Macy's in downtown Minneapolis opened its doors Monday with nearly everything 20 to 40 percent off. For a retailer known for piling on discounts with percentages off, coupons on top of that, and an additional amount off on a Macy's charge, it was no bargain bonanza.

"The first day of the sale is not the best time to shop," said Nick Karos of Edina. He was looking for a travel bag for his daughter. The selection from Solo and Tumi was 40 percent off, but in a quick check on his smartphone, the Solo piece was $20 less on Amazon. "I'm an Amazon Prime member so I could have it by tomorrow," he said.

Some items were discounted more than 40 percent, including items on permanent clearance. The Last Act clearance sections on each floor did not get any additional markdowns on Monday, but they are still on clearance. Hugo Boss men's suits were discounted 50 percent, but so were many other suits, including some novelty sportcoats already being clearanced out at 75 percent off or more last week.

Many items marked 20-40 percent off may be lower-priced at a Macy's not going-out-of-business. Last week in the downtown store, Martha Stewart 300 thread count sheets were 50% off plus an additional 15% off with a Macy's charge. Now they're 40% off at the liquidation. Exceptions may be designer merch that rarely goes on sale such as Theory in men's and women's departments. As for the Oval Room, most of items were already on clearance last week. St. John Knits fans, check it out.

Merchandise from leased departments will be removed rather than discounted. Sunglass Hut on the second floor is already empty. Cosmetics and fragrances will slowly empty out by early March, one sales rep said. The men's Pink department, the beauty salon and Starbucks are also leased. Starbucks plans to close Jan. 27 along with the other restaurants such as the Oak Grill, Skyroom and the deli in Marketplace.

All sales are final at the downtown store, but items purchased downtown before Jan. 9 can be returned through Feb. 5. Items purchase before the closing sale started cannot be returned for price adjustments. Coupons are no longer accepted in the Minneapolis store and no prices will be matched if the item is less at another Macy's or Macys.com.

FYI, when shopping at a Macy's that is not closing, ask the sales rep to see if the item is less online or if you use a Macy's charge. People who never bring Macy's coupons can also ask if there is an extra one that can be applied.

Looking for the rugs and furniture that Macy's quit selling years ago to show up at the liquidation? I didn't see any yet, but as things clear out, they may fill in the holes.