Saving at HomeGoods isn’t rocket science, but you gotta know a few tricks. Hit the store when they restock, learn how to read those funky price tags, and don’t sleep on their return policies either. Stack it all with loyalty perks, social media deals, cash-back apps, and even the right credit card and boom — way more savings. Alright, let’s get into it.

Time Your Trips to HomeGoods

Shop at the Right Time of Day: If you wanna actually find the good stuff at HomeGoods, you gotta hit it at the right time. Go early — like, right when they open — and stick to weekdays if you can.

They usually restock in the mornings, and if you show up first thing, you’ll get first crack at all the new stuff before everyone else ransacks it. Mid-week mornings are clutch — way less crowded, way less picked-over.

By the time you roll in on a Saturday afternoon? Yeah, good luck finding anything but empty shelves and a checkout line that feels like it wraps around the planet.

As HomeGoods super-fan Christine Lee notes, mid-week mornings can thin out the crowds by as much as 85%. Avoid late afternoons and weekends if possible, since lines grow long and shelves are more picked through by then.

PRO TIP: HOW TO SCORE HOME GOODS FREEBIES

Back when I was researching the HomeGoods return policy, I started chatting to some employees and what I discovered was unbelievable.

I was told by more than one employee that they actually throw away items that are returned beyond 30 days, especially seasonal items as they often can’t resell them since they’re no longer in their system.

If you’re an extreme saver it may be time to take a look in the dumpster near your local HomeGoods. I’m just saying….why not give it a peak and see if you can score a freebie or two.

See Also: 9 Brilliant Ways to Save at TJ Maxx

Aim for Midweek Sweet Spots

Wondering which day is best? Many veteran HomeGoods shoppers swear by Tuesday through Thursday.

These middle-of-the-week days hit the sweet spot after Monday/Tuesday “recovery” restocking and before the weekend rush.

By Wednesday or Thursday, stores have put out most of the new stock that arrived earlier in the week, and sections tend to be neatly organized.

“The weekends are out because that’s when there’s the busiest crowds and longest lines,” Lee explains, whereas by midweek you’ll find stores refreshed and easier to shop.

Fewer fellow shoppers means a better chance of spotting hidden gems on the shelves. (Fridays are often “prep days” setting up for the weekend, and Mondays catch the leftovers from Saturday/Sunday, so those aren’t ideal.)

PRO TIP: THINK BEYOND THE LABEL

That “bathroom” shelf? Could be a mini bar setup. That “kitchen” tray? Perfect for jewelry display. Train yourself to see items for their potential (not just the tag) and you’ll uncover way more value for your money.

From loyal blog reader, Samantha from L.A., “I found this little three-tier shelf in the bathroom section at HomeGoods, and the tag said it was for towels—but the minute I saw it, I knew it’d make the perfect bar cart for our tiny apartment. Now it holds cocktail glasses, a shaker, and a few bottles of wine. It gets way more compliments than anything I’ve bought labeled for the kitchen.”

Align with Restock Schedules

HomeGoods doesn’t follow a universal delivery day – shipments roll in several times a week and schedules vary by store.

A pro tip is to chat up your local store’s associates or manager to learn their specific delivery days and timing.

Often, items from a truck might not hit the sales floor until the next day after unloading.

For example, if your store gets deliveries on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, plan to visit on Thursday or Sunday morning once everything has been stocked.

Also furniture tends to go straight to the floor as soon as it arrives – they won’t stash bulky pieces in the back – so shopping on delivery days could score you that new sofa or accent chair before anyone else sees it.

PRO TIP: SHOP BACKWARDS

Most people instinctively start at the front and work their way back. Flip the script. Start at the clearance section and work your way forward. Not only will you be shopping against the flow, but you can often find the items on your list without paying full-price for them.

I chatted with Lindsey K. who lives in Austin, TX and she broke it down like this, “I always start in the clearance section at the very back. It sounds silly, but it totally changed how I shop. Last month, I found a marble cutting board on clearance for $12—exact same one was up front for $24.99. I also scored a cute set of throw pillows for our guest room marked down to $18 because one had a tiny snag (barely noticeable). And just last week, I found a cast iron Dutch oven—missing the box, but otherwise perfect—for $29. Full price was $60.”

Seasonal Timing Tricks

Take advantage of seasonal cycles to save even more. The biggest clearance events at HomeGoods (and its sister stores) usually happen in January and July/August, when retailers clear out old inventory and make room for spring or fall goods.

This is prime time to hunt for yellow-tag final markdowns (more on those soon).

Additionally, if you’re shopping for holiday decor, start early – HomeGoods often puts out seasonal items months in advance (think autumn decor appearing in July, Christmas merchandise in September).

For the absolute cheapest holiday items, shop right after a holiday – the selection will be picked over, but anything left will likely be on steep clearance.

