Only the Strong Survive Nordstrom's Last Chance

About four years ago, I was having a conversation with a woman about where to buy a pair of designer jeans without paying the designer price.  She asked me if I had ever been to Last Chance.  I responded, "No, what's that?"  She told me its a place I could find designer jeans at a fraction of the cost.  She proceeded to tell me, "It's not like any other store you've ever shopped in.  If I were you, I wouldn't take the kids with you." I'm thinking...Wow, why not? Could it be that bad?  Being the bargain hunter that I am, and on a mission to look good while saving a buck, I had to investigate.   I have to say, I totally understood once I got there.

 Video of Last Chance at opening time

If you are a Nordstrom shopper and have utilized their liberal "No Questions Asked" return policy, you may have wondered what happens to those Jimmy Choo pumps you returned because they pinched your toes or that Armani shirt or suit that just didn't fit quite right?  Well, they end up at Last Chance.  Last Chance is Nordstrom's final-clearance store for returned and overstocked merchandise from Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom's Rack and Nordstrom.com. 

Who wouldn't want to buy quality designer items 50%-90% off the retail price, I surely do. But, Last Chance isn't for everyone.  If you don't like crowds and your patience is short, your first impression may not be a good one.  You can expect a large crowd beginning to form at least an hour prior to opening.  The veteran shoppers tend to jockey for prime positioning at the front of the gate to gain easy access to whatever items they've targeted for that day.  Many shoppers aim for the handbag bins because among the Coach, B. Makowsky, and Micheal Kors there may be a Marc Jacobs, Valentino or Burberry bag waiting to be seized, if they're lucky.  Handbags can range from $29.99-$699.99, yet retail approximately between $80-$2,500.

Customers await handbag restocking

Before the store opens its gates, an employee makes an announcement about the daily sales and advise customers of the store rules.  Rules for shopping?  Yes, there are rules such as, do not walk or run faster than the pacesetters (employees who walk slowly to the back of store to slow down the over anxious), no shoving, no profanity, no removing items from another person's basket, etc. Nonetheless, there's one rule I have to admit I was chastised for, that was to stay 2 feet back while employees are restocking an area until they give the signal to go ahead and shop. Opps, I wasn't paying attention and had an embarrassing moment. Let's just say it never happened again.

Having quick hand-eye coordination is essential when shopping at Last Chance. If you hesitate for a second, the bargain you thought you had would be more like a distant memory.  Rule of thumb is to grab, grab, grab, then evaluate later.  I know this sounds crazy, but if you don't, you will miss out on a good thing. Once you've found enough goodies, make sure to inspect your merchandise to avoid purchasing damaged goods.  There are many new items to choose from as well.  However, all sales are final and there are no exchanges.  On my first visit, I found a pair of True Religion jeans for only $49.99, which retail for $189, a pair of 7 for All Men Kind jeans for $29.99 which retail for $159 and a pair of Rock and Republic jeans for $49.99 that retail for $169.  My only problem was to decide which pair to buy.  Finding such incredible deals makes it easy to over indulge, so shop responsibly.  Recently, I stumbled across a Tory Burch clutch handbag.  Well, actually I didn't really stumble across it. It was more like snatched it up after pretending like I wasn't paying attention to the beautiful bag a woman held in her hands next to me. Once she concluded she didn't want it and placed it back in the bin, it was mine. I felt victorious. I wanted to do a happy dance, but I went to the register instead and cashed in on my prize of the day.  I love those moments.  As you can see, many deals can be found at Last Chance with a little time, persistence and most of all patience.

Check out my latest treasure. This Tory Burch 'Reva Bombé' Clutch is currently at Nordstrom.com for $325.  I paid $79.99. What a bargain!

Tory Burch leather clutch handbag with removable strap

Examples

 of 

Daily Deals

50% off Selected shoes and boots

35% off Dresses

40% off Sleeveless shirts

$2 Men shorts

25¢ Kid belts

$12.99 Kid shoes 

$1 T-Shirts and tank tops

New Leather Versace handbag

Versace handbag was $2,375 Now $699.97

Last Chance is Nordstrom's only clearance center. Its located at 1919 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona. If you are in the area and like designer apparel or just love an awesome deal, give it a try.  It could be your lucky day.