Overwhelmed in Department Stores

Nicole

Does anyone else get overwhelmed in Department Stores, like Macy's? Macy's is the only Dept store in my town and it had been Filenes up until a few years ago. I never know how to shop there. They categorize by designer, and the only designer I know I like is Elie Tahari--and they don't carry him, at least not at the Macy's in my town. (I've seen Tahari on their website though). Is there a process that makes shopping in Dept. Stores easier?

I find myself driving out of the town and closer to Boston to do my shopping. Since I have one day off a week in which the kids are in school, it's really a waste of my day off to spend half of it in a car chasing stores. I'd love to be able to run into Macy's and spend a few hours and have success. I usually leave empty handed and frustrated because I don't know how to shop there. Am I an odd duck in this regard?

17 years ago

Shopping

5 replies

Latest reply was from mayapple

HannahMichelle

Active Member

I hear you! Macy's can be so frustrating! I don't especially shop by brands, so the last time I was there, I took a new approach and carefully but quickly worked my way through each section/designer accordingly, stopping in the dressing room to try on a few pieces as I gathered them. The result was that I was much less frustrated and confused and had a better idea of what each designer offered by the time I finished. So try the organized approach a time or two and you should find it a little less overwhelming.

17 years ago

Becky

Veteran

I have wondered if department store organization is a marketing tactic: You can't find what you want quickly, so you end up working your way through several other displays and making purchases you wouldn't have made otherwise if you had found your original goal quickly. I prefer shopping consignment shops to department stores (though, of course, the latter is a necessity) because the organization makes so much more sense.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are not alone Nicole. Many of my clients will not set foot in Macys without me. I too was rather overwhelmed the first few times, but Euro department stores are no different.

Macys is worth getting to know your way through, especially if you are on a budget. They have sales virtually every weekend, and a Macy’s card gets you an extra 15% off. Plus they send you 20% coupons all the time.

The footwear, handbag, petites and plus size areas are fairly straightforward, so that’s no problem. But then there is the rest. You need to start small. Select a few brands that you fancy and visit them frequently, like perhaps Elie Tahari, INC, French Connection, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and DKNY. Get to know where these areas are and become familiar with them. The dress department is usually separate. In Seattle dresses are on a separate floor, which makes thing very simple. I’ve been to the Macys in NY and it’s HECTIC. But if you begin building your know how of the brands piece by piece, you shan’t be overwhelmed.

It’s such a pity that the Macy’s website leaves a lot to be desired. It is a bad reflection of what is actually available in stores.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I often complain to friends that the chain stores in our area seem to be smaller versions of the real thing. The Macy's at my local mall is two floors, but the upper level includes Mens, Children, Plus Sizes, Seasonal, Dresses and Evening Gowns, Undergarments and housewares (not furniture, but kitchen/bed/bath items). The first floor is Juniors, Misses and Petites, Shoes, Makeup and Jewlery and an unusally large purse and accessory dept. That's alot of departments in one fairly small store. I think they could do away with the kid's department, and halve the housewares. Very few people buy that kind of stuff at Macy's. The regular clothing department is so limited because of space.

A Nordstrom Rack is opening in the fall, but it's over an hour away. I've never shopped at a Nordstrom, but I do browse online. They seem a little pricy--I'm assuming a Rack store is their bargain shop? I miss Filenes Basement!

Thanks for all your tips. I'm going to try to familiarize myself with Macy's a little more. I think I need to go there alone. My friend I usually shop with doesn't seem to like Macy's. She's always anxious to get out of there. I have to drag her out of the Loft though!

17 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

Macys is so drastically different regarding what brands they have in stock in each store. I absolutely dread going to the one in NYC, but they have a lot of brands I love like Ben Sherman and French Connection. The one in the 'burbs where I go to stay with my parents is a lot more manageable, especially since it's the one I have known all my life, but not nearly as nice. Some of them are downright pitiful. I agree with you. I think Macy's is a nice browsing place if you have only a vague idea of what you're looking for, but if you have something specific in mind, forget it.

17 years ago

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