Designer Shoe Warehouse Employees on What to Buy (and What to Skip)
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The “designer” in Designer Shoe Warehouse is a little misleading (stores tend to stock Nikes and UGGs rather than Louboutins), but it’s still a worthwhile shopping destination for anybody in need of prom shoes, gym sneakers, or even hiking boots. An element of surprise is part of the appeal (as withTJ Maxx, you never know which brand you might chance upon for a discount — “We also have things like Michael Kors, and I’ve seen some Gucci too,” one associate told me), but DSW’s affordable private-label designs are more reliably stocked and beloved by many.
In order to take full advantage of DSW’s somewhat complex pricing structure, you’ll need to flex your VIP membership benefits, stack coupons, and ideally shop off-season. I reached out to six employees for advice on navigating both the online and virtual warehouse aisles.
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Don’t shop without joining the rewards program
TheDSW VIP programis free to join and entitles the buyer to complimentary shipping on all items. There’s also a points system where every dollar spent goes toward a cash discount. The VIP program gains you access to exclusive coupons, especially via the app, and these can be stacked for even higher discounts on clearance items.
If you’re browsing in-store, coupons won’t necessarily be marked or applied automatically, so you shouldalwayscheck online first, an associate told me: “When there is a coupon going around, customers have to bring it up for us to take off the discount, and a lot of times people do not even know about the deals.” Name brands like UGG, Birkenstock, and Frye tend to be excluded from coupon promotions, but that’s where your VIP membership benefits come into play, explained another associate: “You can use your reward points to get a discount instead.”
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You can actually find designer brands
The online DSW store does stock high-end shoes from the likes of Balenciaga and Burberry, but stock fluctuates and isn’t all that heavily discounted. The best-case scenario if you’re looking foractualdesigner shoes at warehouse prices is to find them in the clearance section in-store, where they might end up after being returned by a customer who originally purchased them online. (DSW has a fairly generous 60-day free returns policy.) “One time, someone had the brand Off-White for an online return and that was something crazy to see because of the high price point,” says one associate. And yes: “All brands can go on clearance,” confirmed a store manager I spoke with.
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But the best deals are on dupes and private labels
DSW is a great place to shop for genuine leather shoes from brands likeSteve Madden, which is known for its highly accurate designer dupes. “Steve Madden has been absolutely killing the game,” said one associate. “They are affordable and always work with our coupons too. They have tons of great sandals and flats right now that are super on-trend.” DSW’s private-label brands (Kelly & Katie, Crown Vintage, Journee Collection) are very well priced, especially once coupons come into play. When I asked a manager which private-label style was most worth seeking out, she recommended the Kelly & Katie Hailee sandal, especially for summer weddings. “It’s a beautiful shoe, super comfortable all night long, and comes in neutral colors as well as prints,” she said.
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It’s worth shopping in-store
The DSW online store will always offer a wider range of styles and brands, as well as more clearly marked coupons and clearance items. But everyone I spoke with said that shopping in-store was worth it for dedicated bargain hunters — not only because you’ll be able to make sure your shoes fit, but also because “in-store is where you can find the best hidden deals,” said one associate.
Markdowns can vary by store location, and every clearance section will look different, “but we do get nationwide markdowns sent on Sundays,” said one associate. So shopping on a Sunday is definitely worth it, but Thursday and Friday are also good days to browse, because stock typically gets replenished midweek. Clearance items are typically priced at 30 percent off, and once stock has been hanging around for a full calendar year, it’ll be marked down to 60 percent off. Note that store associates don’t set the prices themselves, so it’s not worth arguing or haggling.
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But skip the hosiery section
“I feel that DSW just isn’t the place for hosiery,” said one associate, especially as stores don’t have dressing rooms and sizing can be confusing. Another noted that DSW isn’t a great place for true sneaker freaks to shop, as it “doesn’t normally carry a lot of shoes that Foot Locker or JD Sports would carry.” So while you can buy cheaper Nike styles like its Court Vision sneakers, don’t expect to find discounted Air Force 1’s.
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Don’t miss the handbags or HydroJugs
“People sleep on the handbags and socks, honestly,” said one associate. “DSW has some really cute bags for good prices.” I also learned that DSW has recently started stockingBombas socks, as well as Adidas Sambas, and that it’s a great place to pick up underrated Keds socks. Nike V5 sneakers are popular right now, with stock being constantly replenished. Beyond shoes and socks, some customers might not realize that DSW stocks viral toys and lifestyle accessories like HydroJug tumblers andNeeDohs, sometimes in rare colors and patterns. “We get tons of calls during the week about NeeDohs, and some people even ask when our truck is coming,” said one associate.
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And try to shop off-season
Everyone I spoke with said that the most skilled DSW shoppers will plan ahead, because items go on clearance only once they’re out of season. “There are so many good deals when the seasons are changing,” said one manager. “For example, if you are looking for sandal markdowns, those are typically going to start happening at the end of July or in early August. And we usually have a huge clearance event in March or April to get rid of winter shoes.”
Shopping for winter boots during the summer months might not be all that appealing, but one associate pointed out that cowboy boots are the exception. Leather cowboy boots from Sam Edelman are on sale right now and can be worn year-round, and you might also get lucky with clearance-section Blundstones, which pair well with summer dresses.
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The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
