Your Complete Guide to Macy's Backstage and How to Shop at Off-Prices

We didn’t think saving money at Macy’s could get any better — until Macy’s Backstage changed the game.

Macy’s Backstage gives you off-prices (less than the retail price) on quality clothing, bags, shoes, home decor, and more, with discounts ranging from 20% all the way up to 80%! Everything is handpicked by the experts at Macy’s, and new arrivals come through every day. It’s basically the Macy’s version of a T.J.Maxx or Nordstrom Rack, with more affordable prices on the latest trends and styles.

Macy’s Backstage started back in 2015, but they’ve come a long way since then. Whether you’re looking for a little black dress or a new back-to-school wardrobe, here’s the full scoop on Macy’s Backstage to help in your search for smarter savings.

While you’re at it, download The Krazy Coupon Lady app and add Macy’s to your favorite stores — you’ll get an updated feed of all the best Macy’s deals straight to you.

 

1. Macy’s Backstage is all about quality styles at off-prices.

What are these off-prices, you ask? Basically, it means you’re getting name-brand items for less than the regular retail price.

Macy’s Backstage items aren’t the same as the markdowns you see in a Macy’s sale (like Macy’s After-Christmas sale) or their clearance items. Instead, most items are from closeout or overrun inventory:

• Closeout Items: inventory that’s meant to sell out but not go back in stock.
• Overrun Items: excess inventory (aka the item was overproduced during manufacturing).

The store isn’t stuffed with products that didn’t sell. Some of the items at Macy’s Backstage were made just for them. You’ll find trendy, well-made items at more affordable prices.

 

Where can I find a Macy’s Backstage store?

Most Backstage locations are inside Macy’s stores, but there are also some stand-alone locations in select cities.

You can use the store locator to find a Macy’s Backstage near you.

 

What can I buy at Macy’s Backstage?

You can buy tons of stuff at Backstage. Here’s the gist of it:

• Women’s Clothing
• Men’s Clothing
• Kids’ and Baby Clothing
• Holiday and Special Occasion Gifts
• Home Decor, Candles, and Picture Frames
• Bedding and Towels
• Makeup and Skincare
• Haircare and Beauty Tools
• Gourmet Food and Snacks
• Children’s Toys and Clothing
• Pet Care, Pet Food, and Toys
• Workout Gear and Gym Accessories

 

2. Plan to save up to 80% on lesser-known brands and up to 50% on the ones you know and love.

I’ve found that most items at Macy’s Backstage aren’t high-end designer brands or even name-brand items, but they are deeply discounted. Most fall in the 70%-off range, but you’ll find some items for up to 80% off.

The bigger brands are discounted a bit less, but you can still save up to 50%.

These are some of the popular brands I spotted throughout the store:

• Michael Kors
• DKNY
• Calvin Klein
• Nine West
• Steve Madden
• Juicy Couture
• Lucky Brand
• Bebe
• Betsey Johnson

Related: We did a deep dive into all the best ways to save at Macy’s.

 

3. You’ll find some hidden gems in the beauty section if you hunt for them.

At my Backstage store, the beauty section is packed with haircare, skincare, makeup palettes, nail sets, and more. But most are from brands I don’t recognize. Though to be fair, all of the products I saw were extremely well priced.

If you spend some time hunting, you’ll find a few stellar beauty finds, like Philosophy shower gels for $11.99. I also found a 3-piece Chi haircare set for $19.99 and a 5-piece Betsey Johnson nail kit for $5.99.

Keep in mind that Backstage gets new arrivals daily, and inventory is different at every store. So you may have better luck finding higher-end brands for less. Some Backstage shoppers on Instagram hit the jackpot with $10 makeup finds from Fenty Beauty, Kiehl’s, Smashbox, and even Kylie Cosmetics.

Related: Up your beauty game with these Ulta hacks for maximum savings.

 

4. Look for the little yellow tags throughout the store (they mean reduced prices).

It’s hard to beat an off-price markdown because it’s like a sale price on top of a sale price.

These yellow stickers mean an already low price was reduced even more. The best part? You’ll find tons of them throughout the Backstage store, and not just in the clearance sections.

I found this jumbo-size bottle of Bed Head shampoo for just $8.98.

