More than 260 million Walmart customers shop at the big box retailer every week. Boasting some of the lowest prices on the market, it’s no surprise that Walmart is the leading retailer nationwide.
Low in-store prices aren’t the only draw to Walmart. Budget-savvy shoppers apply coupons, loyalty points, and super-secret clearance secrets to get even lower prices.
Whether you’re unemployed, growing a family, or a starving student, never pass up an opportunity to save. Learn how to find Walmart clearance discounts and more hacks in this complete guide.
Compare Item Prices
There are several ways to save at Walmart, but some of the best Walmart deals are clearance items. Walmart’s shopping app is handy for both in-store and online clearance savings.
Walmart’s app lets you search inventories from different locations. You can also use an inventory checker tool if you have a Walmart SKU for the item.
You don’t have to call around to each local Walmart; however, it never hurts to call to see if an item is in stock before driving over.
Walmart also lets you buy an item online first before picking it up at the store. You would choose “in-store pickup” instead of a shipping option. If the online price is still the regular price, an employee will refund the difference.
Remember, there are online-only clearance items and local store clearance items. Store managers set in-store clearance items. Thus, prices may vary for your item.
Use Coupon Research Tools
There are lots of great Walmart deals hidden throughout the web. Cover every nook and cranny with an online coupon database.
There are plenty of top coupon sites online that update their databases with the latest Walmart deals. You can find online promo codes for the latest gaming accessories, Black Friday deals, 40% off your favorite name brand clothes, and more.
There are also several top coupon bloggers who blog about the latest Walmart deals, coupons, and clearance items. In fact, you may score some Walmart deals exclusively through your favorite shopping influencer.
Of course, you can’t forget the Sunday newspaper. Blogs and coupon sites may be popular, but some of the best Walmart deals are hidden right in your morning paper.
Get There First
Hot deals don’t last long on the shelf. Ideally, you want to be first in line for the best clearance deals, but how do you know when items go on clearance?
The short answer is you don’t. Store managers decide when to mark down items for clearance. However, observant shoppers notice reoccurring patterns in markdowns.
Most local stores markdown clearance items within the first week, usually within the first five days. The best items go first, so you may want to get there early to score deals.
You can also purchase the item online to avoid the crowds, but early birds may grab the item before you get a chance to click.
Get to know your stores’ clearance sections. Some Walmarts make it easy on you and have separate clearance racks, while others sprinkle clearance items throughout the store.
Some store locations may even reduce clearance items in special circumstances.
For example, you could get an additional discount on a damaged but usable item. Poor packaging may also score you a discount. However, you won’t enjoy these extra savings if you don’t ask!
How to Find Walmart Clearance Deals on Food
Walmart quickly moved into the grocery space and dominated the market with industry-low prices. You’ll be happy to know that you can get even lower food prices, but timing is everything.
Walmart locations mark down perishable food items one day prior to the printed “best by” date. Of course, the freshest items go the quickest. You’ll find the best deals on bakery items and meats in the morning.
Remember that savings hack about damaged packaging? Walmart also discounts canned food with dents and other packaging imperfections.
You don’t even have to ask for dented can discounts. Most local Walmarts have a separate section for discounted canned food.
Score Awesome Deals on Toys
Long birthday and holiday wishlists call for clearance items. Luckily, toys are frequently marked down at Walmart.
Like other clearance items, score the best toy deals within the first five days of the markdown. Even if you don’t need the item now, you could save 75% to 90% on trending toys. Stock up when you can!
Summer is the birthday season. Shoppers find the best toy deals during July, August, and September. Toy deals pick up again in November for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Don’t leave your toy shopping for peak seasons, though. Routinely check for deals every week. You never know what could pop up!
Shop After the Holidays
Back Friday may hog the holiday shopping spotlight but never underestimate an after-holiday sale. The day after Christmas is the best time to buy ornaments, Christmas lights, and decorations for the next season.
You can buy holiday-themed items at 75% off or more. The same is true for Halloween items, Easter baskets, Valentine’s Day candy, and more holiday products. This is a great opportunity to create your own secret candy stash without the kids!
Your favorite name brand fashions, accessories, and home decor items are often discounted after the holidays, as well. Remember to research more coupons to see if you can stack up and save more.
Stay Vigilant
Don’t let a great Walmart deals slip through the cracks. Stay vigilant and look for the following deals weekly:
- In-store and online coupons
- Promo codes
- Online-only deals
- Damaged items
- Discounted groceries
- Pre and post-holiday sales
Always check for deals at the beginning of the month, and don’t pass up a good deal when it knocks on your door. Plan strategically to save more money without going overboard on deals.
Start Saving Today
The more you save, the more money you have to do the things you really want to do. Plan a family vacation, build that home theater, or give your kitchen a makeover.
Learn how to find Walmart clearance deals, and save for your dream!
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