Have you ever been shopping the clearance rack at your favorite store and wonder when the heck they add new stuff to the rack? Or when do they markdown the stuff that is already on the clearance rack in an effort to get rid of it? Or when do stores put stuff on sale? So many questions, so little answers. Well, until now that is.

I went through the painstaking research (not really) of figuring out when some of your popular retailers mark stuff down.

I hit the streets in search of answers and here’s what I found…

Anthropologie

I have it on good authority that Anthropologie typically does their in-store markdowns starting on Monday and wrapping up by Tuesday.

This is when they either add items to the clearance section or further reduce stuff already in the clearance section.

Shop on Tuesdays and you’ll have the first dibs on newly marked-down merchandise.

Best Buy

Shopping for electronics, appliances, or maybe a new laptop?

Shop on a Wednesday at your local Best Buy as that is the day they typically change pricing based on what competitors are adjusting.

Also, I have it on good authority that Sunday is also a solid day to shop at Best Buy in order to take advantage of any errors that might be printed in their Sunday newspaper circular.

See Also: Best Buy Student Discount: 7 Things You Gotta Know

CVS Drugstores

Shop early in the week. Like on a Monday or Tuesday if you can.

A manager told me that most CVS stores start their markdown process on Sunday, so shop early in the week and take advantage of the selection and savings.

GAP

Did you know that if the price ends in .97 it typically will not go any lower at Gap? True, check it out yourself the next time you’re shopping.

How about the day Gap tends to mark stuff down?

I recently had a current Gap employee tell me they mark things down every two weeks on a Monday. Figure out which Monday and you’ll be good to go.

See Also: Shop at Costco on This Day of the Week According to Employees

JCPenney

I just got word from a former JCPenney employee that they do their store markdowns on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month.

She also said that when they do these twice monthly markdowns they put a blue price sticker on the items they are reducing.

She said the savings is often up to 75-90% off the original JCP price.

Also, be sure to search for a printable JCPenney coupon as most are good for clearance and regular-priced items and really pile on the savings.

See Also: Need to Make a JCP Return? Read this First

Joann Fabrics

According to many loyal Joann shoppers they mark things down on Sundays, making it a great day to shop, especially if you have a Joann printable coupon good for 40% off any one item.

A friendly sales associate also had the great advice of shopping on a Monday as the store is typically less crowded and you’ll still practically have first dibs on new markdowns.

Kohl’s

I had a super friendly sales associate tell me all about the markdown schedule at Kohl’s.

She told me that while they are constantly marking stuff down, and putting stuff on sale, the best days to shop occur twice a month.

They are the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.

She said those 2 days are typically when they mark the most stuff down and mark it down for the biggest saving (percentage-wise).

See Also: 6 Kohl’s Shopping Secrets That’ll Blow Your Mind

Macy’s

Macy’s is notorious for starting their in-store markdowns on Monday with the goal of being finished marking things down by Wednesday.

Shop late in the day on Tuesday or early Wednesday to get the first crack at newly marked down apparel, jewelry, and household items.

See Also: Don’t Forget to Get Price Protection at Macy’s

Marshalls

Here is what we know so far about Marshalls. They markdown their clothing twice a week.

The actual day seems to vary by store so just politely ask a store associate and try to get the inside scoop.

We also have it on good authority that they do their markdowns early in the mornings.

Shopping for a deal on shoes? Marshalls restocks and marks down their shoe inventory every 2 to 3 weeks.

Again, ask an employee about upcoming markdown days.

Old Navy

My wife was shopping at our local Old Navy store a while back and asked an employee about their markdown policy.

She was told they do markdowns, and add new stuff to the clearance rack, on Sunday and Monday, or sometimes early Tuesday morning.

So in order to get the best selection, consider shopping at Old Navy on a Monday or Tuesday, Wednesday at the very latest.

Pier 1 Imports

Thanks to reader Tatum, who works at Pier 1 for the inside scoop.

She said they do their “markdowns every week on either Sunday evening or Monday morning before the store opens.”

She also said that when you’re shopping on a Monday and “find something you like, don’t be afraid to ask an associate to double check the price!”

