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How to Shop Macy’s: 15 Ways to Save

Hundreds of millions of people shop at Macy’s. The department store chain uses its 750 retail locations plus Macys.com to deliver a wide range of fashion, beauty and accessory items to fashionistas and fashionistos around the world.

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What Macy’s gives us huge selection and big sales — but the sales come so fast and furious that it’s a tad overwhelming. For that reason, I’m sharing this ultimate guide on how to shop Macy’s.

To get huge value out of your Macy’s shopping sprees, follow these rules.

1. Join Star Rewards

Macy’s Star Rewards used to be available to Macy’s credit card holders only, but times have changed. The big retailer has added a bronze level to their rewards program, open to non-cardholders.

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As a bronze member, you earn 1% back on your Macy’s purchases, plus a other perks. You get a surprise birthday gift, plus access to Star Money Bonus Days. Those are short promotions that offer bonus points on purchases, above your normal 1%. Every bit counts, right?

Macy's Star Rewards screen in Macy's app.

2. Shop a season behind

Macy’s carries a ton of inventory, and that means big after-season sales. I once purchased a versatile and warm Calvin Klein winter coat in February for $50. The coat has served me well, too — it’s been my go-to outerwear between December and March for two years running.

3. Go to the clearance racks first

Before you head to the regularly priced goods, hit the clearance racks. And, if you’re really ambitious, head to a Macy’s that’s outside the beaten path. The clearance rack selections are often better at Macy’s locations outside the city.

The trick to clearance-rack shopping is patience. Make sure you’re not in a hurry and keep looking. Assume that something in your size was put in the wrong place and do a spot check of other sizes. This attention to detail is almost always rewarded with a gem of a deal.

Shopping clearance online is trickier, of course. You can’t try those pieces on and they’re often non-returnable due to “Final Sale” status. In that case, stick with brands you know and silhouettes you’re confident will flatter.

4. Use the price scanner in store

Any store with a lot of inventory will have pieces hanging on the wrong wracks. You don’t want to fall in love with a dress that you think is on sale, only to be met with a surprise at the register. Always (always!) check the price of everything before you try it on. If the price is outside your budget, return it to the rack before you walk into the dressing room.

5. Skip the shoes

Macy’s is a go-to store for deals on clothes, but I haven’t done very well in the shoe department. I usually spend too much time looking for a deal and then leave with nothing. Skip the shoe section entirely and spend your time working the sale racks or pages.

6. Check prices online

After you’ve picked out your favorite pieces in the store, check the prices of those items at Macys.com. If there’s a lower price online, ask at the register if they’ll honor the web price. Clearance items will be difficult to find online, but you might uncover some good savings on regularly stocked items this way.

7. Comparison shop online purchases

Macy’s carries many popular brands — brands that are readily available at other stores. If you find something you love online, search for that same piece in Google and Amazon. Or use Rakuten or another browser extension that does these price checks for you.

8. Use Rakuten

Since I mentioned Rakuten…For macys.com purchases, make sure you have your Rakuten extension enabled! Macy’s is fairly aggressive with its cashback promotions. I’ve regularly seen cash back as high as 10% for Macy’s. That’s just free money in my opinion.

If you don’t have Rakuten already, use my referral code and we each earn $30 cashback when you make a qualifying purchase.

9. Connect to in-store Wi-Fi

I learned this trick while waiting for my hubby to try on clothes. Log in to Macy’s Wi-Fi and you may (cross your fingers) be offered a coupon on the spot. It only takes a few seconds — well worth it if you’re rewarded with 10% off.

10. Ask for coupons at checkout

No one knows what’s on sale better than the hard-working folks at the register. Ask them what’s on sale and if they have any coupons they can apply to your purchase. You’ll be surprised how often you get a positive response.

11. Get the Macy’s app

View of Macy's app in iPhone frame.
©Budget Fashionista

If you enable push notifications, the Macy’s app will alert you when sales are happening. In the past, there have been app-only sales, too. You can also use the app to track your Star Rewards points.

12. Check Macy’s offers online

At any point in time, you can check in on deals at the Macy’s offers page. The page cleanly summarizes all the deals running sitewide, and they’re even sorted by category.

13. Sign up for alerts if you dare

You can get a 25% off coupon by signing up for emails or text alerts. Just be prepared for tons of sale messaging after you sign up. I like to filter these emails into a separate folder, so they don’t clutter up my inbox.

14. Use a stylist

Macy’s has free stylists who can help you select outfits, home goods, and even gifts. You can choose to meet with said stylist in a store or online, whichever you prefer.

But here’s the kicker: You get 20% off purchases that result from your first appointment. For real! See the details here.

15. Know the shipping and return policy

Before you shop at macys.com or a Macy’s store, get acquainted with the policies. They can change now and again, so don’t rely on your memory.

Know that you can get free shipping with a $25 order by joining Star Rewards as a Bronze member. Without the membership, your free shipping order minimum is $49.

Returns are slightly more complicated, so take a peek at my post: Macy’s Return Policy.

Shop and save at Macy’s

How to shop Macy's collage.

There’s a lot going on at Macy’s, whether you’re shopping in store or online. Don’t let the big selection and aggressive sales messaging prevent you from scooping up on easy savings. Join that loyalty program, get your 25% code, shop those offers online, talk to a stylist — and never pay full price!

Amaris

Saturday 22nd of October 2016

Hi, I love Macy's as well but could never find deals in the cosmetics/fragrance department. I'm planning to buy my daughter an urban decay primer that I've been religiously checking almost everyday online and for the last 3 months it never dropped a single cent. Since the $10 off $25 coupons never work on these types of item, I'm wondering if there is any tip you can share with me? Thanks in advance!

Catherine Brock

Saturday 22nd of October 2016

Amaris,

Unfortunately (as you've realized) Urban Decay products rarely are on sale in department stores. Are you a Plenti member? If you have time to earn some points and you live near Exxon/Mobile gas stations, you could start actively earning points on Plenti for your gas purchases. You can also earn Plenti points at AT&T and Rite Aid. Once you've accrued points, they're super easy to redeem at Macys to take a bit off your bill. If you don't have time for that strategy, I'd start scouring other retailers online to find the same product at a lower price.

I hope that helps!

Catherine

waqas

Thursday 7th of April 2016

A Better "How- To-Guide"

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