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7 Best Department Stores for Budget Fashionistas

Department stores are the ultimate one-stop shop for budget fashionista needs. Filled with all the designer brands we know and love at promotional prices, these stores offer fashion, beauty, and home goods in one convenient, but often over-sized location.

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Mannequin inside department store to represent best department stores.
Source: Envato.

The thing is, not all department stores are created equal. Some offer lust-worthy merch and others have to-die-for sales. And some are, well, disappointing. To keep your shopping aimed in the right direction, here is my list of the seven best department stores — plus a bit on what each can offer the budget fashionista.

1. Bloomingdale’s

Between personal shoppers and Bloomie’s online services, this department store has nearly eliminated the need to visit the physical store altogether. Although bringing home that iconic brown bag is half the fun.

Use the countless look books, wish list features, and behind-the-scenes videos available at bloomingdales.com to lock down gifts for friends, family, or yourself.

  • Rewards program: Loyallist Rewards
  • Free shipping purchase minimum: $150 or free for Loyallist members
  • Return window: 90 days

2. Neiman Marcus

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While this top-tier department store may offer relatively limited promotional pricing, budget fashionistas can still find refuge in great sale and clearance sections. As with any designer purchase, stick to searching for classic pieces at Neiman Marcus that can carry over from season to season. Keep tabs on pieces you fall in love with by checking online and Last Call sale stock.

  • Rewards program: Incircle (requires credit card)
  • Free shipping purchase minimum: $50
  • Return window: 30 days

3. Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue earned 2021 Luxury Retailer of the year from Luxury Daily. So we can’t not talk about Saks!

The easiest way to shop a department store giant like Saks is to focus on your favorite designers and brands first. You’re more likely to find pieces you love with brands that lean into styles and silhouettes that fit and flatter.

If you’re shopping online, pay close attention to the product snapshots and videos (if available). Those videos show you how garments fit and fabrics move in motion — two details we otherwise wouldn’t have when shopping online.

With thousands of items on sale at a time, it’s surprisingly easy to snag a good deal at Saks. But if some must-haves are priced too steeply, snap a pic or keep a running list of items. That way, you can check the outlet stock at Off Fifth for a better deal.

  • Rewards program: SaksFirst (requires credit card)
  • Free shipping purchase minimum: $100
  • Return window: 30 days

4. Nordstrom

Other than the infamous Anniversary and Half Yearly sales, the bargains at Nordstrom are mostly found on the clearance racks. For moderately priced merchandise and accessories, check the BP (formerly Brass Plum) and POV departments for trend and basic pieces, respectively.

As with Saks, you can shop Nordstrom Rack for the designer items you can’t live without. Garments on your wish list may show up at season’s end. That’s a great time to buy, if you have a system for resurfacing those end-of-season purchases in eight months. You don’t want that cute mini dress to be forgotten at the back of the closet because you didn’t wear it through winter.

If you have a Nordstrom credit or debit card, use it to earn more rewards on your purchases and get early access to sales and discounts.

  • Rewards program: The Nordy Club
  • Free shipping purchase minimum: $0
  • Return window: No stated window

5. Macy’s

The offerings of a Macy’s differ by zip code. If you’re looking for higher end mini-shops in a physical store, head to a location in a more affluent neighborhood. Or, put that gas money towards a better use by shopping online. That’s where you’ll find the widest selection of merchandise and sizing.

Signing up for Macy’s emails can score you free gifts and shipping on top of already great prices.

  • Rewards program: Star Rewards
  • Free shipping purchase minimum: $49 for anyone, $25 for Silver and Bronze Star Rewards members, $0 for Gold and Platinum Star Rewards members
  • Return window: 30 days

6. JC Penney

JCP is decidedly less cool than the other stores on this list, but still worthy of a mention. The department store has a few interesting lines, such as Charles by Charles David for shoes and Black Label by Evan Picone. You can also shop for low-priced basics and, while you’re there, hit up Sephora for your must-have beauty items.

  • Rewards program: JC Penney Rewards
  • Free shipping purchase minimum: $75
  • Return window: 60 days

7. Kohl’s

A discount shopper’s paradise, Kohl’s is one of the more popular department stores in America. Thanks in part to Elle, Vera Wang, and Lauren Conrad collaborations, this out-of-mall department store is one of the first stops for fashionistas on a budget.

From in-store promotions and power hours, ad and online coupons, and Rewards Cash, experienced Kohl’s shoppers know they never have to pay full price for the latest trends.

  • Rewards program: Kohl’s Rewards
  • Free shipping purchase minimum: $49
  • Return window: 180 days

Department store shopping

While there are seven stores on this list, my advice is to pick one of these to be your go-to. That allows you to maximum your loyalty rewards. It’s also more efficient, as you’ll be less compelled to check every store in town to find that perfect ensemble. Your first option should be the store with a physical location near you. That way, you can take advantage of free ship-to-store and free in-store returns.

For the Love of Fashion

Tuesday 3rd of January 2012

I'd much rather stop at a TJ Maxx or Marshall's first to get the really low prices. I went into a Macy's recently (after years of not shopping there at all) and my eyes were bugging out of my head looking at the prices. I can't afford those prices.

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