The Journey of Unsold Jewelry: Where It Goes After Macy's and How to Find It

Ever walked past a gleaming jewelry counter at Macy’s and wondered what happens to the beautiful pieces that don’t sell, even after a big clearance event? You’re not alone. This guide pulls back the curtain on the retail process and reveals the strategies savvy shoppers use to find these hidden gems.

The Post-Clearance Path: What Macy's Does with Unsold Jewelry

When a piece of jewelry doesn’t sell during its time on the main sales floor, it begins a carefully managed journey. Major retailers like Macy’s have a sophisticated system to handle unsold inventory. They aim to recover as much value as possible, which means the items don’t simply disappear. Here are the primary channels where unsold jewelry ends up.

1. Macy’s Backstage: The First Stop for Overstock

One of the most common destinations for unsold merchandise from mainline Macy’s stores is Macy’s Backstage. This is Macy’s own off-price outlet, often found as a store-within-a-store at many Macy’s locations.

• What it is: Macy’s Backstage is designed to compete with stores like T.J. Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. It sells a mix of products, including items made specifically for the outlet and, crucially, overstock and past-season merchandise from the main Macy’s stores.
• Why it’s a primary channel: Moving unsold jewelry to Backstage allows Macy’s to keep the revenue within the company while offering it to a different segment of shoppers at a much lower price point. It’s an efficient first step in the liquidation process.

2. Returns to the Vendor (RTV)

In some cases, the jewelry is sent back to the company that made it. This is known as a Return to Vendor, or RTV.

• How it works: Macy’s has agreements with many of its suppliers and designers. These agreements can include clauses that allow Macy’s to return a certain amount of unsold merchandise after a season. The designer or manufacturer might then sell these items through their own factory outlets or online clearance channels. This is common for branded jewelry lines.

3. Sales to Liquidation Companies

What isn’t moved to Backstage or returned to the vendor is often sold in bulk to third-party liquidation companies. These companies, sometimes called “jobbers,” specialize in buying large quantities of overstock merchandise from major retailers at a fraction of the original cost.

• The Process: Macy’s will bundle unsold jewelry into large lots, which can include a wide variety of styles, from fashion jewelry to fine gold and diamond pieces. Liquidators bid on these lots.
• Where it goes next: Once a liquidator buys the inventory, they resell it through their own network. This network can include online marketplaces, discount stores, or even other independent jewelry shops. This is where the trail can become harder to follow, but it also creates opportunities for smart buyers.

4. Employee Sales and Donations

While less common for high-value fine jewelry, some items may be offered to employees at a significant discount. For lower-priced fashion jewelry, items might occasionally be included in lots designated for donation, but because even costume jewelry has material value, liquidation is the far more common path. Precious metals and gemstones are almost always liquidated to recover their intrinsic value.

How Smart Buyers Find These Hidden Deals

Now that you know where the jewelry goes, you can position yourself to find it. Being a “smart buyer” isn’t about a secret trick; it’s about knowing where to look and what to look for.

Strategy 1: Become a Regular at Macy’s Backstage

This is your most direct and reliable option. Make a habit of browsing the jewelry section at Macy’s Backstage locations near you.

• What to Look For: The selection is constantly changing. Look for fine jewelry cases, which are often kept behind a counter, as well as spinning racks of fashion jewelry. You might find pieces from well-known brands that were selling for hundreds of dollars in the main store just weeks earlier.
• Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning. Stores often restock overnight, so you’ll get the first look at new arrivals before the weekend crowds.

Strategy 2: Explore Online Liquidation Marketplaces

Many liquidation companies now sell directly to the public through online websites. These platforms sell “shelf pulls” and “overstock” from major department stores.

• How to Approach: Search for terms like “department store overstock jewelry” or “Macy’s liquidation lots.” You might find individual pieces or small lots for sale.
• Important Caution: This path requires diligence. You are often buying from a third-party seller, not Macy’s directly. Always check the seller’s reputation and reviews. Understand the return policy (it’s often “final sale”) and carefully inspect all photos and descriptions before purchasing.

Strategy 3: Build Relationships with Local Jewelers and Pawn Shops

Reputable local jewelry stores and high-end pawn shops are another potential source. These businesses sometimes purchase inventory from liquidators to supplement their own stock.

• The Smart Approach: Find a trusted independent jeweler in your area. Ask them if they ever acquire estate or overstock pieces. Building a relationship means they might call you when something interesting comes in that matches your taste. These professionals can also verify the authenticity and quality of the pieces, giving you peace of mind.

Strategy 4: Master the Timing of In-Store Sales

Before jewelry is moved out, Macy’s will make a final effort to sell it with deep, in-store-only discounts.

• Actionable Step: Sign up for a Macy’s Star Rewards account and their email newsletter. This ensures you’re notified about their biggest sales, like the “Friends & Family” events or end-of-season final clearance. This is your last chance to buy the item directly from Macy’s before it enters the liquidation chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is unsold jewelry from Macy’s authentic? Yes. The items that go through these channels are the exact same authentic pieces that were sold on the main floor. They are simply overstock or from a previous season. However, if you buy from a third-party liquidator or reseller, you should be confident in that seller’s reputation.

Are the discounts significant? Absolutely. By the time a piece of jewelry reaches a Macy’s Backstage or a liquidator, it is often priced at a fraction of its original retail cost. It’s possible to find deals ranging from 50% to 80% off or even more.

Can I return an item I buy from a liquidator? Usually not. Most sales through liquidation channels are final. This is part of the business model that allows for such low prices. Always assume a purchase is “as-is” unless the seller explicitly offers a return policy.