Guide to Macy’s Clearance Sections and Finds

Guide to Macy’s Clearance Sections and Finds

in Klein coat off a 80% off rack and paid less than what I usually spend on takeout. That one score completely changed how I shop there.

Since then, I’ve treated Macy’s clearance like a sport. I’ve tracked markdown cycles, chatted with sales associates, compared prices with online outlets, and yes, stood in the fitting room with nine pairs of jeans wondering how I got there.

This guide is everything I’ve learned about hacking Macy’s clearance sections and finding actual gems, not just sad leftovers.

Understanding How Macy’s Clearance Actually Works

When I first started paying attention, I assumed “clearance” was just random markdowns. It’s not.

In my experience, Macy’s follows a fairly predictable markdown ladder for a lot of seasonal clothing and home goods:

• Initial promo: 20–40% off (often marked as a sale, not clearance)
• First markdown: 40–60% off (items start migrating to clearance racks)
• Deep clearance: 70–80% off, sometimes with extra % off yellow or red tags

Macy’s has talked openly in earnings calls and annual reports about managing seasonal inventory aggressively to keep it moving, especially post‑pandemic when supply chains went sideways and demand shifted fast (Macy’s Inc. 2022 Annual Report mentions this explicitly).

From what I’ve seen on the floor and in the app:

• Fashion seasons (especially fall/winter coats, boots, and holiday merch) tend to hit heavier clearance 4–8 weeks after the key season.
• Big shopping events like One Day Sales, Friends & Family, and clearance events often stack with already low clearance prices.
• Online and in‑store clearance don’t always sync. I’ve bought something online, picked it up in store, and seen a different price on the clearance tag.

If you treat clearance like a moving target instead of a single event, you’ll time your visits better.

Where to Find the Best Clearance Sections in Macy’s

When I tested different locations, I noticed the layout and quality of clearance varies a lot. Here’s how I navigate it now.

1. Women’s and Men’s Apparel Clearance

This is the chaos zone—but it’s also where I’ve found some of my best deals.

• Start at the back of each department. Clearance is almost always tucked away—back walls, corners, or the far end of the sales floor.
• Look for yellow or red tickets. Macy’s uses different colored tags to show markdowns and final clearance.
• Check the small, random racks that look like an afterthought—those “Why is this here?” racks have given me designer jeans for under $25.

One day I went to two different Macy’s, 30 minutes apart. Same brand, same jeans. In Store A, they were $59. In Store B, same size, same style, red-ticketed down to $18.93. The associate told me, “Our store just wants them gone.” That’s when it clicked: inventory pressure is local.

2. Shoes and Handbags

If you search nowhere else, check shoes.

In my experience, the shoe clearance section is usually along a back wall or a lower shelf row, with mixed boxes and random sizes. It takes effort, but I’ve routinely seen:

• $100+ boots down to $29–39
• Running shoes 50–70% off, especially off‑season

Handbag clearance tends to be near the main handbag displays, usually on a side wall or a compact rack. I once found a leather Fossil crossbody for under $40 because the color was “last season,” even though it looked timeless.

3. Home & Kitchen Clearance

This is my secret favorite.

I recently discovered that back corners of the home department are where the real grown‑up wins live: cookware sets, bedding, small appliances. These are usually:

• Open-box items
• Discontinued patterns or colors
• Returns in like‑new condition

For example, I picked up a discontinued Martha Stewart Dutch oven for around 70% off compared with its original tag—and still much cheaper than comparable pieces at specialty stores.

4. Online Clearance vs. In‑Store

When I tested this over multiple weekends, I learned:

• Online is better for size range and filter control.
• In‑store is better for deep, random, and poorly labeled deals.

Macy’s website has a dedicated “Last Act” and clearance section, which is where final markdowns often land. But I’ve seen the opposite too: the website showing a higher price than a red‑ticketed in‑store tag.

My current rule: if I’m eyeing something pricey, I scan the tag with the Macy’s app and compare it to the online listing before I check out.

Timing Your Clearance Hunts

I used to just pop in whenever. Now I’m more intentional because timing really does change what you find.

Best Times (From My Experience)

• Weekday mornings: Racks are tidier and you’re not elbow‑to‑elbow with other hunters.
• Right after big holidays: The week or two after Christmas, Mother’s Day, and back‑to‑school season is prime clearance time.
• End of season:
• Winter clearance really ramps up by late January/February.
• Summer pieces start getting pushed out by August.

