Dillard's vs. Macy's vs. Nordstrom: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Dillard’s champions classic, mid-range brands with excellent customer service, while Macy’s offers a vast selection emphasizing value and frequent promotions for budget to mid-tier shoppers. At the premium end, Nordstrom focuses on luxury designer fashion and an unmatched, service-oriented shopping experience.

Let's compare these three major department stores to help you decide where to shop.

Dillard's: The Classic Department Store

Dillard's is a staple American department store that provides a balanced mix of mid-range and premium brands. It caters to shoppers who appreciate classic styles, quality products, and a more traditional, service-focused shopping environment. Think of it as a reliable destination for everything from contemporary fashion to timeless home goods.

• Product mix: A well-rounded collection of apparel for women, men, and children, plus cosmetics, accessories, shoes, and home goods. They feature well-known national brands alongside some exclusive labels.
• Price point: The selection falls comfortably in the mid-range. While regular prices are moderate, Dillard's is known for its excellent sales and clearance events that offer significant savings on quality items.
• Style: The aesthetic is a blend of classic and contemporary. You'll find timeless wardrobe pieces next to current trends, often with a more traditional or Southern-influenced feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally consistent and reliable across most of their offered brands, with a good range of options available for different body types.

Dillard's is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking durable, stylish pieces from well-established brands at moderate prices, especially those who appreciate straightforward sales events.

Shop Dillard's: dillards.com

Macy's: The Value & Variety Superstore

Macy's is an iconic retailer known for its immense variety and a strong focus on value. A true one-stop-shop, it targets a wide demographic with everything from budget-friendly basics to higher-end designer products. Macy's is famous for its constant sales, coupons, and large-scale promotional events like the "One Day Sale."

• Product mix: Macy's boasts one of the broadest selections, covering apparel, footwear, beauty, jewelry, and extensive home furnishings. It carries many national brands along with its own successful private labels like Style & Co. and INC International Concepts.
• Price point: Prices span a wide spectrum from affordable to mid-range. The core strategy is value, driven by frequent promotions, clearance racks, and stackable coupons that make it a favorite for deal-seekers.
• Style: Highly versatile and diverse, Macy’s inventory ranges from everyday casual wear and affordable basics to more trendy fashion pieces and seasonal collections.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a truly extensive range of sizes, including well-stocked petite, plus-size, and tall sections. Given the variety of brands, fit guidelines can vary, but their comprehensive size charts are helpful.

Macy’s fits the needs of shoppers who prioritize variety and deals, offering something for almost any taste and budget under one roof.

Shop Macy's: macys.com

Nordstrom: The High-End Fashion Destination

Nordstrom has built its reputation on luxury products, unmatched customer service, and a premium shopping experience. Targeting a more fashion-forward and affluent customer, it offers a carefully selected assortment of high-end designer labels and exclusive collections in a sophisticated and modern store environment.

• Product mix: The focus is on designer and luxury apparel, shoes, handbags, and beauty. You'll find sought-after brands and exclusive items that aren't widely available elsewhere.
• Price point: As a premium retailer, Nordstrom commands a higher price point. While they have their famous anniversary and half-yearly sales, the regular pricing reflects the luxury positioning.
• Services: This is where Nordstrom truly excels. They offer personal styling, in-house alterations, and a famously customer-friendly return policy that creates immense shopper loyalty.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern, chic, and sophisticated. It's the destination for shoppers looking for minimalist style, runway trends, and high-fashion investment pieces.
• Sizing/Fit: Products generally run a reliable true-to-size. Their emphasis on a good fit is backed by detailed online guides and exceptional in-store tailoring services.

Nordstrom is the go-to for those who value premium brands, top-tier service, and are willing to invest in high-quality, fashionable items.

Shop Nordstrom: nordstrom.com

Dillard's vs. Macy's vs. Nordstrom Comparison

Price Comparison

Your budget is a key deciding factor between these three stores. Macy’s is the most budget-friendly, built around a model of frequent sales, deep discounts, and constant coupons. You can often find great deals on everyday clothing and home goods.

Dillard’s occupies the middle ground. Its pricing is moderate, offering solid quality for the cost, but its big draw is the large-scale clearance events that provide steep markdowns on brand-name products. It’s less about daily coupons and more about big seasonal sales.

