Flash sales are fast, limited-time deals that often deliver the deepest discounts—but only to shoppers who act quickly. Department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney frequently run unannounced or app-only flash sales that disappear within hours. If you want to take full advantage of these savings events, here’s how to spot them early and shop smart.
Sign Up for Email Alerts and SMS Notifications
Most department stores notify their most engaged shoppers first. By signing up for email newsletters and mobile alerts, you’ll often get exclusive promo codes or early access to flash events. Enable push notifications in your app settings to receive real-time alerts when a flash sale goes live.
Download the Store’s Mobile App
Many flash sales are “app exclusive,” meaning they’re only available through the store’s mobile app. These deals may not even appear on the website homepage.
Download and check frequently:
Pro tip: open the app on Friday mornings and Sundays—two of the most common times for flash deal drops.
Follow Brands on Social Media
Retailers increasingly promote limited-time sales on platforms like Instagram and Twitter before they hit websites or emails. Follow official brand accounts and turn on notifications to catch stories or posts with promo codes, countdown timers, or swipe-up links. Also look for flash deals promoted through influencer collaborations or event-based campaigns.
Use Deal Forums and Aggregator Sites
Sites like Slickdeals, RetailMeNot, and Brad’s Deals often break flash sale news faster than the retailers themselves. Users share live updates, coupon codes, and in-cart screenshots showing verified savings.
You can also set custom alerts for keywords like “Kohl’s flash” or “Macy’s 1-day sale” to get notifications when new threads are posted.
Use a Gift Card to Stack on Top of Flash Pricing
Many flash sales allow the use of promo codes or loyalty points—but you can often save even more by stacking with gift cards. If you buy through a platform like Fluz, you can earn cashback with a Macy’s gift card or get rewards with a Kohl’s gift card right before checkout.
This lets you combine flash pricing with instant cashback. Gift cards from Fluz are delivered instantly and tailored to the exact amount needed, making them ideal for fast-moving deals. Download Fluz here to stay ready.
Move Fast—And Know the Return Policy
Flash sales are designed to create urgency. Items are often final sale or limited in quantity. Have your cart ready, checkout profile saved, and budget set so you can complete the transaction quickly. Don’t forget to check return terms before you buy—some deals are final and not eligible for returns or exchanges.