Grabbing that last faux pumpkin or ornament set at 70% off and storing it for next year can be a highly rewarding strategy for the patient bargain-hunter.

PRO TIP: USE THE “CART PAUSE” STRATEGY

HomeGoods is designed for impulse. So do this: Fill your cart with everything you think you want, then step aside for 10 minutes.

Walk a loop. Revisit each item. Ask: Would I miss this if it sold out? You’ll be shocked how much goes back on the shelf—and how much you save.

See Also: Ultimate Guide to Saving Money at Marshalls

Decode Price Tags and Clearance Clues

Not all price tags at HomeGoods are created equal. Those little stickers hold secrets that can help you discern what’s a good deal and when an item might get marked down again.

Here’s how to crack the code:

White Tags = Regular Price: Don’t gloss over the fine print – on each tag, you’ll see a small four-digit code (usually in the upper right). This code is actually the date the item arrived in store, which employees use to track aging inventory. For example, a code of “0324” would mean the item hit the shelf in March 2024.

If you spot a very old date code on a full-price item, it’s a signal that a markdown could be imminent. It never hurts to politely ask a sales associate if an older item is due for a discount or if they can mark it down for you, especially if it’s been there for months.

Red Tags = Clearance: Clearance at HomeGoods isn’t seasonal sale stuff like at other stores; instead, items typically get red-tagged after sitting unsold for a certain number of weeks.

The red sticker usually overlays the original white tag, and it often includes a tiny number that denotes the week the last markdown happened. For instance, if a clearance sticker says “WK 28” and the current week is 39, that item hasn’t been marked down in over 10 weeks.

In that case, you might try asking if they’d consider a further discount since it’s been on clearance a while. Some veteran shoppers report success scoring additional price cuts this way – it never hurts to ask nicely.

Yellow Tags = Final Markdown: HomeGoods itself doesn’t use yellow tags as commonly as Marshalls/TJ Maxx, but you might see yellow clearance stickers during big clearance periods.

A yellow tag often means the item has been marked down multiple times (sometimes you’ll even see layers of stickers). Yellow on yellow – a yellow sticker layered over another yellow – means a final clearance item got marked down yet again for an even deeper discount.

“Compare At” Prices – Take with a Grain of Salt: These comparisons are generally legit, but there have been instances of them being inflated​. Don’t assume every compare-at is accurate – do a quick price-check on your phone for name-brand items.

PRO TIP: SCAN THE PERIMETER

Clearance stuff at HomeGoods loves to hide in plain sight — you just gotta know where to look. Always check the endcaps along the back walls first — that’s where they stash a lot of the red-tag deals.

And don’t just scan eye-level either. Get down low, crouch a little, poke around behind bigger stuff. Half the time the real steals are buried on the bottom shelves or shoved way in the back where nobody bothers to check. Like, in the pillow aisle or cookware section, they’ll stack things two or three deep — dig around and you’ll sometimes find the good stuff everyone else missed.

Leverage Store Policies and Hidden Strategies

HomeGoods has a few customer-friendly policies (and quirks of its “treasure hunt” model) that you can leverage for even bigger savings.

Ask for a Damage Discount: Did you find the perfect lamp or picture frame, except for a tiny scratch or ding? Point it out at checkout and politely ask if they can do any better on the price.

HomeGoods and its sister stores often grant an additional discount (around 10% off) for slightly damaged merchandise. 10% off is usually the max for damages – and if an item is already on clearance due to the flaw, you might be at the lowest price.

Use the 30-Day Return Policy to Your Advantage: HomeGoods’ return policy gives you 30 days with a receipt to bring back items (as long as they’re in original condition). Think of the 30 day policy as a “buy now, decide later” approach.

For larger furniture pieces that won’t fit in your car immediately, ask the store if they’ll hold the item – many HomeGoods locations will hold big purchases for up to a week, giving you time to borrow your friend’s truck.

PRO TIP: THINK LIKE A FLIPPER

HomeGoods is a goldmine for profitable resellers, especially in certain sections (kitchen gadgets, name-brand candles, quirky seasonal signs).

Use your shopping eye to spot high-margin items, and flip on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Mercari.

Even if you’re not reselling, this mindset helps you buy only what holds value.

Shop Multiple Locations (and Sister Stores): Inventory varies widely between HomeGoods stores. If you’re hunting something specific – say, another matching curtain panel or a second bar stool – try visiting a different HomeGoods nearby.

Because each store gets its own assortment of overstock buys, you might strike gold at the next location. Also, remember the TJX family connection: Marshalls and T.J. Maxx often carry home goods items similar or identical to what’s in HomeGoods, especially if it’s a combined store

You can even search online at TJMaxx.com or Marshalls.com to see if they have the item you spotted in-store. As one shopping expert notes, she found an item in her size on TJMaxx.com after her local store ran out – saving her a trip and scoring the deal online for the same price​.