Nordstrom is unapologetically the most expensive of the three. You are paying a premium for designer brands, high-quality materials, and a superior shopping experience. While their major sales events are popular, everyday prices are in the luxury tier.

Quality & Materials

Nordstrom clearly leads in overall quality. Its curated selection of designer brands means you’re getting garments and accessories made from superior materials with high-end craftsmanship.

Dillard’s focuses on quality within the mid-range. The brands it carries are known for good construction and durable materials suitable for everyday wear, giving you solid value for your money.

Macy's offers a mixed bag. Their designer collaborations showcase excellent quality, but their more budget-focused private labels are designed for affordability and may use more economical materials.

Product Selection & Style

Macy's brings the most sheer variety, offering thousands of products across countless departments to suit a very broad range of tastes. Its style is versatile, covering everything from basic to trendy.

Dillard's selection is more focused, centered around a classic and contemporary American style. It's less overwhelming than Macy's and curated for a customer who wants timeless pieces.

Nordstrom offers a high-fashion, trend-driven selection. Their buyers are known for sourcing the latest styles from both established and emerging designers, creating a chic and modern aesthetic.

Fit & Sizing

All three retailers do a respectable job with sizing, though they serve different needs. Macy's is stand-out for its extensive sizing range, especially reliable petite, plus, and tall departments. Dillard's provides generally consistent sizing that's dependable across brands. Nordstrom's sizing is typically true to size, but its major advantage is offering extensive tailoring and alteration services to achieve a perfect fit.

Shopping Experience

If you're looking for a luxury experience, Nordstrom is without peer. Gleaming stores, highly attentive salespeople, personal styling, and a seamless, flexible return process define their brand. Their website is equally sleek and user-friendly.

Dillard’s offers a more traditional and personable department store feel. The staff is generally helpful, stores are well-organized, and the experience is often less crowded and more relaxed than a typical Macy's.

Macy’s focuses on a high-volume, promotional experience. Stores can be busy, especially during sales, and the online experience is built around highlighting deals. They offer convenient options like in-store pickup to blend online and physical shopping.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best department store depends entirely on your personal style, budget, and shopping priorities.

Choose Dillard's if:

• You appreciate classic, timeless style over fast-fashion trends.
• You are looking for quality national brands at moderate, fair prices.
• You enjoy a relaxed, traditional department store shopping experience.
• You're a strategic shopper who waits for big clearance sales to get the best deals.

Choose Macy's if:

• You are a bargain hunter who loves frequent sales, coupons, and discounts.
• You want the largest possible variety of brands and price points under one roof.
• You need a true one-stop-shop for apparel, home goods, and gifts.
• Finding items in specialty sizing like petite or plus is a top priority.

Choose Nordstrom if:

• You are looking for luxury and high-end designer brands.
• Exceptional customer service and a premium experience are important to you.
• You value services like personal styling and professional alterations.
• You prefer a carefully curated, modern, and fashion-forward selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper: Dillard's, Macy's, or Nordstrom?

Macy's is generally the cheapest, especially when you factor in their frequent sales, extensive clearance sections, and readily available coupons. Dillard's is in the middle, and Nordstrom is the most expensive, focusing on premium and luxury goods.

Which of the three stores has the best quality?

Nordstrom is renowned for its high quality, carrying top-tier designer brands made from premium materials and offering excellent craftsmanship. Dillard's offers very good quality for its mid-range price point.

What is the best return policy of the three?

Historically, Nordstrom is famous for having one of the most flexible and customer-friendly return policies in retail, often handling returns on a case-by-case basis without strict time limits to ensure customer satisfaction.

Which store is best for basic clothing items?

Macy's is a great choice for affordable basics, thanks to its wide selection of house brands and constant promotions that make stocking up on essentials like t-shirts, jeans, and activewear very cost-effective.

Which store is best for high-end designer brands?

Nordstrom is the definitive leader for high-end designer brands. Their inventory includes prestigious names in fashion like Gucci, Prada, and Burberry that are not carried by Dillard’s or Macy's.

Which store is better for home goods?

Macy's generally has the most extensive selection of home goods, ranging from furniture and mattresses to small kitchen appliances and bedding, often with excellent prices during promotional periods.

Do all three stores have major sales events?

Yes. Macy's has frequent sales almost weekly. Dillard's is known for its major clearance events, particularly its famous New Year's Day sale. Nordstrom hosts a few key sales each year, with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale being their biggest and most popular event.