salehunter.net In the vast world of online shopping, the hunt for a discount code is a modern-day treasure quest. We’ve all been there: you’ve filled your virtual shopping cart with beautiful items, you proceed to the checkout page, and you’re greeted by that alluring, empty little box that says, “Enter Promo Code” or “Apply Discount Code.” Your heart skips a beat. A quick search, you think, will surely unearth a magical string of letters and numbers that will slash 20% off your total. But when your shopping destination is Dillard’s, this treasure hunt often leads to a dead end, leaving many savvy shoppers asking the same question: Do Dillard’s discount codes even exist?
The short answer is complicated. Unlike many of its competitors who constantly circulate coupons and promotional codes, Dillard’s operates on a different business model. It’s a strategy that prioritizes major clearance events and a robust rewards program over the daily drip of small discounts. But don’t despair! A lack of traditional coupon codes doesn’t mean you can’t score an incredible deal. It simply means you need to become a smarter, more strategic Dillard’s shopper.
This comprehensive guide will pull back the curtain on Dillard’s unique approach to pricing. We’ll explore why those elusive codes are so rare and, more importantly, reveal the proven methods and insider secrets that will help you save big every time you shop, whether in-store or online. Forget the fruitless search for a code; it’s time to learn the real Dillard’s savings game.
The Great Discount Code Mystery: Why Dillard’s Plays Hard to Get
Before we dive into the saving strategies, it’s helpful to understand the “why” behind Dillard’s approach. Most department stores, like Macy’s or Kohl’s, use a high-low pricing strategy. They set a high initial retail price and then frequently offer coupons and sales to create a sense of urgency and value. A customer feels great getting a $100 sweater for $60 with a coupon, even if the sweater was never really intended to sell for $100.
Dillard’s, on the other hand, leans more towards a model that emphasizes brand integrity and curated value. They prefer to let the quality of their merchandise speak for itself and focus their promotional energy on massive, store-wide clearance events. By not constantly offering 20% off codes, they avoid devaluing their products and train their customers to shop for quality and to anticipate their legendary sales. This strategy builds a different kind of loyalty—one based on trust in the product and the thrill of their can’t-miss clearance prices.
So, while you might occasionally see a very rare code for free shipping on a high order minimum (e.g., SHIP150 for free shipping on orders over $150), these are the exception, not the rule. The real savings lie elsewhere.
Strategy #1: Conquer the Legendary Dillard’s Clearance
If there is one golden rule to saving at Dillard’s, it is this: master the clearance section. Dillard’s doesn’t just have sales; it has a “Permanent Clearance” section in most of its stores and a dedicated “Clearance” tab online that is a goldmine for deals year-round. These aren’t just last season’s leftovers; you can find high-quality, in-season items that have been marked down significantly.
Understanding the Markdown System
Dillard’s is famous for its aggressive markdown cadence. An item doesn’t just go on sale; it goes through a series of price cuts. It might start at 25% off, then move to 40%, 50%, and eventually hit the magic number: 65% off the original price. The key is knowing when to pounce. Waiting for the deepest discount is tempting, but it’s a gamble against your size and preferred color selling out.
The Extra Percentage Off Events
This is where the real magic happens. Several times a year, Dillard’s will offer an additional percentage off all already-reduced clearance merchandise. This could be an extra 30%, 40%, or even 50% off the lowest marked price. When you combine a 65% off markdown with an additional 40% off, the savings are staggering. These are the sales that seasoned Dillard’s shoppers wait for all year. Keep an eye out for these promotions around major holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
Strategy #2: The New Year’s Day Sale – The Super Bowl of Savings
If Dillard’s clearance events are the regular season, the New Year’s Day Sale is the Super Bowl. This is, without a doubt, the single best day of the year to shop at Dillard’s. On January 1st, the store takes an additional 50% off all permanently reduced merchandise. This is the sale that people line up for, the one where you can find designer dresses, premium denim, and luxury handbags for a tiny fraction of their original cost.
Tips for Dominating the New Year’s Day Sale:
- Scout Ahead: Visit your local Dillard’s in the days leading up to January 1st. Browse the clearance racks, try things on, and take note of what you want and where it’s located. This way, on the day of the sale, you can head straight for your desired items without wasting time.
- Shop Online Early: The sale typically starts online just after midnight. If you want the best selection without fighting the crowds, set your alarm and be ready to click “add to cart” as soon as the clock strikes twelve.
