Smart shoppers know that timing is everything when it comes to scoring the best clearance deals. While most people think clearance shopping is just about finding marked-down items, the real secret is knowing exactly when stores slash their prices. I’ve spent years tracking markdown schedules at major retailers, and I’m sharing all my insider knowledge to help you maximize your savings.

The Golden Rule of Clearance Shopping

Here’s what most shoppers don’t realize: every major retailer follows a predictable markdown schedule. Stores don’t just randomly decide to mark things down – they have specific days when they process clearance items, and knowing these patterns can save you hundreds of dollars annually.

Most markdowns happen on Mondays or Tuesdays, and Target reduces prices five days a week from Monday to Friday, with each department having its designated day. This means you can literally plan your shopping trips around when your favorite stores are marking down items.

Target: The Clearance King

Target is hands down the best store for clearance shopping, but only if you know their system. Each week Target marks down items in certain departments starting at 30% off, then progressing to 50% off after two weeks, and finally reaching 70% off in the final markdown cycle.

Target’s Weekly Markdown Schedule:

• Monday: Electronics, accessories, kids’ clothing, books, baby items
• Tuesday: Domestics, women’s clothing, pets, market (food items)
• Wednesday: Men’s clothing, health and beauty, diapers, lawn & garden
• Thursday: Lingerie, shoes, toys, sporting goods, luggage
• Friday: Auto, cosmetics, jewelry, housewares

The key is understanding that clearance tags are typically printed on Wednesdays, but employees might not put them up right away. So if you’re shopping on Wednesday, keep an eye out for employees putting up new clearance tags throughout the day.

Walmart: The Early Bird Gets the Deal

Walmart’s clearance schedule is less predictable than Target’s, but there are still patterns you can exploit. Walmart marks down their already clearance items on a regular basis, at least once a month, but sometimes more often.

The best time to hit Walmart for clearance is early morning, especially on weekdays. Their overnight crew processes most markdowns, so you’ll find freshly marked items first thing in the morning before other shoppers discover them.

Walmart Clearance Hotspots:

• End caps (displays at the end of aisles)
• Seasonal sections after holidays
• Electronics department on Wednesdays
• Clothing clearance racks, especially in the mornings

Department Stores: Monday and Tuesday Magic

Ross finds the most markdowns on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the best shopping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when shopper traffic remains light. This pattern holds true for most department stores and discount retailers.

Best Days for Department Store Clearance:

• Monday: Fresh markdowns from weekend inventory reviews
• Tuesday: Additional markdowns processed, lighter crowds
• Wednesday: Mid-week restocking with clearance items

Grocery Store Clearance Timing

Grocery stores have their own clearance rhythms, especially for perishables and seasonal items. Most grocery chains mark down items on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings to clear inventory for the new week.

Grocery Clearance Schedule:

• Sunday evening: Meat, dairy, and bakery markdowns
• Monday morning: General grocery clearance processing
• End of month: Non-perishable overstock clearance

Seasonal Clearance Goldmines

The absolute best clearance deals happen immediately after major holidays and at the end of seasons. Easter clearance starts right after the holiday, with up to 90% off at stores like Target, Walmart, and CVS.

Holiday Clearance Timeline:

• Day after holiday: 30-50% off
• One week after: 50-70% off
• Two weeks after: 70-90% off

End-of-Season Clearance:

• Summer items: Start clearing in early August
• Winter items: Begin markdowns in late February
• Spring items: Clearance starts in early June
• Fall items: Markdowns begin in early December

Shopping Strategy for Maximum Savings

The most successful clearance shoppers don’t just know when to shop – they know how to shop strategically. Here’s my proven approach:

The 48-Hour Rule: When you find an item at 30% off, check back in 48 hours. If it’s still there, it’ll likely be marked down further within a week.

Multi-Store Approach: Different stores clear the same items at different times. If Target’s summer clearance is picked over, check Walmart or Kohl’s – they might be a week behind in their markdown schedule.

End-of-Day Shopping: Many stores process additional markdowns throughout the day. Shopping in the evening can reveal items that were marked down since morning.

Red Flags to Avoid

Not all clearance deals are created equal. Watch out for these common traps:

Fake Clearance: Some stores mark items down from inflated “regular” prices. Always check if the sale price is actually lower than what you’ve seen elsewhere.

Damaged Goods: Clearance items are often returns or damaged products. Inspect everything carefully before purchasing.

Final Sale Policies: Many clearance items can’t be returned. Make sure you really want something before buying it just because it’s cheap.

The Bottom Line

Clearance shopping isn’t about luck – it’s about strategy. If you can wait six weeks after new items arrive, you’re likely to get a better price than if you buy immediately. The shoppers who save the most money are those who plan their purchases around markdown schedules rather than shopping impulsively.

Start by picking one or two stores and learning their specific markdown patterns. Track when your favorite departments get marked down, and plan your shopping trips accordingly. Within a few months, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of when to shop for the best deals.

Remember, the best clearance shoppers are patient and persistent. The item you want might not be marked down this week, but if you know the schedule, you’ll know exactly when to check back for maximum savings.