Seasonal Clearance Hacks: Timing Your Discount Store Trips
If you’re only shopping discount stores during peak seasons, you might be missing the biggest savings of the year. Seasonal clearance events offer deep markdowns on everything from holiday décor to school supplies—but only if you know when and where to look.
Here’s how to time your trips and take advantage of seasonal clearance hacks at your favorite discount retailers.
- Shop After the Holiday, Not Before
The best deals on seasonal items—like Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, or Easter baskets—come after the holiday has passed. Stores like Dollar Tree, Five Below, and Family Dollar slash prices by up to 70% once seasonal demand ends.
Stocking up for next year during the post-holiday markdown window can save you a fortune on décor, party supplies, and themed merchandise.
- Target “Reset” Weeks for Deep Discounts
Most discount retailers reset their shelves seasonally—typically January, late spring, and late summer. During these periods, old inventory must be cleared to make room for new stock. This is when you’ll find clearance bins with unbeatable prices.
Look for deals on:
- Storage containers (January)
- Garden supplies (late spring)
- Back-to-school gear (early September)
- Toys and gifts (late December)
- Shop Weekly for Surprise Drops
Unlike larger chains with predictable schedules, many dollar stores add clearance items randomly throughout the week. Dollar General and Family Dollar often mark clearance with color-coded tags and surprise markdowns that aren’t heavily advertised.
Check early in the week—Monday or Tuesday—to get first dibs on newly discounted items before the weekend rush.
- Use Store Apps to Track Promotions
Both Dollar General and Family Dollar offer mobile apps that showcase ongoing deals, digital coupons, and sometimes highlight clearance sections:
Enable push notifications or check the app before you shop to stay ahead of seasonal pricing drops.
- Focus on Versatile Inventory
When shopping clearance, focus on items you can use year-round or repurpose. For example:
- Solid-colored gift wrap can be used for birthdays and holidays alike.
- Halloween LED lights can double as party lighting.
- Red and green containers make great winter storage bins.
Buying with flexibility in mind ensures clearance items won’t just sit unused until next season.
- Shop at Multiple Locations
Inventory varies by store. Visiting more than one location—especially in different neighborhoods—can expose you to a wider selection of markdowns. Urban stores may sell out faster, while rural locations may have more unsold inventory during clearance events.
- Pair Clearance with Digital Coupons
Some discount stores allow digital coupons on already-clearance items, depending on the promotion. For example, Dollar General’s $5 off $25 Saturday coupon can sometimes be used even when you’re buying discounted merchandise, multiplying your savings.
Final Thoughts
Clearance events at discount retailers offer some of the best opportunities for smart, strategic savings—if you know when to shop. By tracking restock cycles, using store apps, and shopping right after the holidays, you can stock up for next season while staying well within budget.
