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As one of the oldest and largest department store chains in the country, Macy's has long been a beloved destination for everything from blenders to designer clothing.
Since its founding in 1858, Macy's has established itself not only as a significant part of the American retail market, but also as a pop-cultural icon thanks to events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and classic films like "Miracle on 34th Street."
Today, Macy's continues to be a department store powerhouse and a well-known spot to score deals on high-quality products. "Not only does Macy's have everything under the sun from apparel to appliances, they're also known for their incredible promotions," Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot, told Business Insider.
With so many items to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best bargains. With that in mind, here are 16 products to buy at Macy's and six you should skip.
Just because Macy's sells electronics, doesn't necessarily mean you should purchase a new flat-screen television for your living room, according to Trae Bodge, shopping expert and founder of Truetrae.com.
"Macy's is not known for their pricing on electronics and they don't often have sales in this category," Bodge told Business Insider. "You'd be better off shopping at Best Buy, Walmart or Target."
Skip: Small Electronics
While you're at it, you should also consider skipping smaller electronic devices like headphones, Kerry Sherin, senior content manager at Offers.com, told GoBankingRates.
Buy: Macy's private-label fashion
Bodge said not to overlook Macy's private-label lines, which tend to be not only incredibly stylish but also cheap.
"There are several affordable fashion brands that are exclusive to Macy's, like Alfani for men and women, and Epic Threads for kids," Bodge told Business Insider. "Fun clothes for the whole family that can't be found elsewhere."
Buy: Small kitchen appliances
Macy's is particularly ideal for snagging small kitchen appliances like mixers, blenders, and toaster ovens, among others, according to Skirboll.
"From cutlery to small appliances and cookware, Macy's offers all of the kitchen essentials and gadgets: Air Fryers, slow cookers, pots and pans," she said. "Plus, these items often experience markdowns as new arrivals are always being released."
Skip: Large appliances
However, on the flipside, Sherin told GOBankingRates that Macy's doesn't offer much in the large appliance category.
Buy: Furniture
While you may want to skip the large electronics and appliances, Bodge said Macy's is a good spot to find furniture that is "not only beautiful and well-made, but competitively priced."
Buy: Luggage
Macy's has a large selection of high quality luggage from top brands worth bringing along on your travels, according to Sherrin.
Buy: Silverware
As one of the most popular wedding registry destinations, it's no surprise Macy's has an impressive selection of kitchen items like silverware. Engaged or not, experts recommend hitting the department store for high quality utensils.
Buy: China
Thanks to Macy's wedding registry cachet, the store is also a great destination for a china set.
Buy: Outerwear
Macy's has a vast assortment of name-brand coats and jackets including The North Face, Calvin Klein, and Guess which you can often find at a bargain.
"This is a hard category to stay competitive in, and Macy's does just that," Sherin told GOBankingRates. "You may see prices cheaper elsewhere on the internet, but Macy's keeps a large and diverse inventory that you can often find discounted."
Skip: Fitness products
Though Macy's does in fact sell fitness equipment, Terence Loose of GOBankingRates wrote shoppers are likely better off looking elsewhere given the retailer doesn't specialize in exercise products. This is especially true if you're looking for a specific exercise tool or product, given Macy's limited supply.
Buy: Designer Clothing
Macy's may not have as luxe of a collection as more upscale department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue or sister company Bloomingdale's, but it still has a robust collection of designer clothing. Plus, if you play your cards right, you could find products at significant discounts.
Buy: Cosmetics
"Macy's beauty departments are large and many of the brands run promotions, where you can receive free full- or sample-sized products with a minimum purchase," Bodge said.
Buy: Fragrances
Same goes for fragrances, Bodge said.
Buy: Wedding gifts
"If you know someone who is engaged and has registered at Macy's as well as other retailers, shopping for their gift at Macy's will help them earn 5 percent back," according to Hodge.
Buy: Bedding
In general, shopping experts were unanimous that items you would see on a wedding registry are a good call to buy at Macy's, including bedding.
Skip: Dyson brand products
According to Bodge, you're better off buying certain name brands like Dyson elsewhere, as its rarely, if ever, included in discounts.
Skip: Apple products
You'll also be hard-pressed to find discounted Apple products, Bodge said.
Buy: Handbags
You'll find loads of designer brand handbags and purses at Macy's, many of which come at a discounted price, various experts said.
Buy: Linens and towels
"Macy's has a variety of offerings, thread counts and brands on everything you need from sheets and duvets to towels and bath mats," Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot, told Business Insider. "Plus, January is one of the best times of year to buy, so look out for deeper discounts."
Buy: Baby clothes
Outfitting a litte one who is constantly growing does not come cheap, but Macy's tends to have tons of bargain clothes for babies and toddlers, according to the couponing site The Krazy Coupon Lady.
Buy: Exclusive home goods collections
Skirboll of RetailMeNot recommended browsing Macy's wide selection of exclusive home collections from big names like Martha Stewart, which you won't be able to find elsewhere.
"Because these items are not offered at other retailers, one of the best things to check out are the Macy exclusive brands, like Martha Stewart and the Hotel Collection," she said. "There are 23 different brands and they cover a wide variety of categories from home decor and accessories to apparel and accessories and more. I love their Hotel Collection and own four of their mattress toppers."