Ross – Dress for Less

NEW info: Thanks to reader Kylie, “I was head of clearance at Ross and MONDAY is the day we only do mark downs.”

A friendly sales associate dropped the goods on when they do price reductions at Ross.

He told me they mark stuff down, or put new items on clearance, starting on Monday and end by Tuesday evening.

So he recommended shopping on a Monday evening or early Tuesday to get the best shot at newly marked down items.

He said this was especially true for shoes, luggage, apparel, and home decor items.

Target

Target has one of the most widely known markdown schedules around…here’s exactly when they mark things down.

Also, be sure to crack the price tag code on Target clearance stickers so you an score the best savings.

Here is when they do their markdowns:

• Monday – Electronics, Accessories, Kids Clothing, Books, Baby and Stationery
• Tuesday — Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
• Wednesday — Men’s Clothing, Health and Beauty, Diapers, Lawn & Garden items and Furniture
• Thursday — Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor & Luggage
• Friday — Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, & Jewelry

Let me know if anyone has new information on this Target markdown schedule.

Target also restocks on a fairly regular schedule, allowing you to time your purchases, details here.

See Also: Target Shopping Hacks: 5 Ways To Save BIG Money

TJ Maxx

I was told by a TJ Maxx employee that they tend to be a little random on markdowns.

I was also told that the key to finding the best markdown deals tend to happen mid-week as most locations use those days to re-stock shelves and thus will add more stuff to clearance to make room.

New Information for TJ Maxx: Thanks to an anonymous TJ Maxx employee for setting the record straight. Here is the scoop: “Hi! I recently worked at TJ Maxx and markdowns are not on Wednesdays. We do markdowns in 2 cycles (cycle 1, & cycle 2). Cycle 1 is men’s, women’s apparel, juniors apparel, lingerie, and kids (toys and apparel). Cycle 2 is home, bath, handbags, jewelry, beauty, active accessories, shoes, and luggage. Mostly the weeks will vary.

We will markdown one cycle Monday-Thursday and then the next week, do subs (marking down already clearances items for a bigger discount the next Friday). Let’s say this week we marked down cycle 1, then next Friday, we do subs cycle 2. Then the week after, we markdown cycle 2, and the week after, is subs cycle 1. And sometimes we have final sales weeks where we put yellow stickers on items. It will be the lowest they go and if not sold, they are donated.

You can always just ask a TJ Maxx markdown employee nicely. the regular employees will not know the markdown calendar. All we ask is that you don’t rummage through our bin or racks. We separate them by no tickets/ damaged tickets/ and matches, wrong priced items, and clearance. Those items will be put on shelves within 30 minutes for your viewing pleasure. Hope this helps!”

Ask the Reader: What other stores do you have an insider tip for when it comes to their markdown schedule? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll get it added to my article, thanks!

(Note: Be aware that this is a rough estimate of when stores do their markdowns and should be used only as a guide. Results could vary by geographical location.)

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Kevin Dooley.

On the heels of Memorial Day, I figured it was time to research which retail stores, restaurants, travel services, and entertainment spots offer a veterans or military discount. Why this list is relatively small is kinda a head scratcher for me. You’d think darn everybody would offer a discount of some type for those who keep us save, and more importantly, free. I will definitely keep adding to this list as I find new discounts for veterans and active duty military. I hope that you find this list to be a useful money-saving resource.

Restaurant Discounts for Military & Veterans:

Bennigan’s: Active military and vets get 10% off your total check at Bennigan’s.

Ben & Jerry’s: Ask about it the next time you order a scoop of ice cream. Varies by location but is typically 15%.

Bob Evans: 10% discounts with your Veterans ID.

Burger King: 10% off military discount, just show proper ID.

Chevy’s: 20% discount for active, retired, or uniformed personnel.

CiCi’s Pizza: A large majority of CiCi’s locations offer a military discounts, ask about it.

Dairy Queen: Get a 10% off your food and ice cream at select Diary Queen locations. Must have valid military ID.

Denny’s: 10% discount to first responders which includes active military. Just show your military ID and ask for it. On Veteran’s Day itself you can get a free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.

