Department store sales can be a goldmine for shoppers looking to save—but only if you know how to act quickly and stack strategically. From flash promotions to weekend-only offers, these limited-time deals are designed to create urgency. Here’s how to spot the best ones, act fast, and maximize your savings while they last.
Track Weekly Promotions and Sale Calendars
Department stores like Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney release new promotions regularly, and most of them follow a predictable rhythm. Macy’s often runs One-Day Sales on weekends with early access on Fridays.
Signing up for email alerts and app notifications from each retailer ensures you’re always first to know when these flash events go live.
Set Price Alerts with Browser Tools
Sales can be tricky—sometimes they only look like a good deal. Use tools like Honey, Capital One Shopping, or Slickdeals to track pricing history and see if you’re actually getting a discount.
These platforms alert you when a product drops below a specific price, which is especially useful during quick-turnaround promotions. Combine that with retailer sale calendars, and you’ll know when to jump on a deal—or when to wait.
Don’t Skip the Fine Print
Many limited-time offers come with restrictions:
- Certain brands (like Nike or Levi’s) are often excluded
- Promo codes may only work on regular-priced items
- Rewards points may not be earned on heavily discounted items
Always read the terms and conditions before assuming a discount applies to your entire cart. Department stores usually post these details alongside their online coupon pages.
Combine with Cashback and Gift Card Rewards
Even flash deals can be sweetened. For example, you can earn cashback with a Macy’s gift card or get rewards with a Kohl’s gift card if you buy through Fluz right before checking out. These savings stack on top of sale prices and don’t interfere with promo code use.
And if you’re shopping in-store and pressed for time, Fluz lets you buy gift cards for the exact total at checkout. Download Fluz here and be ready to save even when the window is short.
Shop Early for Best Selection
With time-limited promotions, inventory is everything. Sale pages are typically updated the night before or early the morning of the event. Shop as early as possible—especially online—since popular sizes and items sell out quickly. Using a store’s app can sometimes give you exclusive early access or app-only coupon codes as well.
Don’t Overbuy Just to ‘Save’
Sales are only useful if you were already planning to make a purchase. Avoid the trap of buying an item just because it’s temporarily marked down. Instead, make a wishlist of items you need or plan to gift, and refer back to it during high-discount events. That way, you’re spending strategically—not impulsively.