- Go to the Store Early: If you prefer to shop in person, be at the doors before they open. The best deals and most common sizes are the first to go.
- Be Patient and Thorough: The racks can be chaotic. Take your time, dig deep, and don’t be afraid to check a different department. Sometimes items get misplaced, and you might find a hidden gem where you least expect it.
Strategy #3: Leverage the Dillard’s Card & Rewards Program
For frequent Dillard’s shoppers, the store’s loyalty program is the closest thing you’ll get to a consistent discount. It’s not a traditional coupon system, but it translates your spending into real savings.
How It Works
When you use your Dillard’s Credit Card or Dillard’s American Express® Card, you earn rewards points on every purchase.
- Earning Points: You typically earn 2 points for every $1 spent at Dillard’s (in-store, online, or by phone) and, with the American Express version, on qualifying purchases elsewhere.
- Receiving Rewards: For every 1,500 points you accumulate, you’ll automatically be sent a 10% Off All-Day Shopping Pass. Alternatively, you can choose to receive a $10 Rewards Certificate.
That 10% shopping pass is a powerful tool. Because Dillard’s rarely offers sitewide discounts, this pass can be used on items that almost never go on sale, including cosmetics, fragrances, and new-arrival designer goods. Strategic use of these rewards is a fantastic way to create your own discount on premium products.
Elite Status and Cardholder Perks
If you spend $2,000 or more in a calendar year on your card, you achieve Elite Status. This unlocks even better perks, such as free standard shipping on all online orders, gift wrapping services, and exclusive bonus point events. These perks, especially the free shipping, can add up to significant savings over time.
Strategy #4: Uncovering Lesser-Known Savings Hacks
Beyond the major sales and the rewards program, there are several other clever ways to cut costs at Dillard’s.
Sign Up for Email and Text Alerts
While they won’t send you traditional discount codes, Dillard’s will use their email and text lists to notify you about the start of major sales, including those coveted “extra percentage off” clearance events. This is the best way to be first in line when the prices drop.
Explore Brand-Specific Promotions
Focus on the brand, not the store. Many of the high-end cosmetics and skincare brands sold at Dillard’s run their own “Gift with Purchase” (GWP) promotions. Brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, and Lancôme are famous for these events, where a qualifying purchase gets you a free bag filled with deluxe samples and full-size products. These gifts often have a value of over $100 and are a phenomenal way to get more for your money.
Create a Registry
If you’re getting married or expecting a baby, creating a registry at Dillard’s is a fantastic move. After your event date, Dillard’s typically offers a “Completion Discount” on the remaining items on your registry. This is usually a significant percentage off, allowing you and your family to purchase what you still need at a much lower price.
Don’t Forget Price Adjustments
Dillard’s has a price adjustment policy, though it can be specific. If you buy an item and it goes on sale within a certain period (typically 14 days), you may be able to bring your receipt back to the store and get a refund for the price difference. It never hurts to ask, and it can save you money on a recent purchase.
Look for “As-Is” Furniture Deals
If your local Dillard’s has a furniture department, be sure to ask about “as-is” or floor model pieces. These items may have a tiny, barely noticeable scratch or scuff, but they are often sold at a massive discount. This is one of the best-kept secrets for acquiring high-quality furniture for a fraction of the retail price.
Your New Dillard’s Shopping Playbook
Shopping at Dillard’s requires a shift in mindset. Instead of chasing fleeting promo codes, the savvy shopper focuses on a long-term strategy built around timing, knowledge, and loyalty.
Your new playbook is simple:
- Live in the Clearance Section: Make it your first and last stop every time you visit the store or the website. Learn its rhythm and wait for the “extra off” events.
- Circle January 1st on Your Calendar: Prepare for the New Year’s Day Sale like it’s a national holiday. It’s your best single opportunity for incredible deals.
- Use the Rewards Card Wisely: If you’re a regular shopper, use the Dillard’s card to turn your everyday spending into valuable 10% off passes and rewards certificates. Use them strategically on items that never go on sale.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for emails to get advance notice of sales and keep an eye out for brand-specific promotions like Gift with Purchase events in the beauty department.
By embracing these strategies, you can confidently walk into any Dillard’s, knowing you have the knowledge to find the best value without ever needing to search for that mythical discount code again. You’ve cracked the code, and the savings are now yours for the taking.
