Macy’s Clearance Buying Guide
stem works, started tracking price cycles, and… let’s just say I’ve walked out with $200+ Calvin Klein dresses for under $30 more than once.
This Macy’s Clearance Buying Guide is basically the playbook I wish I had years ago—everything I’ve learned from combing through clearance sections, grilling store associates (nicely), and testing different shopping times and tricks.
How Macy’s Clearance Actually Works
When I first started paying attention, I assumed “clearance” meant one flat discount. Nope. Macy’s layers markdown stages, promos, and coupon exclusions like a strategy game.
In my experience, Macy’s clearance usually moves through:
- First markdown – about 25–40% off the original price.
- Deeper markdown – can hit 50–60% as the season moves.
- Final clearance – yellow or bright red tags; that’s usually 70–80% off, before extra coupons or promos.
On top of that, Macy’s frequently runs:
- Extra % off clearance events (e.g., “Extra 20% off clearance apparel & home”).
- Category promos, like “Lowest prices of the season” or “Last Act” deals.
When I tested this a few times—by tracking a single dress over 4 weeks—the price went from $89 to $62 to $44, and finally down to $24.93 on a Last Act rack. Same dress, same size, just… a lot of patience.
Decoding Clearance Tags & Labels
The first time I cracked the code on Macy’s tags, it honestly felt like I’d found cheat codes for shopping.
Here’s what I’ve seen consistently across stores:
1. Color & Wording
- Yellow / bright clearance tags – Usually “Last Act” or final clearance. These are often non-returnable or have stricter return windows, so I always double-check the fine print.
- Red price stickers – Often indicate a markdown but not always final clearance. These can still go lower.
I once grabbed a pair of Levi’s with a red $39.99 sticker, scanned them at the price checker, and they rang up $19.93.
Pro tip from painful experience: never trust only the sticker. Always scan.2. “Last Act” Sections
“Last Act” is Macy’s term for final markdowns. This is where I’ve seen:
- Designer tops under $10
- Shoes that were originally $120 selling for ~$30
- Formal dresses at 75–85% off original prices
The catch: Last Act items are often final sale or have limited return options. Depending on the store, associates told me they sometimes allow exchanges if there’s a defect, but not just because you changed your mind.
Best Times to Hit Macy’s Clearance
I didn’t realize how much timing mattered until I started popping in at random times and comparing prices.
1. End-of-Season Transitions
In my experience, the biggest clearance drops show up:
- Late January–February – fall/winter apparel, boots, coats
- July–August – spring/summer apparel, sandals, swim
This lines up with standard retail seasonality. According to NRF data, retailers frequently clear seasonal merchandise aggressively as they move into the next quarter’s assortments.
2. Holiday & Event Weekends
I’ve personally scored the best stackable deals during:
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday period
During these windows, Macy’s often runs an extra 10–20% off clearance promo. When I tested buying a coat before vs during a weekend event, the price dropped another $15–20 just because of a weekend promo code.
3. Early Mornings on Weekdays
This one came straight from a friendly associate: markdowns often get taken early in the day, especially on weekdays. When I started showing up around opening time, I’d find fresher markdowns and better sizes before things got picked over.
Online vs In-Store Clearance: What I Learned
I used to only shop Macy’s online. Then I walked into a physical store and realized I’d been missing an entire world of unadvertised clearance.
In-Store Clearance Pros
- Deeper hidden markdowns – I’ve seen items cheaper in-store than online for the exact same SKU.
- Random one-offs – Returns and odd sizes that never show up online.
- Price scanners – You can quickly check if something’s lower than the tag.
Online Clearance Pros
- Clear categories: Women’s clearance, Men’s, Home, etc.
- Filters for size, brand, price so you’re not digging through chaos.
- You can stack some promo codes more easily.
When I tested this on a pair of Nike sneakers, online they were $54.99 clearance. In-store, same colorway, same size, they rang up at $39.93. After an extra 20% clearance promo, I paid around $32 plus tax.
If you’re serious about maximizing savings, doing both—browsing online and checking a nearby store—is where the magic really happens.
How to Stack Deals Without Breaking the Rules
Macy’s isn’t as wild as some coupon-extreme stores, but there are still smart ways to stack savings.
1. Understand Coupon Exclusions
In my experience, the biggest frustration is when you think a coupon will apply and the register just… says no.
