Quick Answer

Yes, Nordstrom hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. According to career research site Zippia, Nordstrom evaluates applicants with criminal records individually and has hired people with felonies in the past.

While Nordstrom is more selective than discount retailers due to its upscale positioning and excellent compensation ($14–20/hour plus commission in some departments), the company does employ people with criminal backgrounds. With 350+ stores nationwide—including Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack—comprehensive benefits, and strong promotion opportunities, Nordstrom represents a higher-tier retail option for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Nordstrom

3. Does Nordstrom Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Nordstrom for People with Records

5. Background Check Process at Nordstrom Timeline

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About Nordstrom

Founded in 1901, Nordstrom operates more than 350 stores across the United States, including upscale department stores and off-price Nordstrom Rack locations. Based in Seattle, the retailer is known for exceptional customer service, quality merchandise, and employee-friendly policies with competitive wages, solid benefits, and genuine advancement opportunities.

For job seekers with criminal records, Nordstrom’s confirmed willingness to hire people with felonies (verified by Zippia and reflected in postings on felon-friendly job boards) provides access to a respected retail brand. Unlike discount chains that offer minimal pay, Nordstrom offers starting wages of $14–20/hour, commission potential, benefits for part-time workers, and a clear path to management.

Nordstrom’s culture values professionalism, teamwork, and service excellence. The company invests heavily in employee training, promotes from within, and maintains lower turnover than most retailers. This creates a fair—but competitive—environment where reliable, motivated applicants can build meaningful careers regardless of background.

Does Nordstrom Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Nordstrom considers applicants with criminal records individually.

Nordstrom’s Approach (Verified by Zippia)

• Evaluates each case individually rather than using blanket bans

• Has hired people with criminal records previously

• Posts jobs on felon-friendly job boards

• Not a formal “second-chance” program, but open to rehabilitation

  
  

What Nordstrom Considers

• Nature and severity of the conviction

• Time elapsed since conviction

• Relation of the offense to job duties

• Pattern vs. single incident

• Evidence of rehabilitation and stability

• Customer service and communication skills

• Position type and level of responsibility

Positions Most Accessible

• Stock Associate – Warehouse and inventory roles behind the scenes

• Alterations Specialist – Skilled garment tailoring and fitting

• Restaurant Server (Nordstrom Café) – Food service within store restaurants

• Nordstrom Rack Sales Associate – Off-price retail; higher turnover and more openings

Positions with More Scrutiny

• Sales associate in main Nordstrom stores (customer-facing)

• Loss prevention and security roles

• Management or cash-handling positions

• Corporate and financial department jobs

Convictions That May Be Challenging

• Theft or fraud (especially recent)

• Financial crimes

• Violent or sexual offenses (especially recent or repeated)

Convictions Often Considered Acceptable

• Older drug possession or property crimes (5–10+ years ago)

• Isolated offenses with evidence of rehabilitation

• Non-retail-related convictions

Reality: Nordstrom is more selective than discount retail chains, but opportunities exist—especially at Nordstrom Rack and in stock or alterations roles. Your best approach is to demonstrate customer service ability, reliability, and personal growth.

Available Jobs at Nordstrom for People with Records

Stock Associate

($14–17/hour)

Receive and organize shipments, restock shelves, tag merchandise, and manage inventory.Why It’s Accessible: Minimal customer contact and constant hiring needs.

Nordstrom Rack Sales Associate

($14–17/hour)

Assist customers, process sales, handle returns, and maintain floor displays.Why It’s Accessible: High turnover creates frequent openings and easier entry.

Alterations Specialist

($16–22/hour)

Perform fittings, sewing, and garment adjustments for customers.Why It’s Accessible: Skill-based position—experience outweighs background.

Restaurant Server (Nordstrom Café/Bistro)

($14–17/hour)

Take orders, serve meals, handle payments, and maintain dining areas.Why It’s Accessible: Operates separately from retail floor; standard restaurant hiring practices.

Cosmetics/Fragrance Sales Associate

($14–18/hour plus commission; total often $18–25/hour)

Demonstrate and sell beauty products, assist customers, and maintain displays.Why It’s Accessible: Commission-based; strong sales performance can outweigh record concerns.

