The Rack - All over the U.S., CA Review

Stumbled upon this chain of stores ("THe Nordstrom Rack", affectionally called "The Rack.")while vacationing in CA. It is the TJMaxx of Nordstroms, only the quality of the clothes are much better than TJMaxx. Mid-level designer clothes are available (Calvin Klein, Jones New York, Lucky, Juicy, Susan Lawrence, Karen Kane, Don Hardy, etc.) at wonderfully low prices, true designer clothes (Elie Tahari, Prada, etc) at major discounts (say, $500 for a $1500 item) and certain clothing lines made especially for Norstrom. The shoe department is Imelda's dream - everything from Keen and Ecco to Cole-Hahn and Manolo.  They have an entire discount section of Neutrogena products, Palladio makeup, other makeup lines I cannot recall, Bliss products, BedHead, Paul Mitchell, etc. Their sunglass collection is immense - their costume jewelry is quality stuff and well-priced.  The lingere is one of my favorite sections.  I wear a rare bra size that I cannot find in any store except a lingere specialty store - The Rack has my size - in designer brands (Wacoal, Fantasie, Chantelle, Natori, etc.) - in glorious designs - for incredibly low prices. For example, I got a $125 bra for $24.90 on my last trip. They have the entire line of Spanx products also. My husband, who is an affecionado of Nat Nast and Davinci shirts (the shits that Charlie Sheen always wears on the show, "Two and a Half Men." These usually retail over $100.  He gets them for $30-60 each. 

Of course, it is much better to shop at a Rack that is in a state without sales tax on clothes.  That is why I am so happy that TWO have opened in MA and TWO MORE are planned.  It is much better than the 8.75-9.75% sales tax (depends on the city tax rate i addition to the state tax rate). It is SO worth the trip to the rack that everytime my husband and I visit Southern CA, we visit every Rack within a reasonable distance from where we stay. This equals at least 6 stores. I am so lucky that I have a husband that loves to shop!!

Oh - did I mention the CLEARANCE sales????? They have the "% of of the last reduced price" type clearance. That way, you can end up with $170 Christopher Blue jeans for $15. Or the aforementioned bra at the unbeleivable price.

Before the Massachusetts stores opened, we used to visit California at least once a year and spend at least $2,000 on a massve amount of clothes (we have shipped the UPS or USPS instead of carrying an extra suitcase on the plane - much cheaper. Now we can pace ourselves - and we don't spend as much.

As with any store chain, some are nicer than others. It all depends on the demographics of the area as to what type of fashions and products are likely to be there and not fly out the door as soon as they arrive from the Nordstrom stores on Tuesdays. It is a delicate science - bargain shopping - one I am glad my husband enjoys also.

They have a website - find a store near you and have a great time saving money!!