Common exclusions:
- Certain brands (e.g., some premium beauty, luxury designers)
- “Everyday Value” items
- Some Last Act / final clearance merchandise
Macy’s publishes its coupon exclusions on its site and promo emails. I’ve learned to skim those before I plan a big clearance trip so I’m not standing at checkout annoyed.
2. Combine Clearance + Cardholder Offers (Carefully)
If you have a Macy’s card, you’ll sometimes get:
- Extra % off days
- Star Money rewards
- Targeted offers via email/app
I tested waiting to buy clearance until I had a cardholder promo vs buying right away. On one haul, combining Last Act + extra 20% weekend promo + Star Money saved me about $47 compared to purchasing the same day I first saw the items.
3. Use the App In-Store
The Macy’s app has honestly become my secret weapon:
- Price check by scanning barcodes
- See if there’s an online-only lower price you can sometimes price-match
- Add items to your cart to test promo codes before you physically check out
I’ve had associates honor the lower online price more than once when I showed it on the app—especially if it’s the same SKU and color.
What’s Actually Worth Buying on Clearance (and What I Skip)
Over the last few years, I’ve noticed some patterns.
Usually Worth It
- Formalwear & dresses – Deep markdowns, especially post-prom and post-holidays.
- Coats & jackets – End-of-season clearance can be 70%+ off.
- Home goods – Bedding, towels, and small kitchen appliances often get steep discounts.
I once grabbed a 100% cotton queen sheet set, originally around $120, for under $30 after stacked discounts. It wasn’t a no-name brand either—it was a recognized mid-tier label.
More Hit-or-Miss
- Shoes – Incredible deals, but sizing can be super picked over.
- Beauty – Clearance is rare for high-end lines and sometimes limited to sets or discontinued shades.
- Trendy fast-fashion-style pieces – Even on clearance, if it looks like it’ll fall apart in two washes, I skip it.
I’ve also learned to watch fabric content. A $15 top that pills after one wear isn’t a deal. I’d rather pay a bit more for good cotton, linen, or a well-made blend that’ll last.
Red Flags & Things to Watch Out For
I’ve had mostly positive experiences with Macy’s clearance, but it’s not all sunshine and $9 dresses.
Here’s what I’ve learned to watch for:
- Final Sale – Last Act or heavily marked-down pieces are often non-returnable. I always try things on and inspect seams, zippers, and buttons.
- Old pricing stickers – Occasionally I’ve seen conflicting tags. The register usually goes by the system price, not the highest sticker, unless an associate manually adjusts it.
- Impulse overload – It’s easy to think “It’s only $12!” and end up spending $200. I now ask myself: Would I buy this if it were full price? If the answer is a hard no, I put it back.
My Personal Clearance Strategy (That Actually Works)
When I want to do a serious Macy’s clearance run, this is roughly the system I follow:
- Set a budget before I go. I literally decide, “I’m not spending more than $80 today.”
- Check promos on Macys.com or the app—extra % off, cardholder deals, etc.
- Start in Last Act for the biggest savings, then move to regular clearance.
- Scan everything at a price checker or in the app to see the real price.
- Inspect quality and fit ruthlessly. I don’t let the discount blind me.
- Do a cart edit before checkout—remove anything I’m not 100% excited about.
When I tested this “structured” approach vs my old “grab everything and hope” style, my average savings per trip actually went up, but my total spend went down. More value, less clutter.
Final Thoughts (From Someone Who’s Spent Too Much Time in the Clearance Aisle)
Macy’s clearance isn’t random chaos; it’s a system. Once I understood markdown cycles, tag language, and how to stack promos, the deals started to feel almost unfair.
Does it take effort? Yes. Are you going to score a perfect designer treasure every single visit? Definitely not. Some days are duds. But when it hits—when you find a quality piece that fits your style and your budget at 70–80% off—it’s a very satisfying little victory.
If you treat Macy’s clearance like a strategic hunt instead of a mindless scroll or wander, you’ll win way more often than you lose.
Sources
- Macy’s Official Coupons & Promotions - Current promotions, coupon terms, and typical exclusions
- National Retail Federation – Retail Sales & Seasonal Trends - Context on seasonal markdown behavior in retail
- Consumer Reports – How to Find the Best Deals When Shopping - General deal-hunting strategies and timing tips
- Federal Trade Commission – Shopping Online - Guidance on pricing, advertising, and consumer protections
- Harvard Business Review – The Psychology Behind Discounting - Insights into how discounts influence purchasing decisions
