Department Store Savings: Getting More from Macy's and Kohl's
Macy's and Kohl's run some of the most frequent sales in retail. Here is how their reward programs work and how to stack them for bigger savings.
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Department stores almost always have something on sale. The trick is knowing which promotions combine and when the extra rewards kick in.
How Kohl's rewards work
Kohl's has two main reward systems:
- Kohl's Cash: during promotional periods, you earn Kohl's Cash for every qualifying amount you spend, which you can use on a future purchase within a set window.
- Kohl's Rewards: a free loyalty program where you earn a percentage back on purchases as rewards.
Kohl's also frequently sends percentage-off codes, which can often be combined with sale prices.
How Macy's rewards work
Macy's Star Rewards is a free loyalty program with tiers. Members earn rewards on purchases and get access to member-only offers and events. Macy's also runs frequent one-day and holiday sales.
Stacking at department stores
- Start with items that are already on sale or clearance.
- Apply a promo code, if the item is not excluded.
- Use any store cash or rewards you have earned.
- Make sure the purchase earns new rewards for next time.
Read the exclusions: some brands, electronics and beauty items are often excluded from store-wide codes.
Know the best times to shop
- End of season clearance for clothing and home goods.
- Holiday weekends and the big fall sale season.
- Store events announced by email. Signing up for emails is usually the fastest way to hear about them.
One caution
Store credit cards can add extra discounts, but carry high interest rates. Only consider one if you pay the balance in full every month.
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