Department Manager

($50,000–75,000/year)

Oversee sales teams, manage inventory, handle scheduling, and ensure customer satisfaction.Why It’s Accessible: Nordstrom promotes from within, rewarding performance over background.

Background Check Process at Nordstrom Timeline

1. Apply at Nordstrom.com/careers or in-store

2. Screening and interview (1–2 rounds)

3. Conditional offer

4. Background check authorization

5. Screening (5–10 business days)

6. Individualized review

7. Final offer and onboarding

What the Check Includes

• County, state, and federal criminal records (7-year lookback in most states)

• Sex offender registry

• Employment verification (if applicable)

• SSN and identity verification

• Driving record (for delivery or driving roles)

  
  

Third-Party Screeners: Sterling, HireRight, or Accurate Background

Assessment: Nordstrom conducts a fair, individualized review that considers offense type, age of conviction, rehabilitation, and job relevance.

Drug Testing

• Required for most positions

• Conducted via urinalysis

• Prescription medications allowed with proof

• Failed tests result in offer withdrawal

  
  

Application Tips

1. Target the Right Roles. Apply for stock, alterations, or restaurant positions if you have theft or violence-related convictions.

   
   

2. Start with Nordstrom Rack. It has higher turnover and easier entry while offering Nordstrom culture and benefits.

   
   

3. Highlight Customer Service Experience. Retail and hospitality experience offset background concerns.

   
   

4. Show Fashion or Retail Interest. Demonstrating product or brand knowledge makes a strong impression.

   
   

5. Express Long-Term Goals. Nordstrom promotes from within—commitment matters.

   
   

6. Leverage Specialized Skills. Tailoring, cosmetics, or bilingual ability help differentiate you.

   
   

7. Apply Online and In-Person. Follow up with managers after submitting applications.

   
   

8. Be Honest if Asked. Briefly acknowledge your past, focus on rehabilitation and dependability.

   
   

9. Prepare Professionally. Research Nordstrom’s service culture and dress appropriately.

   
   

10. Be Patient and Persistent. Hiring takes 2–3 weeks; apply to multiple locations to improve your odds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nordstrom automatically reject people with felonies?

No. Nordstrom reviews each case individually and has hired people with criminal records in the past.

Is Nordstrom harder to get into than other retailers?

Yes, slightly—due to higher pay and brand reputation. But they still hire qualified applicants with past convictions.

Should I apply to Nordstrom Rack first?

Yes. Nordstrom Rack has more frequent openings and easier entry, with opportunities to transfer later.

Can I work with a theft conviction?

Recent theft (within 3–5 years) is difficult; older convictions (7–10+ years) may be acceptable for stock or alterations roles.

Does Nordstrom drug test?

Yes, most positions require pre-employment testing.

Can I advance with a record?

Yes. Nordstrom promotes based on performance, not past mistakes.

What’s the pay like?

$14–20/hour to start, with commissions in some roles.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Macy’s – $13–17/hour; case-by-case hiring.

• Dillard’s – $12–16/hour; case-by-case; Southern focus.

• Target – $15–20/hour; Ban-the-Box employer; very accessible.

• Kohl’s – $12–16/hour; case-by-case.

• TJ Maxx / Marshall’s / Macy’s Backstage – $12–15/hour; accessible off-price retail.

• Saks OFF 5TH – $13–17/hour; similar to Nordstrom Rack.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Nordstrom offers one of the best retail career paths available to people with criminal records. While hiring is selective, the company’s case-by-case evaluation approach (verified by Zippia) ensures fair consideration for qualified applicants.

With over 350 stores nationwide, starting pay between $14–20/hour, strong benefits, and proven advancement opportunities, Nordstrom provides a realistic path to long-term financial stability for individuals rebuilding their lives.

Key takeaways:

• Case-by-case hiring policy verified by Zippia

• Fair opportunity for rehabilitated applicants

• Higher pay and commission potential

• Nordstrom Rack = easier entry point

• Strong internal promotion culture

• Background check required but fairly reviewed

  
  

Ready to take the next step? Apply at Nordstrom.com/careers or visit your nearest Nordstrom Rack to explore openings.