 

5. You can buy designer brands like YSL and Gucci at Macy’s Backstage.

Macy’s Backstage keeps their priciest designer products in a glass display case, which is usually right by the handbags and shoes. You won’t have lots to choose from, but those cases have been known to hold YSL, Gucci, Tory Burch, Valentino, and more.

Related: Don’t shop at outlet stores without these tips.

 

 

6. The kids’ section at Macy’s Backstage tends to be the best.

For one, the kids’ section is packed with toys of all kinds and for all ages. It also has more well-known brands than any other part of the store. You’ll find cheap prices on Barbie, Star Wars action figures, Disney Frozen dolls, Little Tikes toys, and more.

The kids’ clothing selection is also pretty great. I found 2-piece sets from Juicy Couture and Timberland for 70% off.

 

7. Some Backstage stores aren’t as tidy as others …

I can’t say this is true for every store, but this is what my Macy’s Backstage looks like. From what I hear, the stand-alone stores are much more organized. But if thrift and salvage stores are already your game, a little mess won’t get in your way.

 

8. Don’t pay too much attention to the in-store signage — it’s not always accurate.

For one, the size dividers on the racks mean absolutely nothing. I approached a rack labeled for sizes 2 – 4 but didn’t find a single item that was appropriately placed.

Also, some racks have designated signs like “$39.99 & Under.” But when you take a closer look, you’ll find a bunch of items outside that price range.

Be sure to double-check the sizes and price tags on all Backstage clothing items, and try not to fall in love with something before you’ve seen the tag!

 

9. Check the clearance racks for the absolute lowest prices — most items are $10 – $15.

Everything at Macy’s Backstage is already below retail price, but there’s a huge selection of clothing with even bigger markdowns. At my store, there’s a clearance rack for $7.99 & Under, $9.99 & Under, and $14.99 & Under.

The clearance racks are probably the least organized part of the store, but if you came for low prices, sifting through the clutter is a small price to pay.

 

10. FYI, you can’t use coupons on Macy’s Backstage purchases.

Unfortunately, you can’t use Macy’s coupons at Macy’s Backstage. While this is a bummer, it’s pretty common for off-price retailers to exclude coupons since everything is already deeply discounted.

 

 

11. But you CAN use Star Money Rewards to save more at Backstage.

Macy’s rewards their credit card holders with a little something called Star Money, which is basically cash to spend on future Macy’s purchases. If you have a Macy’s Card, you earn points for every dollar you spend at Macy’s. Earn 1,000 points and get $10 in Star Money to spend later.

The best part is, you can use your Star Money on Macy’s Backstage purchases to save even more on low prices.

 

12. You have 30 days to return Macy’s Backstage purchases, so hang on to your receipts.

Yes, you can return Macy’s Backstage purchases within 30 days, just like the standard Macy’s return policy.

Your Backstage returns must be unworn, unaltered, and have the original tags attached, plus you’ll need your receipt. Without it, you’ll only get store credit for the item’s lowest selling price in the past 90 days.

The biggest exception is, you can’t return or exchange final sale items, so anything on clearance that’s labeled “Last Act” is nonreturnable.

These are the other two carve-outs to know for Macy’s Backstage returns:

• You must return jewelry and watches in the original packaging with tags attached to the same store location you bought them from.
• You can only return Backstage items to Macy’s Backstage stores, not Macy’s department stores or Macy’s.com.

 

13. Follow Macy’s Backstage on Instagram for style and savings inspo.

Want a better idea of what Backstage has to offer? Follow Macy’s Backstage on Instagram for a collection of trendy pics, gift ideas, outfit inspiration, and fashion staples.

You can also search or follow the tag #MacysBackstageFinds to see the hidden treasures and deals other shoppers have found.

 

14. Unfortunately, you can’t shop online for Macy’s Backstage items … yet.

Macy’s Backstage items aren’t available online right now, but according to little hints from Macy’s, that could very well change in the future.

In the Backstage FAQs, Macy’s says, “We don’t have an online e-commerce site to shop at. Not yet. (Wink, wink).”

Plus, they already have a dedicated Backstage page on Macys.com (there just isn’t anything on it yet).