According to retail analysts cited in Forbes and CNN, most big department stores aim to clear seasonal merchandise within a narrow window to make room for the next season’s floor set, and Macy’s is no exception.

I’ve noticed that Wednesday–Friday are sweet spots: price updates often appear midweek, and by the weekend, a lot of the best sizes are gone.

Stacking Deals Without Crossing the Line

Let’s talk about the fun part: paying way less than the tag.

When I tested multiple transactions over a couple of months, these were the combos that saved me the most on clearance:

• Macy’s Star Rewards coupons: Cardholders often get extra % off offers. Sometimes these apply to clearance, sometimes not—check the fine print.
• Star Money / rewards: I’ve used earned rewards on clearance more than once, especially during bonus events.
• Promo codes: Some online promo codes stack on top of already‑reduced items. It’s inconsistent, but when it works, it really works.

That said, not everything stacks. There are exclusions, brand restrictions, and “Last Act” items are often considered final price. I’ve had a few disappointing checkout moments where the app promo “looked” like it would apply but dropped off at payment.

My honest take: you can score extra discounts, but you can’t count on triple‑stacking promos every time. Consider it a lucky bonus, not a guarantee.

Pros and Cons of Shopping Macy’s Clearance

I love clearance hunts, but it’s not all magical $10 dresses and perfect jeans.

What’s Great

• Huge savings on quality brands. I’ve consistently found mid‑tier and designer labels 60–80% off.
• Surprise factor. You can stumble on pieces you’d never pay full price for.
• Home and kitchen steals. Cookware, bedding, and decor can rival outlet prices.

What’s Annoying or Risky

• Inconsistent organization. Some stores are tidy; others are like a clothing avalanche.
• Limited sizes and odd leftovers. Clearance is not where you go for a full size run.
• Final sale risk. Many clearance and “Last Act” items are non‑returnable or have stricter return rules.
• FOMO traps. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it deserves space in your closet.

I’ve had misses too: a “too good to leave” blazer that didn’t quite fit but I convinced myself it did because it was only $19.99. It sat in my closet for a year with the tag on. That’s not a deal—that’s a donation in slow motion.

How I Shop Macy’s Clearance Without Regret

Over time, I’ve built a few personal rules that keep my clearance finds from turning into clutter.

1. I try it on or I don’t buy it. If it doesn’t fit or feel right, the discount doesn’t matter.
2. I check fabric and construction. I look at seams, zippers, and fabric content. A low price can hide cheap materials.
3. I price‑check online. A quick scan on Macy’s site (and sometimes Amazon or brand sites) helps me see if this is truly a deal.
4. I imagine three outfits or uses. If I can’t style it three ways in my head, it usually goes back on the rack.

The Federal Trade Commission has even issued guidance on dealing with misleading pricing and discount claims, which reminded me to be more skeptical about “original” prices vs. real market value.

When Macy’s Clearance Is Worth It (and When It’s Not)

In my experience, Macy’s clearance is absolutely worth digging through when:

• You’re flexible about colors, styles, and brands.
• You’re shopping staples: jeans, coats, sneakers, workwear, cookware, bedding.
• You like the thrill of the hunt and don’t mind some chaos.

It’s less ideal when:

• You need a very specific size or style on a tight timeline.
• You hate cluttered racks and don’t have patience for sorting.
• You’re prone to impulse buys just because something is “such a good deal.”

When I treat it like a curated treasure hunt with a rough plan, I walk out with pieces I actually wear and use. When I wander in bored and swipe just because things are cheap? That’s when I regret it.

If you’re willing to do a bit of digging, know the markdown patterns, and be honest with yourself about what you’ll actually wear, Macy’s clearance can be one of the most satisfying corners of the store.

Sources

• Macy’s, Inc. Annual Report 2022 - Corporate discussion of inventory, merchandising, and clearance strategies.
• Forbes – The Future Of Department Stores: Reinvent Or Disappear - Context on department store discounting and inventory pressures.
• CNN Business – How Macy’s Is Trying To Stay Relevant - Overview of Macy’s strategy, including promotions and merchandising.
• Federal Trade Commission – Guides Against Deceptive Pricing - FTC rules on retail pricing and discount claims.
• Harvard Business Review – Retailers Are Squandering Their Most Potent Weapon - Analysis of promotions, markdowns, and pricing strategy in retail.