You’re driving up I-85, aiming for Buford, with a very specific pair of designer heels or a new cologne in mind. You’ve got "Mall of Georgia Nordstrom" plugged into your brain. But here is the thing: if you walk into the actual Mall of Georgia looking for a massive, multi-level Nordstrom department store with an Ebar and a piano player, you’re going to be wandering around for a long time.
Honestly, it's a mistake people make every single weekend.
The reality of the Mall of Georgia Nordstrom situation is a bit of a "good news, bad news" scenario. The bad news? There isn't a full-line Nordstrom department store inside the mall. There never has been. The good news? There is a Nordstrom Rack right across the street in the Mall of Georgia Crossing.
It’s a distinction that matters. Especially if you’re looking for the high-end experience versus the "treasure hunt" vibe.
The Nordstrom Rack vs. Full-Line Confusion
So, why the mix-up? Mostly because the "Mall of Georgia" name is applied to the entire retail ecosystem in Buford. You’ve got the actual mall—the one with the massive food court and the carousel—and then you have the surrounding "crossings" and "pavilions."
The Nordstrom Rack at Mall of Georgia Crossing (3205 Woodward Crossing Blvd) is basically the high-octane, discounted cousin of the main store. It's where the overstock from the full-line stores—like the ones at Perimeter Mall or Phipps Plaza—goes to live.
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If you go there expecting a personal stylist to bring you champagne, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re looking for 70% off Theory or Madewell? You’re in the right place.
What you actually find at the Buford location:
- Designer Shoes: This is arguably the strongest section at this specific Rack. You'll find everything from Steve Madden to occasionally a stray pair of Prada or Gucci that got marked down from a full-line store.
- The "Hautelook" Returns: Since Nordstrom merged their Rack and Hautelook inventories, you can find some pretty wild online returns here that you won’t see in the standard Rack catalog.
- Men's Suiting: Surprisingly decent. It's one of the few places in Gwinnett where you can grab a Ted Baker or Boss suit for under $300 if the timing is right.
Why Perimeter Mall is usually the "Other" Choice
A lot of people I talk to who live in Gwinnett eventually give up on the Rack and just make the 25-minute trek down to Perimeter Mall. Why? Because that’s where the nearest full-line Nordstrom lives.
There is a massive difference in the inventory. At the Mall of Georgia area, you’re getting "made for Rack" items mixed with clearance. At Perimeter, you’re getting the latest season, the beauty counters with the free samples, and the Alterations department that can fix a hem in an hour.
If you need a dress for a wedding tonight, the Rack near Mall of Georgia is a gamble. If you have time to browse and love the thrill of finding a $200 sweater for $45, the Rack is your sanctuary.
Navigating the Mall of Georgia Retail Trap
Traffic in Buford is a nightmare. Let's just be real about it. If you’re trying to hit the Mall of Georgia Nordstrom Rack, do not—I repeat, do not—try to enter through the main mall entrance on Buford Drive during a Saturday afternoon.
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The Woodward Crossing entrance is your secret weapon.
Most shoppers get sucked into the main mall vortex and spend 20 minutes just trying to turn left. If you approach from the back side near the I-85 North exit, you can slide right into the Rack parking lot, grab your deals, and get out before the "Mall Traffic" truly claims your soul.
Timing is everything for the "Clear the Rack"
If you’re local, you need to watch the calendar for the Clear the Rack events. These usually happen around holidays (Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.). They take an extra 25% off the red-tag clearance. At the Buford location, this is when the pros show up. People will literally be waiting at the door at 10:00 AM.
Is it worth it?
If you’re a size 7-9 in shoes or a Medium in men’s shirts, probably not—those sizes vanish instantly. But if you’re an "outlier" size, you can basically rebuild your wardrobe for pennies during those sales.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Inventory
A common myth is that everything at the Rack is just "old stuff" from the main Nordstrom stores. Not true. Roughly 80-90% of what you see at the Mall of Georgia Nordstrom Rack was actually bought specifically for the Rack.
It’s still good quality, but it's not the same stuff you'd see on the mannequins at Phipps Plaza.
To find the "real" Nordstrom gems, look for the labels that have a "Nordstrom" price tag with a red "Rack" sticker over it. That's the authentic department store clearance. If the tag is a standard white Rack tag, it was likely manufactured specifically for the discount chain.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
- Download the App First: Use the Nordstrom Rack app to scan barcodes in-store. Sometimes the price in the system is even lower than what’s on the sticker.
- The Return Policy is Stricter: Unlike the legendary "we take anything back" policy at the main Nordstrom, the Rack has a firm 30-day window. Don't let those clothes sit in your trunk for a month.
- Ship to Store: If you find something online but don't want to pay for shipping, you can have it sent to the Buford location for free. This is the best way to get "full-line" quality without the drive to Sandy Springs.
- Check the Beauty Section: The Rack near the mall has an underrated beauty section. They often have high-end hair tools (like T3 or Dyson) at significant discounts, but they're usually tucked away near the registers.
If you’re heading out, just remember: it's across the street, not inside the mall. Check the red tags, avoid the main entrance traffic, and keep your expectations in check regarding the "full-line" luxury experience. Happy hunting.