Dunkin’ Donuts: They offer a 10% discount everyday and a free doughnut on Veterans and Memorial Day.

Dutch Bros Coffee: Just tell the barista you’re a Vet and they’ll give you $0.50 off any cup of coffee.

Famous Dave’s BBQ: All active and retired military can get a 10% discount. Just ask your server for your discount.

Fuddruckers Burgers: Show your server your military ID and get a discount of either 10% or 15% off.

Golden Corral: Flash your military ID and get 10% off your bill every time you dine. On Veteran’s Day you’ll get a free “Thank You” meal. Details here.

Hardee’s: According to reader Roman, they’ll give you a 10% discount if you tell them you’re a vet.

Hard Rock Cafe: Get a slick 15% off discount when you show your military ID.

Hooter’s: Varies by location but most Hooter’s will give a flat 15% off discount to active and retired military personnel. Often times the discount is only available on certain nights.

Lone Star Steakhouse: 15% off discount for military, police, and fire fighters every Monday. The cool thing is the discount is good for the entire table.

Panda Express: 10% military discount for active personnel. Just flash your ID before ordering your tasty grub.

Papa Murphy’s: Thanks to reader Sara for this one!  They offers $3.00 off each regular priced pizza for Military ID card holders. Not valid with other discounts.

Pizza Hut: Discount amount varies by location but always ask and have your military ID at the ready.

Schlotzsky’s Deli: Thanks to reader Deborah for letting me know that Schlotzsky’s will give a 20% discount with a military ID card.

Starbucks: The folks at S’bucks are offering a “free tall hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks.”

Texas De Brazil: Get 15% off your meal total with your military ID.

Texas Roadhouse: Get up to 20% off your bill total with your active military ID. Discount varies by location, ask your server.

“Go Have Fun” Discounts for Military & Veterans:

AMC Theaters: After 4 p.m. flash your military ID and get a much deserved discount on movie tickets.

Baseball Hall of Fame: Free admission year-round for active and retired military.

Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL) : Under the “Waves of Honor” program all active duty military are entitled to a free 1-day admission. Also good for up to 3 family members.

Carnival Cruise Line: From reader Randall, “All cruise lines owned by Carnival (Carnival, Princess, Cunard, P&O. etc.) offer free onboard credit for military service, current or past. Just fax them a copy of discharge papers, and you get credit on any cruise you take with them.”

Camp Jellystone: Get up to 20% off campsites, cabins, and more across the country. Must show valid military ID. Details here.

Cinemark Theaters: Check this list to see all of the participating Cinemark theaters across the country.

Disneyland: Ask for details but active and retired military heroes will receive Disneyland park hotel discounts as well as a 3-day park hopper for only $129.

Dollywood: They offer a 30% discount on one-day admission tickets for U.S. active or retired military, disabled veterans, and military reservists, spouses and dependents when valid military personnel IDs and dependent IDs are presented. Unfortunately, this offer cannot be made available to other family members and friends. Tickets can be purchased exclusively at the front gate of Dollywood and cannot be pre-purchased. Thanks to USAF veteran Antony for this updated info.

Knott’s Berry Farm: Free entry on Memorial Day weekend at Knott’s Berry Farm and substantial discounts the rest of the year. Details can be found here.

Legoland: 10% military discount at the California Legoland. Military appreciation days at the Florida location gets active and retired vets in the park for free with discounts for family members.

PGA of America: The PGA of America offers Active Duty, Military Retirees, Active Reserve, National Guard, Department of Defense Civilians and their accompanying spouse complimentary Daily Grounds tickets to PGA tour events.

Regal Cinemas: Regal Cinema military discounts varies by location. Inquire at your local theater.

San Diego Zoo: Free 1-day pass to the San Diego Zoo for those who are on active military duty.

SeaWorld: Via the Waves of Honor program, “any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman gets one complimentary admission per year.”

Six Flags: Check out the website BaseOps.net and collect discounted tickets to all Six Flags properties.

Universal Studios: Military discounts at Universal Studios are available when you visit the BaseOps website as well.

