it's an elitist following with some heart - Sales Associate Nordstrom Employee Review

3.0
Jun 15, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is definitely a good title to work at Nordstrom. It garners a certain "ooh, ahh". It offers great 401K options, investment in company, and promotion ability. They train you very very well on products so you can answer almost any question, and wow your friends after work with your knowledge.

Cons

Nordstrom believes very strongly to "promote from within", something that (to a certain extent) makes its employees work hard. However, the commission levels are average to low, time off must be scheduled much much much in advance (and many times subsequently ignored), and the horde of ridiculous and unnecessary positions you can get "promoted" to is overwhelming the original philosophy. Nordstrom's public image is elitist and snobby; this, sadly, stems completely from its employees. To compensate for some of the nastiest new hires, Nordstrom will hire salespeople with shoddy English to prove themselves a "neutral" employer. The selection at Nordstrom is consistently overzealous and excellent, but the price tag is getting ridiculous. The exclusion of essentially everyone except middle to upper class is spreading wildly. The customers are getting more demanding than ever because of the new image - it feeds on each other. Most of time you feel you are selling your soul for money.

Explore other reviews about Nordstrom

5.0
Jun 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice office and great perks

Cons

Too hectic and no direction

2.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent base pay, somewhat autonomous, great tip potential.

Cons

The company has changed for the worse since COVID. When I came back the mood of the entire store had shifted. Gone were the days of comradery, customer focus, and taking pride in a job well done. In its place there is a new culture of cutthroat sales, a severe decline in customer focus, and worst of all a new focus on profit over customer satisfaction. When I was told that the amount the store charged for a shoe shine was not enough to do the best job I could for a customer I knew things had gone downhill for the company. Not to mention I watch a manager prey on a mentally disabled person in order to secure a sale, when the person could not understand what was being offered. Sad that such a once great company is now just another greed ridden corporation.

2
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All