Blog: ShopSmart Secrets For Saving Even More At Discount Stores
By Jim Donovan: Shoppers are bound to get a good deal at a discount store, but having a strategy can save them even more. The October 2013 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, shares secrets for getting the best deals on clothing, accessories and more at Kohl's, JCPenney, H&M, Target, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls.
"Using coupons only isn't going to get you the absolute best deal anymore," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. "Knowing about retailer's pricing strategies and other tricks can help you really maximize your savings."
Secrets for Saving Even More at Discount Stores
- Use a store credit card. Kohl's gives cardholders 15 percent off their first purchase, plus exclusive coupons and discounts all year long. Target Red Card users get 5 percent off everything and free shipping for online orders. TJX credit card holders get $10 back for every $200 they spend at Marshalls, T.J.Maxx or HomeGoods, with no annual fee.
- Shop on certain days of the week. Markdowns at Marshalls and T.J.Maxx usually happen on Wednesdays. Kohl's shoppers who are age 60-plus get an extra 15 percent off in stores every Wednesday. The hottest-selling items from H&M's latest campaigns usually hit floors on Thursdays. At Target, women's clothes are generally marked down on Tuesdays, men's on Wednesdays, and kids' on Mondays.
- Go mobile. H&M's app sends users sale alerts and gives instructions on getting coupon codes on their smart phone. Text "Coupons" to TARGET for access to a wide range of mobile coupons that can be used in-store.
- Get social. Become a fan of H&M on Facebook and Twitter to get access to potential savings. T.J.Maxx shoppers who share photos of their finds with #maxxinista on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook could win a $1,000 gift card.
For additional tips on saving even more at discount stores, check out the full report in ShopSmart's October issue and for more information about ShopSmart visit www.ShopSmartmag.org.
