Clearance sales can feel like treasure hunts — racks and shelves packed with hidden gems, all marked down to unbelievable prices. But here’s the catch: many shoppers waste hours digging through cluttered aisles, only to leave with things they don’t need.
If you want to save money and time while still scoring the best deals, mastering clearance shopping tips is the key. Whether you’re shopping at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, hunting for fashion bargains at outlet stores, or browsing online clearance sections, the strategies below will help you shop smarter, faster, and more effectively.
Table of Contents
Why Clearance Shopping Is Worth It 🎯
Clearance sales aren’t just about old stock. Retailers use markdowns to:
- Make space for new arrivals (fashion seasons, electronics upgrades).
- Clear discontinued items that may never return.
- Offer hidden discounts for savvy shoppers who know where to look.
If you know the right clearance shopping hacks, you can save up to 70–90% off retail prices without digging through endless shelves.
1. Time Your Clearance Shopping Right ⏰
One of the most important clearance shopping tips is timing. Stores mark down items in cycles, and knowing these schedules can give you an edge.
✅ Best days for clearance shopping:
- Mondays & Tuesdays – Stores often restock after weekend sales.
- Mid-week markdowns – Wednesdays are common discount-update days.
- End-of-season sales – January, July, and September are hot clearance months.
👉 Pro Tip: Visit your favorite stores early in the morning to get first pick before shelves are picked over.
2. Learn the Secret Codes on Price Tags 🔖
Not all clearance tags are created equal! Many stores use hidden codes:
- Target: Items ending in .04 are final clearance.
- Walmart: Yellow tags usually mean markdowns.
- Costco: Prices ending in .97 indicate clearance.
Knowing these codes helps you spot real bargains instantly instead of wasting time scanning every tag.
3. Compare Unit Prices for Real Value 📊
A common clearance trap? Buying something just because it’s cheap. Instead, always compare the unit price.
Example:
- A $10 pack of 5 items = $2 per item.
- A $12 pack of 10 items = $1.20 per item (better value ✅).
This quick math ensures you’re actually saving — not just falling for flashy red stickers.
4. Shop Online Clearance Sections First 💻🛒
In 2025, many retailers list better clearance deals online than in-store. Online clearance sections also save you the time of digging through messy racks.
Top sites with great clearance sections:
- Amazon Outlet (daily flash deals).
- Target Clearance (often stackable with coupons).
- Nordstrom Rack (huge fashion discounts).
- Best Buy Outlet (electronics markdowns).
👉 Bonus: Use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to stack extra cashback and coupons on clearance items.
5. Use Store Apps for Hidden Clearance 📱
Big retailers hide some of their best deals in their apps. For example:
- Walmart App: Scan barcodes to reveal hidden markdowns not shown on shelves.
- Target Circle App: Offers extra discounts layered on clearance.
This hack saves time and gets you discounts most in-store shoppers miss.
6. Stick to Your Shopping List 📝
Clearance shopping can be addictive. Bright yellow tags and giant “70% OFF” signs tempt you into buying what you don’t need. The golden rule: If it’s not on your list, skip it.
Ask yourself:
- Do I really need this?
- Would I buy it at full price?
- Does it fit my budget?
Sticking to a list ensures you save money and time, rather than cluttering your home with unnecessary stuff.
7. Use Cashback & Rewards Programs 💳✨
Stacking clearance discounts with cashback offers = double savings.
Options include:
- Rakuten (Ebates): Extra 1–10% cashback.
- Credit card rewards: Many cards offer bonus points on retail shopping.
- Store loyalty programs: Points that can be redeemed later.
Example: A $100 clearance haul at 50% off ($50), plus 10% cashback ($5), effectively saves you 55%!
8. Shop Out-of-Season for Maximum Savings 🌸❄️
Clearance is all about buying ahead.
- Buy winter coats in March.
- Grab swimsuits in September.
- Stock up on holiday décor in January.
Retailers slash prices when demand drops. With this hack, you’ll always be a season ahead — at half the price.
9. Don’t Ignore Open-Box or Refurb Deals 📦
For electronics and appliances, open-box clearance items can save you hundreds. Best Buy and Amazon Warehouse often list items returned in near-new condition for a fraction of the price.
👉 Just check return policies to avoid getting stuck with non-returnable items.
10. Track Prices with Apps & Alerts 📲
One of the smartest clearance shopping tips is to let technology do the hard work for you. Instead of refreshing store pages or scanning shelves every week, use free tools that track prices and alert you when items drop.
Top apps to try:
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks Amazon price history.
- Honey Droplist: Sends alerts when a clearance item drops further.
- Krazy Coupon Lady App: Shares nationwide clearance finds.
By using these apps, you save valuable time and avoid overpaying — making your clearance shopping faster, smarter, and more effective.
FAQs – Clearance Shopping Tips ❓
Q1: What are the best clearance shopping tips to save money?
The best clearance shopping tips include shopping during end-of-season sales, learning price tag codes, comparing unit prices, using store apps, and stacking cashback or coupons.
Q2: What day is best for clearance shopping in the U.S.?
Mid-week, especially Wednesdays and Thursdays, is usually the best time since many stores update markdowns then. Early mornings also give you first pick on fresh clearance stock.
Q3: Are clearance items returnable in the U.S.?
Yes, most stores allow returns on clearance items, but policies vary. Always check the store’s return policy before buying clearance deals.
Q4: How can I find hidden clearance deals?
Use retailer apps like Walmart and Target Circle, scan barcodes, and check online clearance sections. Apps like Honey and CamelCamelCamel also help track hidden markdowns.
Q5: Is clearance shopping better online or in-store?
Both have advantages. Online clearance shopping saves time and often has stackable discounts, while in-store shopping lets you spot unlisted bargains and open-box deals.
Final Thoughts 💭
Clearance shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or time-wasting. By following these clearance shopping tips, you can:
✅ Save money on everyday essentials.
✅ Grab seasonal items at 70–90% off.
✅ Avoid falling into the “buy it because it’s cheap” trap.
✅ Make shopping faster, smarter, and stress-free.
If you enjoy saving money, check out our other guides too:
- Learn how to spot shrinkflation in 2025 and protect your wallet.
- Don’t miss out on the best bank bonuses in the US to grow your savings.
- Cut costs at home with this simple hack — save money by unplugging devices ($300+ savings).
- Shop smart with our roundup of Labor Day Sales 2025 you can’t miss.
- Hungry? Grab a quick bargain like the Domino’s Pizza $3 Deal.
- Love traveling on a budget? Explore hidden gems at TravelBuzz.us 🌍✈️.
Next time you see that red clearance tag, you’ll know exactly what to do — and how to make the most of it. 🛒🔥
