I’m a Shopping Expert: 4 Items I Won’t Buy Seasonally at Macy’s
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Macy’s has been a shopping haven for well over 100 years, but it doesn’t mean every seasonal find is a smart buy. The department store often runs promotions that make it feel like you’re saving money, but a little digging shows that certain seasonal items are better to wait on or skip entirely.
According to shopping experts, here are items you should stop buying seasonally at Macy’s.
Also see five holiday gifts you can buy at Macy’s for under $20.
Holiday Decor
“Skip purchasing holiday decor at Macy’s. Shoppers can stretch their seasonal decorating budget much further at Target, Walmart and HomeGoods without sacrificing quality,” Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.com, wrote in an email.
On average, Americans spend around $1,000 during the holiday season, and good portion of that ($261) is spent on seasonal items like decorations, cards, candy and food, according to Capital One Shopping. Where you shop can make a noticeable difference in how far that budget goes.
“Christmas trees, outdoor decorations and tabletop decor come at a premium price at Macy’s at up to 50% more,” Cid added.
Cashmere Throw
This Charter Club cashmere throw costs $550 at Macy’s.
“A throw is great for wrapping up in during a snowstorm, watching a holiday movie and drinking hot chocolate. However, at $500, it would be hard to talk a lot of people into actually using the blanket for fear of getting it dirty,” Melanie Musson, retail finance expert at Quote.com, wrote in an email. “If you want something practical, look for a practical price. You can find a wide variety of throws for under $100.”
Puelo Potted Prelit Trees
These Puelo potted prelit trees are pricey at $262.
“These trees are elegant decor that look beautiful and festive when placed on either side of your front door, but you can go to Hobby Lobby and find something similar for less than half the price,” Musson explained.
Prelit Reindeer
Another item to avoid? This National Tree Company prelit reindeer that would break many holiday budgets at $540.
“If you place a $540 piece of outdoor decoration in your front yard, don’t be surprised if it disappears,” Musson said. “This beautiful prelit reindeer is too expensive to actually use as decor. You’d want to keep it safe indoors, but there aren’t many houses that could accommodate a 31-inch reindeer.”
You can likely find a better deal on similar items elsewhere. For example, the Costway reindeer and sleigh for indoors or outdoors is about $110 at Target. Alternatively, you can buy a three-piece reindeer family set for just over $75 at Walmart. There’s also this Alpine Corporation 35-inch reindeer yard decoration with incandescent lights for only about $50 at Lowe’s.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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