U.S. National Parks: Free LIFETIME pass to veterans and Gold Star families. You can find the details here. Also, a FREE annual pass to current US military members and dependants.

Retail Discounts for Military & Veterans:

Advance Auto Parts: According to their website they “offer 10% off regularly priced items for in-store purchases to customers who serve or have served our country’s Armed Services.”

Amazon: Score free shipping to APO and FPO addresses and occasionally a discount on Amazon Prime on Veteran’s Day. Details here.

American Eagle Outfitters: Show your military ID and get 10% off your in-store purchase at AEO.

Apple Store: Thanks to reader James for the scoop on the Apple Store “Big one that’s missing here is the Apple Store. Just ask for a Federal employee discount and show your CAC card. Works for me all the time.” Details here.

Auto Accessories Garage.com: They offer 5-20% off to veterans and active military members plus their families. Details here.

AutoZone: 10% off your purchase. Thanks to a reader for letting me know about this one.

Banana Republic Factory Store: They offer a flat 10% off for veterans every day of the year.

Bed Bath & Beyond: Flat 10% off discounts for vets and their families. Varies from store to store.

Bass Pro Shops: Bass Pro Shops will give you a 10% discount with your military ID.

Best Buy: Varies from store to store, but many retail locations offer a 10% discount to vets. Just ask a Best Buy sales associate about it. Details here.

Big Lots: Be sure to shop on Veteran’s Day every year to take advantage of their military discount.

BJ’s Wholesale: All military personnel get over 25% off their membership + a $10 coupon. Details here.

Buckle: The Buckle military discount requires online verification. Once verified, you’ll get 10% off all purchases.

Cabela’s: 5% military discount except on firearms at your local Cabela’s.

Charlotte Russe: 10% discount with ID. Thanks to reader Katie for letting me know about this one.

Columbia: 15% off your entire purchase.

Dell Computers: Dell offers a variety of military programs. Check this page for all the details and learn how to save some money on your next computer system.

Dick’s Sporting Goods: The next time you are shopping at Dick’s, ask about their 10% discount for vets. Varies from store to store.

Eddie Bauer: Eddie Bauer offers a 10% discount for active and retired military personnel.

Famous Footwear: Thanks to Navy brat Jeffrey who told me FF offers a 10% discount to active military, retired, and dependents.

Finishline: The folks at Finishline offer a 10% discount to vets and active military.

Footaction: Vets and active military can save an awesome 20% off w/ proper ID. Family members can get the discount as well.

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market: They might not have a percentage-off discount for vets, but many locations reserve a parking spot right out-front for veterans.

Harley-Davidson Dealers: Most will offer 10-15% off accessories.

Home Depot: All year long military personnel, active or retired, can get a 10% discount at the Home Depot. Just gotta ask for it and show proof. Details here.

Kelly’s Auto Parts: Thanks to Zee for this one. Kelly’s offers a 10% discount all the time for all vets and active service members.

L.L.Bean: Save 10% off your entire order, verify your eligibility here.

Lowe’s: Thanks to a couple vets for setting me straight on Lowe’s (Full review here). They will give a flat military discount of 10% to all active and retired military personnel. For all other vets they give a discount on Veteran’s Day, 4th of July, and Memorial Day. It is also worth noting, from the Lowe’s website, that “immediate family member(s) of someone with a valid military ID Card” is also eligible for the 10% discount. Click here to enroll.

Lululemon: Save 15% off both online and in-store, good for reservists, active military, and veterans.

Manscaped: They offer a 20% discount + free shipping to active duty, veterans, and 1st responders on all grooming tools, clothing, and deodorants.

Maurices: Show your ID and get a 10% discount on your apparel purchase at Maurices.

Michaels: Show your military ID at Michaels and get a flat 10% off. I have read of some exclusions that vary from store to store so ask a sales associate at Michaels. Details Here

Nike Store: Nike offers a 10% in-store discount to vets, active service, as well as those in the reserves. Their families too.

Old Navy: Keep and eye out and ask about Military Monday’s at Old Navy where active and retired military personnel get a 10-15% discount.

