Is Nordstrom Legit? (Review with Complaints and Screenshots)

People are asking, is Nordstrom legit? We’ve been there too, wondering if our money would go to waste. So we placed real orders. We wanted dress shoes, sneakers, slippers, and slip-ons. We also tested their support and even returned items to see how the whole process worked.

Here’s what we’ve found:

Nordstrom is 100% legit. It started back in 1901 and has grown into one of the most trusted department stores in the U.S. You’ll also appreciate its easy return policy and customer service. Nordstrom is even listed on the stock market, which means it’s publicly accountable and well-regulated.

But no store is perfect, so we’ll tell you the good and the not-so-good. Stick with us and by the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and whether Nordstrom is right for you.

Key Takeaways

• Nordstrom is a real, legit store with over 100 years of history.

• They offer easy returns both online and in-store.

• The Nordy Club gives free shipping, points, and early sale access.

• Everything we bought was authentic and of good quality.

• Their customer service is friendly and easy to reach by phone or chat.

• Shipping is free and fast, and you can track everything.

• Nordstrom Rack is also part of the same company and totally legitimate.

• Compared to other stores, Nordstrom feels safer and more reliable.

Is Nordstrom Legit? Expert Review

Nordstrom is a 100% legitimate retail company. It has been around for over 120 years, and has hundreds of physical stores across the U.S. The company also runs a secure online store. You can buy sneakers, slippers, clothes, and beauty products. Nordstrom sells genuine branded products and offers fair return policies.

We’ve shopped there ourselves and looked into everything.

How long has Nordstrom been around?

Nordstrom is undoubtedly legitimate. It was founded in 1901 and now runs over 380 full-size stores and 340 Nordstrom Rack outlets. It started as a small shoe store in Seattle and grew into one of the most well-known department store chains in the U.S.

When we looked into their history, we were surprised by how steady their growth has been. Nordstrom has been trusted by shoppers for generations. We’ve visited stores in cities like New York, Houston, and San Diego. Every time, the service was real and the experience was smooth.

We’ve also shopped online many times. Their website feels solid and well-designed. Payments go through without issues, and delivery always happens when promised.

Nordstrom Rack, which is their outlet version, has nearly as many stores. It offers discounted items from the same trusted brand. We’ve found amazing deals there and never had a reason to doubt their authenticity.

A company doesn’t last over 120 years unless it earns customer trust. And Nordstrom has clearly done that.

Is Nordstrom financially solid?

Nordstrom is financially strong and well-managed. In 2024, it earned nearly $15 billion in revenue and over $290 million in profit.

We took the time to dig into their financial background. Until 2025, Nordstrom was a publicly traded company. That means they had to report their income, spending, and performance openly every three months. Only real companies with strong foundations stay on the stock market that long.

Their leadership team is also experienced and stable. Erik Nordstrom is the CEO. His brother Peter is the president. They’ve been running the company for years. The CFO, Catherine Smith, handles the financial side, while Jason Morris leads their technology efforts.

Nordstrom is legitimate because you can find out all about their leadership teams. Everyone has earned fame in the e-commerce industry.

Even when they recently decided to go private, the move was handled professionally and publicly. The company stayed transparent through the entire process.

How good is Nordstrom customer service?

Nordstrom is reliable, and one big reason is that the company offers one of the best customer service teams in retail. You can reach them by phone, live chat, or email, and they offer fast, helpful support.

We’ve had personal experience with their service and can say it really stands out. One time, we wanted Balenciaga shoes, so we clicked on the live chat feature. We asked them about their availability and got a reply instantly.

Here’s the screenshot of the chat that happened between us and the Nordstrom team:

Here’s how you can contact Nordstrom:

Does Nordstrom have a good loyalty program?

Nordstrom’s loyalty program, The Nordy Club, is one of the best in retail. Members earn points for every dollar spent and get access to free shipping, early sales, exclusive events, and more.

We’ve been Nordy Club members for years, and honestly, it’s one of the reasons we keep going back. The perks feel real. Even at the entry-level, which they call “Insider,” you start earning points right away. The more you spend, the higher you go.

