Top 10 Big Box Store Hacks to Save More on Clearance, Open Box, and Bargain Finds
Who doesn’t love scoring a great deal? Whether you’re shopping for electronics, home goods, or seasonal essentials, big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Costco offer plenty of opportunities to save , if you know where to look. At Happy Bargain Bin, we help shoppers discover the best discounts, clearance finds, and open-box steals. Here are 10 tried-and-true hacks to help you stretch your dollar further at your favorite big-box stores.
1. Know the Markdown Schedules
Many retailers follow a weekly markdown schedule. Learn your local store’s pattern and shop early in the day to get first dibs.
2. Use BrickSeek to Check Local Stock & Prices
BrickSeek is a powerful tool that lets you check local inventory and clearance pricing at stores like Walmart, Target, and Lowe's. Use it to find hidden deals and score limited-quantity markdowns before they’re gone.
3. Shop Open Box & Refurbished Deals
Big-box stores like Best Buy and Amazon offer deep discounts on open-box and certified refurbished items. These products are often returned in like-new condition and come with warranties, making them a smart buy.
4. Use Store Apps & Loyalty Programs
Apps like Walmart+, Target Circle, and Costco’s membership app offer exclusive deals, early access to sales, and personalized discounts.
5. Time Purchases Around Holiday & Seasonal Sales
Major holidays and end-of-season sales are prime times to grab clearance items. After Christmas, back-to-school, and post-summer sales often feature 70% to 90% markdowns.
6. Decode Clearance Tags and Labels
Target uses special clearance codes (e.g., ending in .06 or .08), and Walmart often uses yellow stickers for deeper discounts. Learning these patterns helps you identify which items are at their final markdown.
7. Stack Coupons, Apps, and Rebates
Pair manufacturer coupons with apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, or Fetch to stack savings. Some stores allow price matching, and cashback sites often have extra discounts.
8. Browse Online Clearance Sections
Don’t skip online outlets like Target’s Clearance page or Best Buy’s Outlet section. Filter by biggest % off or newest added items for the best deals.
9. Join Bargain Forums and Deal Communities Online communities
Like Slickdeals, r/deals on Reddit, and BensBargains are great for staying ahead of markdown trends. Sign up for Happy Bargain Bin's newsletter to get curated weekly finds.
10. Use Price Tracking Tools
Tools like Honey, CamelCamelCamel, and PriceBlink track price drops, coupons, and historical pricing. Use them to know the best time to buy and avoid overpaying.
Conclusion
Big savings aren’t just about luck they’re about strategy. With these 10 hacks, you can make every dollar count. Bookmark Happy Bargain Bin for the latest deals, clearance steals, and insider shopping tips. Got a hack of your own? Share it in the comments!