How to Spot a Real Discount vs. a Markup-Then-Markdown
One of the more uncomfortable truths in retail — luxury included — is that not every advertised discount represents a real reduction from a price the item was actually sold at. This isn't usually outright deception at reputable department stores, but the mechanics of "compare at" pricing are worth understanding so you don't overpay for the feeling of a deal.
Check the price history, not just the sale tag
Before buying anything marked down, a quick search of the item's price history (many browser extensions and price-tracking tools do this automatically) tells you whether the "original" price was actually charged recently, or whether it's a reference price that was set higher specifically to make the markdown look larger. Reputable department stores are generally accurate here, but it's still worth the 30 seconds to confirm.
"Up to X% off" usually means a small subset hits that number
When a sale advertises "up to 70% off," that ceiling typically applies to a narrow set of clearance items in specific sizes or colors, while the bulk of the sale sits closer to 20-30% off. Don't assume the item you want will hit the headline number — check the actual tagged price on the specific product page.
Outlet and off-price channels are a different pricing universe
Items sold through outlet channels are frequently manufactured specifically for that channel at a lower cost and quality tier, even when they carry the same brand name as the full-price mainline product. A "60% off" outlet handbag is not necessarily 60% off the mainline version of that bag — it may never have been sold at the mainline price at all. This distinction matters most for handbags and outerwear, less so for basics like t-shirts.
The simplest test
Ask: would I buy this at the current marked-down price if there were no sale banner at all? If the answer is yes, the discount is a bonus. If the answer is no, the percentage-off number isn't the reason to buy it — and it probably shouldn't be.