Next is “Influencer,” and after that, “Ambassador.” Each tier unlocks better rewards.

One of our favorite benefits is early access to the Anniversary Sale. That’s when you can grab new-season items at lower prices, and things sell out fast. Being a member means you can shop before the general public.

They also offer something called Double Points Days. You choose when to use them, and it helps rack up points faster. We usually save these for big purchases.

If you shop in-store, members get access to free basic alterations. Online, they offer free two-day shipping on many items. And if you like personalized help, you get access to exclusive styling sessions.

The app also tracks your points and tier status, so you always know where you stand.

Does Nordstrom sell real and good quality products?

Nordstrom is legit, as it only sells authentic, high-quality merchandise across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle categories. They carry popular luxury labels and trusted beauty brands.

They carry big names like Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Estée Lauder, UGG, and more. Plus, they have their own exclusive lines like Zella and BP., which we found surprisingly good.

We’ve also shopped at Nordstrom Rack, which is their off-price division. That’s where you find last-season or overstocked items from the main store. The prices are lower, but the quality is the same. We’ve scored brand-name shoes for under half their original price more than once.

Another thing we noticed is how clean and professional their packaging is. You can tell it’s coming from a trusted source. Everything arrives with tags, in original boxes or wraps, and in perfect condition.

There’s also peace of mind because Nordstrom stands behind its products. If you’re not happy, you can return it without any drama.

How does Nordstrom make shopping easy?

Nordstrom offers a smooth shopping experience both online and in-store. People have praises about their website, app, service hubs, and even verified sellers on trusted platforms. Everything is connected, so you can shop how you want.

In 2011, they launched their app, and it’s kept getting better. You can browse, pay, chat with customer service, and even manage your loyalty points right inside it.

For local shopping, they’ve opened what they call “Nordstrom Local.” These aren’t regular stores. They’re small service hubs where you can pick up online orders, make returns, or get help from a stylist. We tried one in Los Angeles and loved how fast and easy it made everything.

They’ve even got verified seller accounts on platforms like Amazon and eBay. If you buy from those, just make sure the seller is listed as “Nordstrom” or “Nordstrom Rack.” That way, you know it’s still the real deal.

Who owns Nordstrom and is it still family run?

Nordstrom is still led by the founding family. The Nordstrom brothers, Erik and Peter, are at the helm and in 2025. According to CNBC, they led a $6.25 billion deal to take the company private again so they could focus on long-term growth.

We looked into this closely because strong leadership says a lot about whether a company is trustworthy.

Erik Nordstrom is the CEO. Peter Nordstrom is the president. These aren’t just figureheads. They’ve worked at every level of the company, and they care about keeping the original values alive.

Does Nordstrom have real stores?

Nordstrom has over 100 full-line stores and 240 Nordstrom Rack locations across the U.S. It also ships globally and has international shopping sites for customers outside the country. You can visit the official website and use the “Nordstrom store locator” option to find out the nearest store.

This was one of the first things we noticed about Nordstrom. You can actually walk into their stores. Their locations are spread across major cities and suburbs, and you can easily find one near you.

We’ve visited their flagship store in Seattle and also smaller stores in shopping centers. The experience is consistent. Here’s the picture we took of Nordstrom’s store:

Nordstrom Rack has an even bigger footprint. It’s perfect if you want quality brands without paying full price. And now, you can even return Nordstrom.com orders at Rack locations, which we’ve done and found really convenient.

They also ship globally, so shoppers outside the U.S. can still buy from them. Their international sites are easy to use, and the shipping options are clear.

What is Nordstrom’s return policy like?

Nordstrom is legitimate, as it offers a very generous and flexible return policy. Most items can be returned up to 365 days after purchase, and returns are accepted both in-store and by mail.

This is one area where Nordstrom really stands out. We’ve returned items both online and in person, and each time, the process was smooth. You'll see this if you ever try to return an item:

Here’s how to return something to Nordstrom:

In-store return: Just bring the item to any register. No receipt? They can usually look it up for you.

Return by mail: You can start the return on their website. They’ll email you a shipping label. If you don’t have a printer, just take the QR code to any FedEx or USPS location and they’ll print the label for you.

Important Point: Returns are processed in 8 to 12 business days, and refunds come in about 3 to 5 days after that.

They also accept eligible Nordstrom.com returns at Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom Local stores, which is super handy.

One thing we love is how fair they are. If you’ve lost the tags or the receipt, they still try to help. They usually refund you onto the original payment method, but if they can’t find the sale, they’ll give you a gift card instead.

Honestly, this is the kind of return policy that builds trust.

Is Nordstrom safe to shop online?

Nordstrom.com is one of the safest online stores to shop from. They use fraud detection and encrypted connections to protect your payment and personal information.

We’ve shopped from Nordstrom’s site and app for years. Every time, the process feels secure. You can pay with a major credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna, or Afterpay. If you’re a Nordstrom employee, you’ll get extra discounts on these options. Here’s the proof:

Once you place an order, you get a confirmation right away. Then, you can track your shipment from start to finish. They send email updates with expected delivery dates, and the tracking is always accurate.

We use their mobile app a lot too. It’s clean, fast, and gets regular updates. On the App Store, it has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and we can see why. It’s one of the best shopping apps we’ve tried.

They’ve also partnered with trusted shipping services like ShopRunner. That gives you free two-day shipping on eligible items if you're a member.

Is Nordstrom an ethical and responsible company?

Getting straight to the point:

Nordstrom is not fake, as it is committed to ethical practices. The company focuses on sustainability, and giving back through its social programs. They’re open about how they source products and treat workers.

We did some research into how they operate behind the scenes. One thing that stood out is their investment in diversity. They also take sustainability seriously. They’ve reduced packaging waste and offer “green” shipping options where possible. If you care about environmental impact, this is something to feel good about.

Their charitable arm, Nordstrom Cares, supports causes ranging from youth empowerment to community health. They’ve also helped during disaster relief efforts.

On the business side, they follow a strict Code of Ethics and publish it publicly. That kind of transparency tells us they take responsibility seriously.

Their privacy policy is easy to find, and they’re compliant with major consumer protection laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and GDPR for international users. That means your data is handled with care.

What do customers and experts say about Nordstrom?

Nordstrom is safe, and it has an excellent reputation with both customers and industry experts. It holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and high scores on major review sites.

We checked Nordstrom’s reviews on Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and ResellerRatings. The overall ratings are consistently solid. Most people praise the fast shipping and helpful customer service.

Security sites like APIVoid and ScamAdviser both give Nordstrom a 100% trust score. That’s a rare thing to see and a strong sign the site is safe and verified.

Nordstrom has also been featured in big names like Forbes and Newsweek. It’s been recognized as one of the most trustworthy retailers in America, and it ranks on the Fortune 500 list.

We also see it recommended by stylists, influencers, and even celebrities.

How good is Nordstrom’s shipping?

Nordstrom’s shipping is fast and free. Every time we’ve ordered from them, the delivery has come on time. You get a tracking number right after your order is shipped, and the updates are clear. We always knew where our package was and when it would arrive.

What we really like is that everything comes straight from Nordstrom’s own warehouses.

If you don’t want to wait for shipping, they let you pick up your order at a nearby store.

Nordstrom also offer international shipping. If you're shopping from outside the US, they’ll show you delivery times and taxes before you place the order, which makes the whole process less stressful.

What do big websites and news outlets say about Nordstrom?

Nordstrom is not a scam. In fact, it has a really strong reputation. Trusted media like Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Vogue Business have all said good things about Nordstrom. Not just once, but many times.

Want proof?

For example, in late 2024, the Nordstrom family decided to take the company private. That means they stopped trading on the stock market so they could focus more on long-term goals. Vogue Business covered that story in detail and said it was a smart move for the future.

