Nordstrom does price matching, which is great. Saks I've had mixed experiences with - they do not like returns (and I am not a return abuser). They didn't want to let me return a makeup item a couple of years ago that I had recently bought and didn't like. Pretty much all the other department stores will accept returns on cosmetics if you're not satisfied, but with Saks you've got to be sure you'll like it before you buy!
Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus?
- Thread starter guccigirl82
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When I'm in the States, hands down for sure, NORDSTROM!! Neiman Marcus reps are waaaayyyy too snobby and act like they own the world. Nordstrom on the other hand is shopping heaven! Everyone always professional, friendly (but not fake...like, the forced condescending smiles you get from Neiman Marcus reps). Nordstrom for sure.
Nordstrom- LOVE their customer service, but since there are none near me, I'm just stuck with it online. Still like the store, but the online version just doesn't have as many higher-end designers and I get charged tax since there's a NR in my state.
NM- Sometimes can feel a bit pretentious, but always have a nice selection of items. Also stuck with just the online version, but at least it's tax-free.
Saks- Love the atmosphere and generally a good selection of items. Have never had any issues, but there is an off 5th in my state, so I do get charged sales tax...
Barney's- I've never had customer service issues, but they sometimes seem to have too obscure of a selection. Not many typical "premier designers." At least it's tax free and they have a nice Balenciaga selection.
Bloomingdales- Only the online version (tax-free) for me. I like the overall atmosphere, but I really wish they carried more high-end designers. I've been to the SF flagship numerous times and loved it and the luxury boutiques within.
Overall, the tax-free benefits can be nice when making a large purchase. Only issues are to buy with a department store, or from the boutique. If I buy from the boutique, at least I'll have perfect packaging and nice repair service. If I get it from a department store, there is usually a better return policy and sometimes GC rewards, but less nice packaging .
NM- Sometimes can feel a bit pretentious, but always have a nice selection of items. Also stuck with just the online version, but at least it's tax-free.
Saks- Love the atmosphere and generally a good selection of items. Have never had any issues, but there is an off 5th in my state, so I do get charged sales tax...
Barney's- I've never had customer service issues, but they sometimes seem to have too obscure of a selection. Not many typical "premier designers." At least it's tax free and they have a nice Balenciaga selection.
Bloomingdales- Only the online version (tax-free) for me. I like the overall atmosphere, but I really wish they carried more high-end designers. I've been to the SF flagship numerous times and loved it and the luxury boutiques within.
Overall, the tax-free benefits can be nice when making a large purchase. Only issues are to buy with a department store, or from the boutique. If I buy from the boutique, at least I'll have perfect packaging and nice repair service. If I get it from a department store, there is usually a better return policy and sometimes GC rewards, but less nice packaging .
What I like about Nordstrom that other stores don't do- is Nordstrom will stock the highest end designers, and also some mid range pieces so you can see the entire spectrum of products if you are looking for a specific item like a scarf etc.
Of the better department stores, I've found Nordstrom to have the best customer service. They have a very generous return policy and always willing to find an item you want online or at another store and ship it to you free always, it is never a hassle like it is at some other stores. I will say they have less things I want these days, I used to spend a lot of money there but now I buy very sporadically. I like the Rack too, more in the past than now as I really just don't see much I want there, a lot of their merchandise is not from Nordstrom anymore and the prices are not as good as they used to be. They still have a better return policy than Saks Off 5th (Off 5th are very strict about 30 days). Also you can order things on nordstromrack.com or hautelook and get free shipping with certain spend and return in store for free so that's a nice feature.
I like Bloomingdales more and more, mostly I buy Pandora from them. They have very good offers with their credit card, frequent Power Points where you get a $25 gift card for every $100 you spend, even on designer items that are usually excluded from percent off discounts, such as Pandora or David Yurman. I have not seen the other department stores offer deals this good, Nordstrom definitely not. Bloomies is good about returns too.
I really don't shop at Saks or Neimans, I have bought a few things from Off 5th but there I have to make sure I want the item as their return policy is so strict.
I like Bloomingdales more and more, mostly I buy Pandora from them. They have very good offers with their credit card, frequent Power Points where you get a $25 gift card for every $100 you spend, even on designer items that are usually excluded from percent off discounts, such as Pandora or David Yurman. I have not seen the other department stores offer deals this good, Nordstrom definitely not. Bloomies is good about returns too.
I really don't shop at Saks or Neimans, I have bought a few things from Off 5th but there I have to make sure I want the item as their return policy is so strict.
I had to send a certified letter of complaint to Nordstrom about their bad customer service that I had received during the anniversary sale. I had to wait 30 to 45 minutes to paid for the tom ford perfume that I was buying. My items were sat a side by my SA and they were waiting for when I was ready to checkout. None of the other people would ring me up because it wasn't their sale. The other SAs told me that my SA was with a customer and that she will be back soon that never happened.
I think Neimans and Nordstroms are on equal footing with me... I receive great customer service from both (better at Neimans) and both are close to me so it is convenient.
Saks on the other hand, sheesh, their sales associates are SNOOTY! Especially at the Louis Vuitton stores inside Saks.
Saks on the other hand, sheesh, their sales associates are SNOOTY! Especially at the Louis Vuitton stores inside Saks.