In short, cast a wider net: if one HomeGoods doesn’t have what you need, check another, and don’t forget the sister stores (including HomeGoods’ Canadian cousin, HomeSense, if you’re near the border or traveling).

Know There’s No Secret Backroom Stock: A little insider tip – asking employees to “check the back” won’t usually yield anything at HomeGoods.

So if you saw a viral HomeGoods find on social media (like the Christmas candle my daughter wanted a couple years ago) that you’re desperate to locate, your best bet is to visit frequently and search thoroughly (including those hiding spots where another shopper might have stashed it to buy later).

PRO TIP: REVERSE IMAGE SEARCH ON YOUR PHONE

Before splurging on a “designer” item at HomeGoods, snap a photo and use Google Lens or a reverse image search to compare prices online. These tools scan the web for visually similar items and often link you to identical products online. You just might discover a dupe—or confirm it’s a steal.

Rachel D. in Denver dropped me an email on this and told me she “started using Google Lens any time I spot something that looks ‘designer’. Last week I found this gorgeous table lamp for $59 at HomeGoods, and it totally gave off Serena & Lily vibes. I snapped a quick pic, ran it through Google Lens, and boom—the exact same lamp came up at a boutique site for $180.

A few weeks before that, I almost bought a mirror for $80—looked fancy, but Lens showed me a near-identical version on Amazon for $42. So I passed. Now it’s just part of how I shop.”

Tap into Apps, Social Media, and Store Communities

Even though HomeGoods thrives on the in-store experience, you can use technology and community savvy to boost your bargain-hunting game:

Get Inspired with the HomeGoods App

If you’re serious about scoring good stuff at HomeGoods, you gotta grab their app.

You can’t actually shop through it (they killed the online store in late 2023), but it’s still super handy.

There’s a shoppable gallery where people post pics of what they found in stores — kinda like Instagram but way more dangerous for your wallet.

You can even filter it by your zip code, so you can see what’s popping up near you before you waste a trip.

Plus, you can toss your gift cards and TJX Rewards right into the app’s wallet so you’re not digging through your purse at checkout like a maniac.

Follow HomeGoods Fanatics on Social Media

Social media is a bargain hunter’s friend. Follow accounts like @homegoods (the official Instagram) and popular HomeGoods-focused influencers (for example, Christine Lee of @homegoodsobsessed) for tips and eye candy.

Enthusiast communities often share when new collections drop or when a certain designer item is being spotted in stores. Facebook groups and subreddits for HomeGoods/TJMaxx finds can also clue you in to deals.

Community Tips and Hacks

Savvy shoppers love to swap advice. Don’t hesitate to chat with other HomeGoods aficionados in line or around the store.

You might pick up a tip about a great clearance find they saw, or learn which nearby HomeGoods is “elite” (some stores are known for consistently high-end inventory).

Websites and blogs devoted to deal-hunting (like The Frugal Girls, etc.) also compile hacks – for example, one Marshalls employee advised shopping late morning (around 11 a.m.) on weekdays, once that day’s shipment has been fully stocked on the floor. Stay curious and connected.

Stack Rewards with Credit Cards and Cashback Apps

To truly maximize savings, think beyond the price tag and leverage payment and cashback strategies.

Combining discounts with credit card perks or rebate apps can effectively put money back in your pocket:

Score Rewards with the TJX Credit Card

If you’re a frequent HomeGoods (or TJ Maxx/Marshalls) shopper, the TJX Rewards credit card could be your MVP.

This store card gives you 5% back in rewards on all purchases across the TJX family (HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra, and HomeSense).

Practically speaking, you earn 5 points per dollar, and every 1,000 points converts to a $10 reward certificate – that’s a nice kickback for money you’d spend anyway.

Cardholders also get 10% off their first purchase when opening an account, which you can strategically use on a big-ticket item.

Utilize Cashback and Coupon Apps

Turn your receipts and online orders into cash. Apps like Fetch let you scan any receipt (including HomeGoods) to earn points that convert into gift cards. It’s essentially free money for doing what you’re already doing – shopping​.

Other apps like Ibotta occasionally have offers for specific products (less common for HomeGoods, but check if any brand-specific rebates apply to items you bought).

Lastly, if you shop online at sister sites (tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com), always go through a cashback portal such as Rakuten. Rakuten might give, say, 2-10% cash back on your purchase – and it often works in tandem with any credit card rewards.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards or Earn Them

Another out-of-the-box tactic is to purchase discounted gift cards for HomeGoods/TJX.

Websites like Card Depot and CardCash resell gift cards at less than face value; you might find a $100 TJX gift card for $95, for example – that’s an immediate $5 savings. You can pay for your haul with the gift card (which is treated like cash) and even use a reward card to buy it, stacking benefits.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money at HomeGoods? Any insider tips that I missed? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)