Name brand merchandise at medium to high-medium prices has proven very profitable for Dillards Department Stores. In the beginning the company founder, William Dillard, would purchase his wares in bulk. He relied heavily on ads to promote his stores, and this paid off, and was successful for many years. While other department stores ran sales, and offered discounts, Dillards did not. That would change, however. As customers recognized that other chains offered the same or comparable merchandise for less, they would often bypass Dillards for the lower price. The store chain would have to compromise.

Types of Sales

Dillards has followed the trends, and begun to have sales. It offers a variety of ways for its customers to receive merchandise below the sales price.

  • Back-To-School

Returning to school or college in schools is a rite of passage for children, teenagers, and young adults. Sometimes because they have outgrown last year’s clothes, or they just want something new. Selected items are offered up with a price reduction. Usually the merchandise is apparel for the fall season and also shoes.

  • Black Friday

Deep discounts on selected items, and other items offered at lower prices, this sale happens but once a year, the Friday after Thanksgiving. The doors of the store are opened earlier than normal, and sometimes there are giveaways and special sales throughout the day to lure in customers. Black Friday is a day filled with excitement and joy for customers, and pain for employees. Black Friday also marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

  • Clearance

When a product or line has reached its end or has been discontinued for whatever reason, most stores offer the last pieces they have marked down. The selection of merchandise may vary from store to store.

  • End of Season

As the seasons change, and to make room for new merchandise, Dillards offers the products at a discount. Customers can save as much as 70 percent on marked-down prices. The End of Season sales is offered up to four times in a year.

  • Holiday

There are several holidays where Dillards may offer a price reduction on selected merchandise. Each holiday does not warrant a sale, and Christmas sales typically occur the whole month of December. The holidays are:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Easter
  • Memorial Day
  • Mother’s Day
  • Father’s Day
  • Fourth of July
  • Labor Day
  • Christmas
  • Merchandise

Throughout the fiscal year, Dillards may offer certain merchandise on sale. Price markdowns may also vary. Typical fare offered is:

  • Housewares
  • Lingerie
  • Luggage
  • Shoes
  • Season

Dillards offers discounts on selected products to usher in new seasons. Sometimes the savings are big and other times, items are marked down very little. The season sales can occur up to four times (winter, spring, summer, fall) a year.

Dillards also offers sales via its E-commerce site. Circulars are offered online and in Sunday newspapers. You can also find special offerings through the store chain’s Facebook page. Coupons are also offered via mail and email. Customers can also get discounts and special offerings through the Dillards store credit card and the American Express card offered through the store.