What’s Up in Luxe Shopping for Holidays 2025

Two high-profile, upscale U.S. department store chains have unveiled their holiday campaigns for this year, with both emphasizing updated, energizing versions of their respective traditions. These plans come on the heels of interesting years for both nameplates: Neiman Marcus became part of Saks Global and faced considerable controversy over its decision to shutter NM’s iconic flagship in downtown Dallas – plans it put on hold through at least this year’s holiday season – while Nordstrom because privately held in May, when the Nordstrom family and Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool completed their all-cash acquisition of the chain for $6.25 billion.

Here are highlights of the holiday plans put forth by both those retailers:

Neiman Marcus said it is “reimagining the holiday season as the ultimate expression of luxury fashion and gifting through the unveiling of the iconic ‘Fantasy Gifts, The Perfect Gift’ campaign and the treasured Holiday Book for customers to discover and immerse themselves in throughout the season… Through a seamless strategy that blends one-of-a-kind experiences, world-class service and noteworthy assortments, Neiman Marcus is elevating the art of joyful connection through gift giving.”

The retailer will also unveil its holiday windows on Nov. 25th at stores across the country. Inspired by a related fashion campaign, the windows will transport passersby into scenes of Parisian fantasy. “From a glittering hotel lobby to bustling Parisian streets, a chic café and an enchanting boutique, the windows are brought to life with dramatic sets, elegant mannequins and the season’s most covetable fashion,” Neiman noted in its press release.

Nordstrom announced that its “Oh What Fun!” campaign will “redefine what it means to be a gifting destination, offering customers more gift choices at irresistible price points, more festive moments, and more reasons than ever to make Nordstrom the first stop on their shopping journey—whether they choose to shop in-store or online.

“The holiday magic will come to life with a beautifully designed catalog featuring thoughtfully curated gift guides, holiday gift shops in every store showcasing 1000 of the best gifts, an interactive online gift finder, a calendar jam-packed with festive events and experiences, and for the first time ever, the magic of Santa in every store, with free photos for Nordstrom cardholders.”

The retailer also plans updated experience at its flagships on both coasts. In its hometown of Seattle flagship, Nordstrom will introduce an updated version of the Santa Lane experience, inviting customers through the store in an immersive journey to visit Santa in a festive new setting. Meantime, its New York flagship will be home to The Gift Shop at The Corner, a two-story design-forward gifting concept.