Macy's BackstageWhat to buy and what discounts there are

Backstage is Macy's off-price format, set up like TJ Maxx: clothing, shoes, bags, beauty, toys and home goods in batches, 20-80% below regular prices. Almost all Backstage stores work as a section inside a regular Macy's - most of the standalone stores have been closed. Look for the nearest one in the store locator on the Macy's website.

The selection depends on the size of the store: in a big Macy's the section can take up half a floor, in a small one just a few rows.

In theory, Backstage should be a level above Dillard's Clearance Center - it is Macy's, after all. But what mostly ends up here is whatever didn't sell at Macy's itself: the department store's leftover clearance plus branded lots bought specially for the section. So don't expect a wow effect here.

I have mixed feelings about this store, and it depends a lot on the area. In a well-off area the selection can be perfectly fine. In an area farther from such places it can be very weak - about like dd's DISCOUNTS, with low-quality items.

I really liked the Backstage I used to go to in the San Francisco area (Bay Area): we went there often and found good quality things - for example, genuine leather kids' shoes from well-known brands at a fraction of the usual price. But the Backstage in downtown Sacramento was simply a disappointment: there was nothing to buy, and it was eventually closed.

My advice: if there's a Backstage near you, go in once and see whether it's worth coming back. If you like the selection, check in regularly - an interesting lot may arrive.