O’Reilly Auto Parts: According to the their website, they offer an “in-store only” discount of 10-15% off with valid ID.

Payless Shoes: Shop at any of their retail locations and get a 10% military discount. Just show your ID and collect your savings.

PetSmart: I got a comment that told me PetSmart offers 10% off pet grooming to veterans. Ask about it.

Pottery Barn: Most Pottery Barn locations offer a 10% discount for vets.

Target: In recent years Target introduced a military discount that gives vets and active military a 10% discount around the 4th of July and Veteran’s Day.

Tractor Supply Company: 15% discount on Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Veteran’s Day.

Walgreens: Varies from store to store, but most Walgreens offer a military discount, be sure to ask.

Williams-Sonoma: Flat 10% discount with proper ID or proof of service.

Zales Jewelry: 10% off discount for active and retired military.

Travel Discounts for Military & Veterans:

Alamo Rent a Car: Discounted rates for military families and free rental insurance and waived fees for military personnel.

Amtrak: Active military and their families get a 10% discount on train tickets with Amtrak. The Downeaster, which runs between Brunswick, ME, and North Station in Boston, offers on the 11th day of every month $11 one way fare (normal fare $29). Need to make reservations three days in advance, and have proof of veteran status.

Best Western: Discounted room rates at Best Western hotels for active military. Present ID at check-in or when reserving via the phone.

Choice Hotels: Discounted room rates for active military and their families. Ask about it when reserving your room.

DoubleTree by Hilton: Get 15% off the popular Bed & Breakfast rate when booking your room.

Greyhound: Ride the hound for 10% off all walk up fares. Good for active military and vets. Also, the most you’ll ever pay is $259 for a round-trip anywhere in the United States.

Hampton Inn: Book a room at any Hampton Inn and they’ll give you a flat 15% discount on your reservation. This works for both retired and active military and their families.

Hertz: Free car upgrades from Hertz for military folks and their families.

La Quinta Hotels: Several vets have chimed in and let me know that La Quinta offers a 12% discount on room reservations. Ask about it.

Marriott Hotels: When booking your room mention the military discount and you’ll get inundated with special offers.

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Save 10% off specific cruises for active military, veterans, and their families.

U.S. Airways: From their website, “Special rates to military personnel traveling on an officially excused absence and to discharged personnel within 7 days of discharge.” Pretty cool, I wish more airlines would do something similar.

Banking Discounts for Military & Veterans:

American Express: AMEX waives ALL fees for active duty military, including the annual fees on all of their cards. AMEX Platinum? $0 instead of $450. Thanks Heath for this one!

Chase Bank: Thanks to Jim, a veteran, for this one. “Show your ID or in my case discharge papers at any Chase branch when opening a checking/savings account and get the Premiere package for free (Normally $25 a month) which includes a fee free safety deposit box, debit visa and many goodies.” Thanks for your service to this country Jim.

U.S. Bank: Thank to Tony for this one, “US Bank gives all active duty & veterans free Premiere checking & savings with ID or DD214.”

Wireless Discounts for Military & Veterans:

AT&T Wireless: From the AT&T website, veterans and active military can get 15% off “qualified monthly service charges”. Just follow the directions on their site to get your discount.

Sprint Wireless: Get 15% off your monthly bill by showing evidence of your service. Details here.

T-Mobile Wireless: TMo will happily give active and retired military 15% off their monthly bill. It might take a while according to this thread, just be persistent!

Verizon Wireless: From vet Jim, “It’s either 10 or 15% (at Verizon). Active duty, retired and veterans. I took my DD-214 to the local Verizon store and they submitted the information. It took about a month. Saves my about $20 per month on my bill.” Details here.

Ask the Reader: Do you know of any other veteran or active military discounts? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll be sure to get it added to this article. Thanks!

By Kyle James

Photo credit to mrdonduck.

Were you aware that certain items are a better deal on specific days of the week? I have always been a HUGE advocate of timing your purchases in order to score the best bargain.

