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:

oliver-bonas listed on couponmatrix.ukso-sure listed on couponmatrix.uksweaty-betty listed on couponmatrix.ukthomas-cook listed on couponmatrix.ukvictorian-plumbing listed on couponmatrix.uk999inks listed on couponmatrix.uk
oliver-bonas listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you're looking to fill out your wardrobe or replace it entirely, you can rely on Oliver Bonas to provide you with something stylish and long-lasting. Selling a diverse range of fashion, jewellery, accessories, furniture and homeware, there's plenty to save on with an Oliver Bonas discount code. Why not have a gander and pick out something new from the Bonas wardrobe to make your own? We guarantee there's something here to fill the gap in your household!
so-sure listed on couponmatrix.ukChoose SO-SURE for insurance that’s a win-win. Get covered in minutes for phone and contents insurance, covering everything from laptops and appliances to the food in your freezer! SO-SURE’s quick and easy service makes it easy to sign-up, and even easier to make a claim if the unexpected happens. With a SO SURE promo code from us, you can save on peace of mind and insurance policies that work for you.
sweaty-betty listed on couponmatrix.ukArguably the world’s ultimate female empowerment clothing producer, Sweaty Betty is the brand that active women turn to when they want kit that’s guaranteed to look and feel incredible - and never let them down. On top of all the confidence-boosting styles on offer, the Sweaty Betty discount code will give your spending power a healthy upgrade too - making it easier than ever to buy gear that lets you perform at your very best from the moment you put it on.
thomas-cook listed on couponmatrix.ukFly away in style with the help of Thomas Cook. Whether it’s a city break, backpacking holiday or a cruise you’re after, you’ll be able to make a major saving on your hotels, flights and activities in your dream destination with the help of a Thomas Cook discount code on top of your next booking. Simply type in your free dates, your top spot to visit and you’ll be on your way to sun, sea and sand in no time.
victorian-plumbing listed on couponmatrix.ukWash big-spending down the drain with the beautiful range of bathrooms and accessories from Victorian Plumbing UK. From fixtures and fittings that will add sparkle to a small space to luxury bathrooms with all the bells and whistles, a Victorian Plumbing discount code from us could make all your home improvement dreams come true. With Victorian Plumbing, you can give one of the most-used rooms in your house the special attention it deserves while keeping your budget intact.
999inks listed on couponmatrix.uk999inks.co.uk is the UK's leading online retailer for printer ink cartridges and toners. They offer a wide range of products from major brands like HP, Canon, Epson and Brother, as well as compatible and remanufactured cartridges. With a wide range of products from ink and toner cartridges to stationery and paper, you can get all you need from 999inks.co.uk! And with our 999inks.co.uk coupon code, you can save even more on your purchase!