Nordstrom guide
Nordstrom Marketplace vs wholesale: what changes for your brand
Quick answer
On Nordstrom Marketplace, your brand owns the inventory, sets its own prices, and ships each order to the customer, while Nordstrom presents the products and handles customer service. In wholesale, Nordstrom buys your inventory and sets the retail price. Nordstrom described its marketplace as a way to expand its selection beyond its traditional wholesale partnerships.
Back to the Nordstrom Marketplace guide.
Last reviewed: October 8, 2026 · Based on Nordstrom's public information.
How is Nordstrom Marketplace different from wholesale?
The Nordstrom Marketplace vs wholesale difference is who owns the inventory. When Nordstrom launched the marketplace in April 2024, it described the program as a way to expand its online selection beyond its traditional wholesale partnerships, with brands owning the inventory.
On the marketplace, you set your own prices and ship each order directly to the customer with tracking. Nordstrom controls how products are presented and handles customer service. In wholesale, Nordstrom buys the inventory and sets the retail price.
Who handles returns and customer service?
Nordstrom handles customer service for marketplace purchases. Returns follow the Nordstrom Marketplace Return Policy. Each seller has its own return window, measured from the ship date, and marketplace items are not eligible for exchanges. Customers can return marketplace items in Nordstrom stores, and Nordstrom refunds the customer.
In wholesale, returns follow your vendor agreement with Nordstrom. The marketplace return path is on Nordstrom returns and settlement.
