and footwear brand that helps get your goals on track. The collection features high-performance leggings, T-shirts, joggers and shorts designed for any sport, and it can be affordable too with a Kitbox discount code from Groupon. Check out the great prices on sports gear in the Kitbox sale, send a gift card to the gym bunny in your life and join the community of like-minded fitness fans. There’s so much to love about Kitbox! Purchasing new gym wear can be expensive, but these prices help make fitness accessible to everyone. You can pick up some great gym basics in the Kitbox sale, including tank tops, socks and snapbacks – follow our page as we’re always hunting for the best Kitbox offers available in the sale and beyond. With Groupon’s help, you can save money on the essentials and start hitting fitness goals. Whether you favour football or weight training, Kitbox has you covered with sports clothing suitable for different workouts and options for both men and women. There’s also a nutrition section where you can stock up on protein bars and supplements to push your workout the extra mile. When you’re ready to make a purchase, a Kitbox voucher code from Groupon can swoop in to make the price even more palatable!
krispy-kreme listed on couponmatrix.ukWith more than eighty years in the business, Krispy Kreme has established itself as the world’s favourite supplier of big, delicious doughnuts. Grab a Krispy Kreme voucher and tuck into some of these tasty treats for less. Whether you prefer the iconic original glazed doughnuts or you like something a little more adventurous, there really is nothing better than tucking into a Krispy Kreme.
mac listed on couponmatrix.ukMAC is a cosmetics brand without equal, with a wide range of innovative products individually crafted to allow everybody to incredible, whatever their race, age or gender. From primer to bronzer, these amazing items are sure to help you shine, so pick up a MAC discount code and save a small fortune on your new go-to cosmetic products. Whilst beauty may only be skin deep, the ethics behind this brand can help you feel as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside.
onepiece listed on couponmatrix.ukIn 2007, the core product of the Onepiece brand, the original jumpsuit, was created to capture the essence of a carefree Sunday evening. Today, Onepiece is the leader in premier leisurewear, inspiring others to take part in 'the art of slacking' with its array of comfortable fashions and accessories. Distributed in over 1000 retailers worldwide, Onepiece is enjoyed by slacker of all backgrounds and lifestyles. Get cosy with a One Piece discount code and settle down for a day of blissful idleness for less. With leisurewear so comfortable, you'll never want to take it off.
pretty-little-thing listed on couponmatrix.ukDress bold and make yourself known with Pretty Little Thing, the woman’s fashion brand that has no trouble turning heads. From cosy faux fur coats to delicate dresses that you’ll adore, you’ll have no shortage of fine threads to get for less with the latest Pretty Little Thing discount code. By constantly inventing new seasonal styles that liven up any wardrobe, Pretty Little Thing ensures it’s always setting rather than following the trend.