Just because it is a "store closing sale" doesn't mean the prices are always great. While we found some decent deals, in some cases, it was still more expensive than last week's prices.
Last Friday, we went to check out Macy's prices before the clearance sale. Some coats were 60 percent off, ladies spring scarves were 25 percent off and select purses were regular price.
On Monday, we went back to the downtown Macy's to see if prices had dropped. What we found was a mixed bag, and customers felt the same way.
"Some of the prices were no different from what we have seen when they have actually done a great reduction," shopper Pam Whitaker said.
For example, we found a Nautica jacket on sale for $90 on Friday; on Monday, the price was 20 percent off the clearance price, making it $108. That's $18 more than last week's sale price.
But we did find other items were a better deal.
Spring scarves and hand bags were 25 percent off before the store closing sale, but on Monday, we found them for 30 percent off.
Cusinart appliances were regular price last week, but Monday, they were 20 percent off.
"The deals were pretty good. I still saw they were less on the Christmas holidays, but they do have some stuff that's never been on sale that is on sale," shopper Lydia Gomez said.
For example, Dooney & Burke handbags and Michael Kors shoes were regular price Friday but at the final clearance sale, the prices were 20 to 25 percent off.
And what about those clearance sections? Are those deals worth it?
On Friday, we found an additional 50 percent off a crystal butter dish and sheet set. But Monday, the discount was only 20 percent off.
"As a consumer you need to be a smart and savvy shopper," said Monica Russo with the Better Business Bureau.
That's why Russo says shoppers shouldn't get caught up in any store closing sale.
"You will see that items are not as low as they could be. Sometimes the stores regular sales are actually cheaper," she said.
As far as the deals we found, a Macy's spokesperson tells us the discounts will change through the course of the sale so shoppers should watch the local ads for details. The final clearance sale will last between seven and 11 weeks, and the length of the sale will depend on how quickly the merchandise sells.
No coupons are accepted, but gift cards can be used. Keep in mind, items are final sale, so there are no refunds or exchanges.
___________________________________________________________
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices
