Was it a "designer" item? I've found
Nordstrom to be very strict on price matching for designer items, but not so much on other non-designer items.
Here's their official policy:
Price Matching
At
Nordstrom we are committed to offering you the best possible prices. We will be glad to meet our competitor's pricing if you ever find an item that we offer, in the same color and size, available from a
similar retailer. Please call 1-888-282-6060 to place your order.
Please note that designer goods and cosmetics are not included in this policy. We are unable to match prices from auction and outlet stores or websites, as well as other retailers' discount promotions, shipping offers and gift card offers.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/pricing-policy?origin=srcontent