When I think of Macy’s, I think of three things other than the big Thanksgiving parade.

First, I think of their current logo scheme and the way they’re branding by emphasizing that big red star.  I love it.  Yes, it certainly does have a sort of Red China feel about it.  I think that’s what I like, though.  It’s bold and it’s memorable.  Sears can emphasize its “softer side” all day, but Macy’s looks like it’s trying to lead us toward some Great Leap Forward in retail.   Love it.

Second, I think of David Sedaris’ “Holidays on Ice” which features a story about working at the world’s biggest Macy’s as one of Santa’s helpers during the holiday season.  His recounting of what it was like to play elf at Macy’s is a hoot and a half.

Third, I think of those great Macy’s coupons that can save people a pretty penny.  Okay, I really don’t think about that as often as I think about the red star or Sedaris, but I’m thinking about it right now.  Macy’s is a popular place to shop and people are digging for coupons.  I wouldn’t mind a few myself.  They usually have decent stuff there.

If you read my recent post about finding Dillard’s coupons, I have some bad news for you.  You can almost replace the word “Dillard’s” with “Macy’s” and you’d have the correct information either way.  This is another situation in which the store in question just doesn’t make much of an effort to circulate online coupons.

Instead, they rely on their own website to offer promotions and to advertise special sales.  Just like with Dillard’s, you can sign up to get emails from Macy’s alerting you to all the super-bargains that you’ d absolutely hate to miss.

Just like the Dillard’s situation, most of the links you find to “Macy’s coupons” are actually affiliate links to the store’s site.  Even some of the most reliable coupon sites out there, like RetailMeNot don’t have much more to do than redirect traffic.  That’s just the way it is when the store in question isn’t ga-ga over coupons.  So, you’re left in that same position.  You can browse Macy’s site on your own or you can rely on a coupon/deal aggregator to point you in the right direction.  You pay the same no matter what.  Someone else does get a little spiff if you make a purchase, however, if you follow one of those third-party links.  It’s your call.

All of that being said, there is one way to find Macy’s coupons online.  If you can find a full PDF file of a paper in which the Macy’s folks are advertising, you might just get lucky.  Here’s an example.  It’s a 10%-20% coupon (depending on what category of stuff you’re buying) that appeared in the St. Pete Times.  Unfortunately, those who live outside of the friendly confines of the sunshine state are not going to have much of a chance to use it–it’s valid for Florida stores only.

This little ad sends a big message, though.  It means that real-life printed Macy’s coupons exist.  You might not be able to find online coupons in a few easy mouse clicks but there is, apparently, room to find some bargains if you’re ready to sort through your paper with a pair of scissors or to read full-copy PDF’s of  the Sunday newspaper with a pair of scissors in your hand and a lust for bargains in your heart!