Bloomberg reported that even during tough times for retail, Nordstrom Rack was doing great. Their sales went up when others were struggling. Business Insider (our favorite) wrote about their Anniversary Sale.

Other outlets like CNBC and the Wall Street Journal said that Nordstrom is one of the few big retail names that still know how to mix in-store and online shopping well.

In our opinion, all of this tells us the brand is still delivering what shoppers want.

Similarly, Nordstrom is winning on social media, too. Here’s the table:

Is Nordstrom Rack Legit Too?

Nordstrom Rack is absolutely legit. It’s owned by Nordstrom, so it follows the same policies and standards. The only real difference is that Nordstrom Rack sells items at lower prices. Most of the products are from past seasons or overstock from Nordstrom itself.

We’ve shopped at Nordstrom Rack many times. You’ll find real brands like Nike, UGG, Calvin Klein, and more. The deals are solid, especially on shoes, jackets, and beauty products. Sometimes you can even score high-end designer stuff at major discounts.

They also accept returns on most items. You can return Nordstrom.com purchases at a Nordstrom Rack store, which is super convenient. Their customer service may be a little slower compared to Nordstrom, but it’s still helpful.

Nordstrom Reviews and Complaints

Like any big retailer, Nordstrom gets a mix of reviews. Most people say they love the selection, service, and how easy returns are. But there are still a few common complaints that come up in online reviews.

One complaint we’ve seen often is about return delays. People say they mailed something back and had to wait longer than expected for their refund. Some said it took two weeks instead of the usual five days.

Jessica M. (Trustpilot): “I love Nordstrom, but my return took almost three weeks to process. I had to call twice just to get a refund. They were polite, but I wish it were faster.”

Another common complaint is about wrong or late deliveries. A few customers said the item they received wasn’t what they ordered, or it came later than promised. This doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, it can be frustrating.

Aaron D. (Reddit): “My order came late, and then it was the wrong item. To their credit, they fixed it and gave me a gift card, but it was annoying.”

People also talk about issues with customer support. Chat hours are limited. We once had a question about the return policy regarding shoes, so we sent them a text. They replied that they are not available at the moment. Here’s the screenshot of Nordstrom’s reply to us:

Is Nordstrom Legit for Shoes?

Nordstrom is completely legit when it comes to shoes. They sell real, brand-name shoes from trusted companies like Nike, Adidas, Vans, UGG, and more. You can also find high-end designer shoes like Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin.

We’ve bought sneakers, boots, and dress shoes from Nordstrom, and every pair arrived in perfect condition, with original boxes and tags. The quality matched the price. Plus, they always offer free returns in case something doesn’t fit or feel right.

Their sizing guides are also accurate, and customer reviews on the site help a lot. That makes it easier to find the right size and style.

If you care about getting authentic, top-quality shoes, Nordstrom is a safe and trustworthy place to shop.

Is Nordstrom Good Quality?

Nordstrom is known for carrying high-quality products. They sell both well-known luxury brands and their own in-house lines, and we’ve found the quality to be consistent in both.

We’ve personally bought shoes and accessories from Nordstrom. Nothing ever felt cheap or poorly made.

Is Nordstrom Expensive?

Nordstrom is generally expensive when it comes to price. But in our experience, the prices reflect the brands they carry and the service they offer. You’re getting access to top names and excellent customer support.

If you want better value, you can also shop their sales or check out Nordstrom Rack. We’ve saved a lot that way without sacrificing quality.

Nordstrom vs Others (A Comparison)

If you're shopping for legit shoes online, there are a lot of options. We’ve compared Nordstrom with some other popular names below.

Conclusion: So, Should You Shop at Nordstrom?

The bottom line is:

Nordstrom is 100 percent legit. They’ve been around since 1901 and are known for carrying top-quality brands like Nike, UGG, and Steve Madden. People trust them because the products are real. Plus, the service is great and returns are easy. Millions of shoppers trust Nordstrom both in stores and online every day.

In short, Nordstrom is a solid place to find what you need (without worrying).