The Macy’s Friends & Family Sale is one of the brand’s most anticipated promotions, offering 25% off across thousands of items both in-store and online. But not everything is worth adding to your cart. From exclusions to better-timed discounts, knowing what to buy—and what to skip—can help you make the most of this limited-time event.
What Is the Macy’s Friends & Family Sale?
Macy’s runs its Friends & Family Sale two to three times a year, typically in April, August, and December. During the event, shoppers receive 25% off a wide selection of merchandise using a promo code (usually FRIEND or FRIEND25) online or in-store.
Best Items to Buy During the Friends & Family Sale
- Fragrances and Cosmetics (with Few Exclusions)
This sale includes many premium beauty brands not usually discounted, including MAC, Clinique, and Urban Decay. While luxury beauty items are sometimes excluded from other Macy’s promos, Friends & Family is an exception.
- Private Label and Exclusive Brands
Macy’s-owned brands like INC International Concepts, Alfani, Hotel Collection, and Bar III often qualify for the full 25% off. These labels are exclusive to Macy’s and regularly offer quality at mid-tier prices—now with even more value.
- Home Goods and Bedding
From sheets and comforters to small kitchen appliances, the Friends & Family Sale is an excellent time to upgrade your home. Macy’s White Sale often overlaps with this event, offering double discounts on linens and bath essentials.
- Shoes and Accessories
Handbags, boots, and sneakers—especially from brands like Nine West and Steve Madden—are typically eligible for the discount. This is a good time to shop seasonal styles at a markdown.
What to Skip (and When to Wait)
- Big-Ticket Electronics
While you might see a small discount, larger electronics like TVs and smart home devices usually aren’t included in the Friends & Family Sale. These items are typically better priced during Black Friday or Labor Day weekend sales.
- Luxury Designers (Coach, The North Face, etc.)
High-end brands are often listed under exclusions. Look at the fine print before assuming the 25% applies across all departments. These brands tend to have standalone sales or outlet promotions throughout the year.
- Fine Jewelry
While some jewelry qualifies, Macy’s often runs deeper discounts (up to 70% off) during Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or holiday-specific jewelry events.
- Mattresses and Furniture
These categories often operate on separate promo cycles. Macy’s Mattress and Furniture Sales usually feature better bundled offers or bonus delivery perks, especially during Memorial Day and President’s Day sales.
Extra Tips for Shopping the Sale
- Sign in to your Star Rewards account to earn points on top of your discount
- Apply store pickup to skip shipping fees and access same-day deals
Can You Combine With Gift Cards or Cashback?
Yes. You can apply gift cards during the Friends & Family Sale as a payment method—even alongside promo codes and rewards. For extra value, you can earn cashback with a Macy’s gift card by purchasing it through Fluz before you shop. The savings stack without interfering with your promo discount. Download Fluz here to start earning cashback when you shop major sales events like this one.
