Good part time job or short-term job, but not a lifestyle i want - Sales Associate Nordstrom Employee Review

3.0
Feb 2, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The 20% discount is better than nothing (although many other stores provide much more!). You get to work with fun people who enjoy fashion. Managers are usually very flexible if you need to work around a school schedule or personal plans. I worked there while i was going to school and was able to tailor my schedule to fit with my department's needs and my schedule. Also if I needed a weekend off to go skiing, if I requested it far enough in advance, there were usually no problems in getting it. As a full time employee, benefits are also nice.

Cons

I am so exhausted of having to work nights and weekends. It gets really hard when all my other friends have nights and weekends to hang out or go skiing and i have to constantly work. Also, business can get really slow after the holidays. Commission is great around thanksgiving to new years but in january to march it drops off a lot. My hours in january were close to 35 hours per week and got slashed to 15-20 in february. this causes your paycheck to be pretty unstable. also, if you work with people who steal sales and are too competitive, it can be aweful.

Explore other reviews about Nordstrom

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of working at Nordstrom is the opportunity to develop strong customer service and communication skills in a professional retail environment. Employees often enjoy benefits such as merchandise discounts, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for career growth within the company. Nordstrom is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, which allows employees to gain valuable experience in problem-solving and sales. The company also promotes teamwork and provides training programs that help employees build confidence and advance their careers. Overall, working at Nordstrom can be a rewarding experience for individuals looking to gain retail experience while working in a supportive and customer-focused workplace

Cons

While working at Nordstrom offers many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. Employees may experience pressure to meet sales goals and maintain high customer service standards, which can be stressful during busy seasons. Retail positions often require working evenings, weekends, and holidays, which may make it difficult to maintain a consistent schedule. Some employees also report that hours can fluctuate depending on business needs, affecting income and work-life balance. Additionally, dealing with difficult customers and standing for long periods can be physically and mentally demanding. Overall, the job can be fast-paced and rewarding, but it requires flexibility, patience, and strong interpersonal skills.

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.

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