7 stores the lower middle class treat as ‘status symbols’ (but upper classes don’t)

Money and class aren’t just about how much is in your bank account—they’re about how you see yourself in the world. One way that shows up? Where you shop.

For a lot of people, certain stores feel like stepping into a new version of themselves. Carrying that bag out of the mall or flashing that membership card feels like progress, proof that life is moving up a notch.

But the funny thing is, what feels aspirational to the lower middle class often isn’t even on the radar for people who live further up the economic ladder.

That doesn’t make these stores bad. In fact, most of them are beloved for good reason. It just shows how status is relative: what feels like “making it” depends entirely on where you’re standing.

1. Macy’s

I still remember the excitement of walking through Macy’s as a teenager with my mom.

The perfume counters felt glamorous, the lighting in the shoe department made every pair sparkle, and the idea of owning something from there carried weight. Macy’s wasn’t just a store—it was an event.

For the lower middle class, Macy’s has long stood as a symbol of entry-level luxury. It’s where you go for a “real” prom dress, your first piece of jewelry, or wedding registry items that feel like they belong to a grown-up version of yourself.

Macy’s bags get carried out with pride, like a badge of stepping up.

For upper classes, Macy’s rarely enters the conversation. They either look at it as too mainstream or skip it entirely in favor of boutiques or high-end department stores like Saks or Neiman Marcus.

2. Coach

Few brands have nailed the “affordable luxury” image like Coach. The signature “C” pattern on purses has been a rite of passage for people moving out of generic mall bags and into designer territory.

Coach outlets are packed for a reason—they let lower middle class shoppers feel like they’ve landed something prestigious at a price that’s almost manageable.

That first leather tote or crossbody isn’t just a bag; it’s a signal that you’ve reached a new tier.

But for upper classes, Coach often registers as an entry point. They might have had one years ago, but they’ve moved on to luxury brands that don’t rely on outlet malls or regular promotions. To them, Coach is a starting line, not a finish.

3. Apple

Have you ever noticed the pride that comes with pulling out a brand-new iPhone?

For many, Apple products are more than tech—they’re proof of being up-to-date, stylish, and part of the crowd that “gets it.”

The Apple Store itself is part of the allure. The glass walls, the clean lines, the Genius Bar—it feels futuristic, even a little exclusive.

For the lower middle class, buying that first MacBook or AirPods can feel like crossing into a different lifestyle.

For upper classes, Apple isn’t aspirational. It’s default. They use it, sure, but they’re not broadcasting it. An iPhone is a phone, not a statement piece.

4. Starbucks

I once worked in an office where the Starbucks cup was practically part of the dress code. Walking in with one said you were busy, professional, and living the “on-the-go” lifestyle.

For the lower middle class, Starbucks becomes a signal of arrival. It’s the everyday luxury that feels attainable—a step above gas station coffee, but not out of reach. It’s routine and indulgence rolled into one.

Upper classes tend to go in different directions. Some have $2,000 espresso machines at home. Others frequent boutique coffee shops or specialty roasters. To them, Starbucks is a backup, not a badge.

5. Target

There’s a reason people joke about “the Target effect.” You walk in for one thing and leave with twenty.

Target offers more than products—it offers an experience. The bright aisles, curated displays, and trendy home goods make it feel like you’re shaping a lifestyle.

For the lower middle class, Target represents shopping that’s elevated but still accessible. It’s a place to buy candles that look designer, furniture that feels stylish, and clothing that feels a step above discount stores. Even just browsing can feel aspirational.

Upper classes may still shop there, but it’s rarely their “status” stop. They might buy basics, but they aren’t curating their lifestyle from Target aisles.

6. Bath & Body Works

When I was in high school, I saved up to buy a bag full of body sprays and lotions from Bath & Body Works. Having them lined up on my dresser made me feel like I had my life together.

Bath & Body Works thrives on this exact sense of indulgence. Seasonal candles, lotions, and soaps create the feeling of elevating your space without draining your wallet. A three-wick candle burning in your living room feels like you’ve upgraded your entire home.

For upper classes, scented luxuries come from niche perfumeries or wellness brands that don’t advertise through mall promotions. Bath & Body Works is fun, but not the flex.

7. Costco

What makes a Costco membership feel like status? Maybe it’s the sense of belonging to a club, or maybe it’s the cart full of bulk goods that scream abundance.

Walking out with a 24-pack of organic sparkling water and a year’s supply of granola bars feels oddly triumphant.

For the lower middle class, Costco represents both savvy saving and lifestyle elevation.

You’re not just shopping—you’re stocking up in a way that says you’ve planned ahead, that you can afford more upfront, and that you’ve joined a group of people who “get the system.”

For upper classes, Costco is functional, not aspirational. They may hold memberships, but the thrill of stacking toilet paper towers in a garage isn’t what status looks like to them.

Final thoughts

The stores we choose say as much about our identities as the clothes we wear or the cars we drive.

For the lower middle class, certain chains become cultural milestones, symbols that life is moving forward.

For the upper classes, those same stores don’t register in the same way—they’ve moved past them, or they never noticed them in the first place.

At the end of the day, status symbols aren’t universal. They’re personal. And maybe the real takeaway here is that the meaning behind a store is often more important than the products on its shelves.