How To Spot The Lowest Prices At Macy's: A Simple Guide

While many of America's favorite stores are closing down – Kmart even closed its last full-size U.S storefront in 2024 – Macy's is still a hot spot for many shoppers looking for good deals on everything from clothes to home essentials (even if Macy's is closing down locations around the country). However, the retail chain's pricing system can be tricky if you don't know how to navigate it because in-store Macy's shopping relies on a color-coded pricing systems. For example, a white tag indicates the original or standard price of an item. This also means the item was most likely just added to the shelves or recently restocked. These items generally aren't your best choice if you're looking for discounts unless they are affected by an in-store promotion.

A yellow clearance tag is the key to finding the lowest prices at Macy's. These tags indicate that the item has reached its final markdown, which means it's the lowest price that will be offered before the item is eventually removed from Macy's inventory. Items with blue clearance tags are similarly discounted, but if you're not in a hurry then you could hold off on purchasing a blue tag item since it will end up getting one more markdown — moving the item to a yellow tag price. However, it could also mean it's reaching the end of its sale period and could be removed from the shelves, so shop at your own risk.

Beyond colored tags, Macy's also runs several sales events throughout the year, so knowing when, exactly, to shop can also help you save (much like how seniors can save more at Kohl's by shopping on this one day). Black Friday sales are a major event across all retailers, including Macy's, with discounts across all departments so that you can get the best bargains. Also, its Semi-Annual Sales, which typically happen in January and July, offer up to 75% discounts on a wide variety of items.

You can also look out for the Macy's Family & Friends sale which happens at least two times a year, usually in the spring or summer and another in the winter. During these, the retailer offers 30% off on in-store items like designer brands, clearance, and even sale merchandise. Similarly, you can expect a Macy's One Day sale almost every month except April, June, and October. One-Day sales generally don't happen in months with other major events like the Family & Friends sale. Post-holidays markdowns can lead to up to 90% on holiday merchandise, and you can also get significant discounts on holidays like Presidents Day, Fourth of July, and Memorial Day.

Outside of a specific day, the Macy's Last Act clearance section can be the best place to score the deepest discounts, sometimes up to 80% off. In-store shoppers should watch out for prices ending in $0.06 in this section, because that means the item is at its absolute lowest price.

In addition to knowing when to shop and understanding what each color tag means, there are other ways you can save and maximize your discounts and savings. You can find deals and check prices using the Macy's app before shopping in-store. You can also scan items in-store to find their current prices and any other applicable promotions or discounts that might be applied. Signing up for Macy's email list also grants you access to exclusive promotions and offers. New subscribers even receive a discount code for 25% off their first purchase.

You can also take advantage of member and cardholder perks during Macy's Money Events, including Star Money Bonus days and All-Star Week where you can earn rewards and bonus points that can be spent or used as gift cards. For example, you might receive $10 in Macy's Money for every $50 you spend or even receive a Macy's Savings Pass. Using this credit can reduce the costs of future purchases. Macy's also offers exclusive deals that are only available in stores; you can talk to a sales associate to find out if there are any promotions you might be eligible for. These tricks as well as shopping strategically can help you save big on your next Macy's shopping trip.