There was a time when stepping into a department store felt like entering a world of affordable luxury. In the 1960s, these spaces weren’t just places to shop — they were experiences, decked ...

Flash events mean deals on Free People, Madewell, Tumi and Vince, while a Givenchy logo beanie might be reduced from $305 to $142, and a Herve Leger halter gown slashed from $1,890 to $247.

A store window mannequin and the corporate logo of Lord & Taylor are shown at the flagship store in New York on Thursday, June 22, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) ASSOCIATED PRESS By ...