A History of Fashion...and Savings

A History of Fashion… and Savings

There was a time when department stores were more like palaces. Elegantly fitted out and teeming with impeccably-dressed, well-mannered employees manning every nook and cranny, these stores commanded high- to mid-range prices... but they also gave shoppers an experience. The novelty of choosing everything one could need in a single location quickly moved from the “whimsy” category to a “must.” In many ways, department stores shaped how we shop today.

Macy's, while remaining so current that it's a part of our everyday, has one of those spectacular histories that has captured the interest of fashion mavens and everyday buyers alike. Because one of the things that department stores did best was put on a sale, while stocking everything we needed: in fact, an ad in The New York Times in the late-1800s read: “The Great Sixth-Avenue Bazaar; Opening Day at Macy & Co.’s – A Place Where Almost Anything May Be Bought.”

We're spoiled these days, and we don't even know it. The average woman in 1930 had a total of nine outfits in her closet, which to us in the United States sounds like an impossibility. But then again, clothing was prohibitively expensive, with even a cheap dress totaling $200. Macy's started to change that, making fashion more accessible for the average family, and, I daresay, making life a little less difficult and a little happier, too.

Macy’s, the largest U.S. department store by retail sales, also happens to be one of the oldest department stores in the United States. It comes as no surprise, then, that the original Mr. Macy was dedicated to his vision, opening four small dry goods stores before decamping to New York in 1858 and opening “R. H. Macy & Co.” (Cool fact: the star in the Macy’s logo came from a tattoo that Mr. Macy had from his sailing days.) Macy’s flourished, and here we are, still talking about a company that defined itself through hard work, innovative marketing, and consistently high-quality products.

Speaking of high-quality products, I have done a little sleuthing about what they’re up to these days, since, like I mentioned, Macy’s consistently revamps its offerings. The first stop I suggest is the designer collection, because we’re looking at the most bang for our buck. Rachel Roy, Lucky, Calvin Klein – the big names are all there, and at slashed prices. Check out the Bar III Wide-Leg Trousers, only at Macy’s, that were marked down from $70 to $39.99,

 and then the Bar III Cold-Shoulder Sheath Dress, again only at Macy’s, which slides just under the $50 mark. 

In the name of affordable fashion, and in salute to a venerable department store giant, I suggest we shop a sale or two. It is, after all, why Macy's became such a major player in the shopping world. But because we've spoken about convenience, I'll make it easy for you:

1. 20% off Macys Coupon with registry manager use -- includes clearance
2. Free shipping with $99 purchase or more

Happy shopping!