You've been there. You're scrolling through the app, you see that perfect pair of Levi’s or a Clinique gift set, and then you see it: the shipping delay. Or worse, the $10.95 shipping fee because you didn't hit the minimum spend. It’s annoying. This is exactly why Macy's in store pickup—officially branded as "Store Pickup" or "Curbside Pickup"—has become the go-to move for anyone who actually wants their stuff today without the hassle of wandering through four floors of a department store.
Shopping at Macy’s can feel like a labyrinth. Between the perfume samples being waved in your face and the endless racks of "Last Act" clearance items, a quick trip often turns into a forty-minute ordeal. Using the pickup service basically cuts the line. You buy it on your phone while sitting on your couch, wait for the email, and just walk to the desk. It's simple, but there are definitely some quirks to the system that can trip you up if you aren't paying attention to the fine print.
How the Macy's In Store Pickup System Really Works
Let's get into the weeds. When you place an order for Macy's in store pickup, you aren't getting a package sent from a warehouse to the store. Usually, a store associate is literally walking the floor with a handheld scanner, picking your item off the shelf where other customers are currently shopping.
This leads to the biggest "gotcha" of the whole process: inventory lag.
Sometimes the website says an item is in stock at your local Macy's, but by the time the employee gets to the rack, someone else has already put it in their physical cart and is headed to the register. If that happens, Macy's will cancel your order. It's frustrating, but it’s the reality of a live inventory system. To avoid this, try to place your pickup orders early in the morning before the foot traffic peaks.
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Once you place the order, you’ll get an initial "Order Confirmation" email. Do not go to the store yet. You have to wait for the second email that says "Your order is ready for pickup." This usually happens within two hours, provided the store is open. If you order late at night, you’ll likely hear from them about an hour after the store opens the next morning.
The Curbside vs. In-Store Choice
Macy’s was one of the big retailers that leaned hard into curbside during 2020, and luckily, they kept it. But honestly, not every location offers it. When you’re checking out, the app will explicitly tell you if "Curbside Pickup" is an option. If it is, you just pull up to the designated spot (usually marked with big red signs in the parking lot), tap a button in the Macy’s app, and someone brings it out.
If you have to go inside, look for the "At Your Service" desks. These are usually tucked away in less busy corners of the store or near the back entrances. They handle everything from bill payments to returns and, of course, your online orders.
Saving More Money With Pickup
One of the best things about opting for Macy's in store pickup is that it opens up specific discounts. Macy’s frequently runs "extra 15% off" or "extra 20% off" promotions if you choose to pick up your order rather than having it shipped. They do this because shipping a heavy coat or a set of dinnerware is expensive for them. By you coming to the store, they save on UPS or FedEx fees and pass a tiny bit of that to you.
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Check the top banner of the Macy's website. If there’s a pickup-specific promo code, you’ll see it there. Also, keep an eye on your "Macy's Star Rewards" account. Sometimes they'll drop "Star Money" or bonus points into your account specifically for using the pickup service.
And here is a pro tip: If you get to the store and realize you don’t like the item, you can return it right there at the pickup desk. You don't even have to leave the counter. This is way faster than mailing a return back and waiting two weeks for a refund to hit your credit card.
What You Need to Bring (And Who Can Go for You)
You need two things: your ID and the confirmation email (either printed or on your phone). They are pretty strict about this. They won't just give a $300 KitchenAid mixer to anyone who knows your name.
But what if you're stuck at work and need your partner or a friend to grab it?
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You can actually designate a "Pickup Person" during the checkout process. You’ll need to provide their name and email address. They will get their own notification, and they’ll need to show their ID when they arrive. If you forget to add them during checkout, it’s a pain to change it later, so decide who’s going to the mall before you hit "Place Order."
The 7-Day Window
Macy's won't hold your stuff forever. You generally have seven days to pick up your order. If you don’t show up, they’ll cancel the order and refund your money. While that sounds fine, if you used a one-time-use coupon or "Star Money" that has since expired, you might lose that discount. If you know you're going to be late, call the store’s "At Your Service" desk. They can sometimes extend the hold for another day or two if you're nice about it.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Sometimes the "Ready for Pickup" email never comes. Check your junk folder first. If it's been more than four hours and the store is open, call them. It’s possible the item was the last one in stock and it’s damaged, or the associates are just slammed.
Another weird issue is the "partial order." If you bought three things and only two are in stock at your local store, Macy's might ship the third item to your house for free while letting you pick up the other two. They’re surprisingly good about honoring the free shipping in that specific scenario.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Order
To make sure your Macy's in store pickup experience is actually fast, follow this checklist:
- Check the App First: The Macy’s app is much better for tracking pickup status than the mobile website. It will give you a "I'm on my way" button that alerts the staff.
- Time Your Order: Place orders before 10:00 AM for the best chance of getting everything in your cart before the store gets busy.
- Verify the Location: Double-check which Macy’s you selected. If you live in a big city, it’s easy to accidentally send your shoes to the mall thirty miles away instead of the one down the street.
- Screenshot the Barcode: If you have bad cell service inside the mall (which is common in those big concrete buildings), you won't be able to pull up your email. Screenshot the pickup barcode while you're still in the parking lot.
- Inspect Before Leaving: Pop the bag open at the counter. Make sure the sensor tag is off. There is nothing worse than getting home and realizing the security tag is still attached to your new blazer.
Using the pickup service is essentially a way to turn a massive department store into your own personal warehouse. It’s the smartest way to shop the sales without dealing with the chaos of the sales floor. Just remember your ID, watch for that second email, and always check for a pickup-only promo code before you pay.