Coupons & Promo Types
All the ways to save at DSW. Each promo type can often be combined — see the Stacking Tips section.
DSW VIP Rewards (DSW Cash)
Earn DSW Cash on qualifying purchases — distributed as dollar-off certificates based on VIP tier level. Higher tiers earn cash faster with lower thresholds.
OngoingCoupon Code Deals
Percentage-off coupon codes distributed via email and app — often 20-30% off sitewide — frequently stackable with clearance and sale pricing.
WeeklyClearance Section
Year-round clearance on prior-season footwear with 40-70% off — one of the most active clearance sections in footwear retail.
OngoingSemi-Annual Shoe Sale
Major recurring sale events with sitewide discounts and additional clearance markdowns — one of DSW's most significant promotional periods.
BiannualBrand Events
Category-specific events featuring particular brands or footwear types at enhanced promotional pricing.
MonthlyBirthday Reward
VIP members receive a DSW Cash birthday reward during their birthday month — additional dollar-off certificates usable on any purchase.
AnnualReturn Policy
DSW has one of the more generous return policies among major retailers. Most items qualify for the standard return window, with extended benefits available depending on your membership or payment method.
| Return Window | Condition | Return Shipping | Worn Items | Final Sale | Refund Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Base | 90 days | Unworn in original packaging | Free prepaid return label | Non-returnable | Non-returnable | Original payment method |
| VIP Gold and Elite | 90 days | Unworn in original packaging | Free prepaid return label | Non-returnable | Non-returnable | Original payment method |
Shipping & Delivery
DSW offers multiple fulfillment options. Here's a breakdown of the shipping methods, costs, and delivery timeframes available.
Standard Shipping
Free standard shipping thresholds vary by VIP tier. VIP Gold and Elite members get free shipping at $35+. Base VIP members and guests get free shipping at $75+.
In-Store Pickup
Buy online and pick up in-store for free at any DSW location. Usually available same day for in-stock items.
Expedited Shipping
Expedited shipping options available at checkout for additional fees.
Free Returns
DSW provides a free prepaid return label for all VIP members. Returns within 90 days for unworn shoes in original packaging.
Loyalty Program
DSW's loyalty program is free to join and provides personalized deals, exclusive perks, and additional savings opportunities. Combining the loyalty program with other discount types is one of the most effective ways to save.
VIP Base (Free)
Free
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent
- 500 points = $5 DSW Cash
- Birthday reward
- Free standard shipping on $75+
- 90-day return window
VIP Gold
Free (earn by spending $200+/year)
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent
- 500 points = $5 DSW Cash (earn twice as fast)
- Free standard shipping on $35+
- All VIP Base benefits
- Exclusive Gold member offers
VIP Elite
Free (earn by spending $500+/year)
- Earn 4 points per $1 spent
- 500 points = $5 DSW Cash (earn 4x faster)
- Free shipping on all orders
- All Gold benefits
- Exclusive Elite events and early access
Stacking Tips
Combine multiple discount types in a single transaction. These are the most effective stacking combinations at DSW.
Coupon Code + Clearance + DSW Cash
DSW is one of the best coupon-stacking environments in retail. Percentage-off coupon codes frequently apply to clearance items. Stack a 20% code on a 50% off clearance shoe, then apply a DSW Cash certificate — three layers of discount on a single pair.
Semi-Annual Sale + Elevated DSW Cash Earning
During semi-annual sale events, purchasing at discounted prices earns DSW Cash at your tier rate. Strategic shoppers buy during the sale to bank Cash certificates for deployment during the next clearance event — compounding value across two shopping occasions.
VIP Elite + Birthday Reward + Sale
VIP Elite members who time a sale purchase during their birthday month earn 4x points plus receive a birthday Cash reward. This three-way combination maximizes reward earning on an already-discounted purchase.
Clearance Season Timing + Free Shipping Tier
January and July bring DSW's deepest clearance pricing. Ordering enough to meet your tier's free shipping threshold (or reaching Gold/Elite for the $35 threshold) eliminates shipping as a cost factor on already-clearanced footwear.
Price Match Policy
DSW's price match guarantee lets you claim a lower price from qualifying competitors — both at the time of purchase and up to 14 days after. Knowing the rules can save you from overpaying on big-ticket items.
Competitor Price Match
DSW matches prices from major footwear retailers on identical shoes in the same size, color, and width.
14-Day Price Protection
If DSW drops the price on shoes you purchased within 14 days, contact customer service for a price adjustment.
VIP Members Only
Price match and price protection are primarily available to DSW VIP Rewards members.
Qualifying Competitors
- Nordstrom Matched on identical shoe (brand, style, color, size)
- Zappos Matched on identical shoe (brand, style, color, size)
- Macy's Matched on identical shoe
- Amazon Matched on Amazon-sold identical items
Exclusions
- Shoe must be identical (same brand, style, color, size, width)
- Competitor must have item in stock
- Clearance and final sale prices may not qualify
- Third-party marketplace prices typically excluded
Clearance & Markdown Schedule
DSW follows a predictable markdown cadence that savvy shoppers can use to time purchases. Understanding how clearance works lets you decide whether to buy now or wait for a deeper cut.
Markdown Progression
Sale Section
Current and prior-season footwear marked 20-40% off in the sale section. Good selection and full size runs at this stage.
Clearance Section
Deeper clearance on prior-season and overstocked styles. Strong deals in January and July when new season inventory arrives.
Final Clearance
Deepest markdowns at peak clearance events — January (post-holiday) and July (summer). Limited sizes but exceptional value on remaining inventory.
Department Schedule
Women's Casual and Dress Shoes
January and July peak clearanceWomen's footwear has the highest clearance turnover at DSW. January delivers the deepest annual women's footwear discounts as spring inventory arrives.
Men's Footwear
January and July clearance cyclesMen's footwear clearance follows the same January and July cadence. Dress shoes and casual styles clear at 40-60% in these windows.
Boots
January and February (post-winter)Winter boot clearance peaks in January-February after the holiday season. Tall boots, ankle boots, and weather boots reach 50-70% off.
Athletic Shoes
Year-round; semi-annual sale peaksAthletic footwear at DSW sees consistent promotions year-round. Semi-annual sale events deliver the best athletic pricing outside of dedicated athletic retailers.
Promo Calendar
Monthly breakdown of DSW's biggest promotions and sales events. Highlighted months are the best times to shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified Sources
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