So I have gone ahead and spent the time to crunch the data and coupon usage numbers here at Rather-Be-Shopping.com to figure out which items provide the best value depending on what day of the week you shop. I hope you can use this info to save some money on purchases you would make anyways.

Monday

– Consumer Electronics: Many electronics retailers (Best Buy, Abt, J&R, etc.) apply manufacturer rebates on Mondays making it your best day to shop for bargains on HDTVs, digital cameras, and tablets.

– Automobiles: Crickets can be heard on most car lots on Mondays, both new and used. Thus your ability to negotiate a great deal goes up substantially.

See Also: What Day to Shop? Here’s When 12 Popular Stores Do Their Markdowns

Tuesday

– Airline Tickets (3 pm EST): This has been a fact for quite sometime. Airlines typically start to discount tickets or offer sales late in the day on Monday, other carriers notice the price dips and lower their ticket pricing in order to stay competitive. Make sure to book your next air travel on Tuesday and you’ll definitely save some money.

– Make an Offer on a Home: Specifically, according to Zillow.com, the first Tuesday of the month is the best day to make an offer on a home. Why? Well, many home sellers will be examining their listing at the beginning of the month, especially after a weekend, and will often be considering lowering the home price if action has been slow and will be much more receptive to a low offer and willing to negotiate.

– Laptop & Desktop Computers (Online): We are given new coupons for online computer retailers like Dell Home, Hewlett-Packard, and Tiger Direct every Tuesday without fail. The coupon codes typically last for a few days or a specific number of redemptions.

Wednesday

– Jewelry: Our numbers point to Wednesday as being a great day to shop for jewelry, both online and in-store. Not only are we given great coupon codes, but for whatever reason, midweek is when more women (and men) shop for jewelry and retailers offer impressive incentives and coupons to try and close the deal.

– Gasoline: According to GasBuddy.com, Wednesday mornings are historically the cheapest day to buy gas for your car as the weekend uptick in gas prices has dissipated.

– Groceries: Weekly sales circulars typically hit the street on Wednesdays. Weekly coupon deals also typically come out on Wednesdays. If you do all of your families grocery shopping on one particular day, you’d be smart to give Wednesdays a shot.

– Cheapest Day to Fly: Historically, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly domestically. If you have the flexibility, book your summer air travel with a Wednesday departure and keep more of your money. Always check Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz for a coupon code to save even more.

See Also: Learn How to Read Price Tags and Score a GREAT Deal

Thursday

– Various Entertainment: Things like movie tickets, play tickets, museum admission fees are typically at their lowest on Thursdays as foot traffic is slow right before the weekend crowds arrive.

– Clothing & Shoes (Brick & Mortar): Most weekend sales and in-store printable coupons come out on Thursday for weekend shopping. At the very least wait until Thursday to shop for apparel and footwear and save some money.

Friday

– Clothing & Shoes (Online): Here at Rather-Be-Shopping we are inundated with new online coupon codes at clothing and shoe retailers on Friday mornings that are good through the weekend. When shopping online, always wait for Friday morning to roll around before buying from online stores like Gap, Old Navy, Lands’ End, and American Eagle Outfitters.

– Enjoy Happy Hour Specials: Most bars and pubs across the U.S. offer Friday happy hour specials that you’re not going to find throughout the week or on weekends.

See Also: Here’s How to Find Amazon Unclaimed Packages and Save

Saturday

– Books and eBooks: Book sellers like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble are notorious for discounting books and eBooks on Saturdays. They are simply enticing readers who actually have time to read a book on the weekend to make a purchase.

– Fly Into Vegas: According to Expedia.com, Saturday is a much cheaper day to fly into Las Vegas than on a Friday.

– Garage/Yard Sales (Late Saturday): The majority of garage sales these days start on Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. If you wait and go yard sale shopping on Saturday afternoon your ability to negotiate a sweet bargain goes way up as seller are really anxious to cut a deal to get rid of stuff.

Sunday

– Major Appliances: Having recently purchased a new refrigerator, we took advantage of a Sunday sale and saved 25%. Look for box store deals from retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Ask the Reader: What would you add to my list? Let me know in the comments below, thanks.

By Kyle James