Did you know that markdown secrets are hiding in plain sight at your favorite retailers Every price tag has a story to tell—if you know how to read it. From clearance stickers to secret codes, understanding how Walmart and Target markdowns work can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Why Learning Markdown Secrets Matters
Stores like Walmart and Target use internal systems to reduce prices based on inventory, season, and sales performance. These markdowns are rolled out in phases, and not all are advertised. Knowing how to decode price tags means you can grab the best deals before they’re gone—or even before employees re-tag them.
🔍 Walmart Markdown Secrets
Walmart is known for its yellow clearance tags, but the real savings often lie in the small print. Here’s how to read their markdowns:
- Tags ending in .00 or .50: Typically the original markdown. Good, but not the final deal.
- Tags ending in .97: This is a final markdown. The item may be discontinued or last in stock.
- White barcode labels: These often indicate a recent system-wide price change, even if the sticker still shows the old price. Always scan with the Walmart app to check!
For example, if you see a 70″ TV marked down to $349.97, that .97 signals a final markdown. Grab it now—it won’t go lower.
Check Walmart’s website or scan barcodes in-store using their app to verify markdown levels.
🎯 Target Markdown Secrets
Target’s clearance system is color-coded and number-based. Red and yellow clearance tags give major hints about what’s to come:
- Tags ending in .06 or .08: First or second round markdowns. You might want to wait for a deeper discount if there’s still plenty of stock.
- Tags ending in .04: Final markdown. This item won’t be discounted again. It’s now or never!
- Small numbers in the top right corner (15, 30, 50, 70, 90): These show the percent off from the original price.
So, if you see a red tag with a price ending in .04 and a “70” in the corner, you’ve hit gold—it’s the last markdown at 70% off!
Check Target’s site and app for in-store pickup offers that may be combined with hidden markdowns.
📅 Best Days to Shop for Markdowns
Walmart
- Best days: Tuesday through Thursday mornings (6–9 AM)
- Why Inventory resets often happen midweek. Get there early to find fresh markdowns before others do.
Target
- Each department has a markdown day:
- Monday – Electronics, Baby
- Tuesday – Women’s Clothing, Domestics
- Wednesday – Men’s, Health & Beauty
- Thursday – Home Decor, Shoes
- Friday – Auto, Accessories, Cosmetics
Shopping these departments on their dedicated days gives you first access to new markdowns.
💡 Pro Tips to Spot Secret Markdowns
- Use the Walmart or Target app to scan items—prices often ring up cheaper than shown on the shelf.
- Look for odd placement: items hidden on top shelves or in random aisles may be forgotten markdowns.
- Target clearance items near the endcaps or the back of departments—some items are left without signs.
- Use deal forums like BrickSeek or follow Yes We Coupon.com for crowd-sourced markdown alerts.
🔚 Final Thoughts on Markdown Secrets
The next time you walk through Walmart or Target, pay close attention to those little price endings and corner numbers. They’re more than just digits—they’re markdown secrets that can lead you to massive savings.
And remember, the best deals aren’t always announced. It’s the informed shoppers—the ones who scan tags, follow markdown schedules, and stay alert—who win the clearance game.
Want real-time alerts on markdowns, glitches, and coupon stacks Bookmark Yes We Coupon.com and check daily for the latest updates!
📦 Hidden Clearance: Where to Look Beyond the Price Tags
While knowing the markdown secrets behind pricing tags is powerful, there are other subtle clues that many shoppers overlook. Savvy deal hunters know that clearance isn’t always labeled clearly—and some of the best deals are tucked away out of sight.
1. Check the Endcaps and Side Aisles
Retailers like Walmart and Target often use endcaps to feature marked-down items, especially in home, electronics, and grocery sections. But not every endcap is created equal. Look for:
- Tags with handwritten numbers or stickers
- Items missing price tags (scan them—they’re often marked down!)
- Clearance shelves near the back corners of departments
In Walmart, electronics and toys often have a clearance bin tucked behind the main aisle displays. At Target, the rear of the store near baby or seasonal items usually houses the deepest markdowns.
2. Use the Store App as Your Price Scanner
Don’t trust what you see on the shelf. The Target and Walmart apps often reveal live markdown prices before signage is updated in-store. That $15 blender might scan at $5.00—just because the shelf tag hasn’t caught up.
To do this:
- Open the app and tap the barcode scanner (usually in the search bar)
- Scan the product barcode
- Compare the in-app price to what’s shown on the shelf
This is one of the most reliable markdown secrets for spotting under-the-radar clearance deals.
3. Time Your Shopping During Seasonal Transitions
The biggest markdown events happen when stores transition to new seasons. After holidays, major store resets occur, leading to huge price drops. Watch for these timelines:
- January: Christmas, winter apparel, and gift sets
- April: Easter, gardening tools, spring decor
- August: Fourth of August, summer clearance
- September–October: Back-to-school, patio furniture, fans
- November: Halloween and early toy markdowns
During these windows, markdowns happen in waves—starting at 30% and progressing to 50%, 70%, and finally 90%. Visit repeatedly and scan items to track their discount phases.
4. Join Clearance Hunter Communities
You don’t have to go it alone! There are entire Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and blogs like Yes We Coupon.com dedicated to sharing live markdown alerts. Members post price drops, in-store photos, and even UPC codes so you can check inventory before heading out.
Pro tip: Turn on post notifications in those groups to catch time-sensitive clearance before it’s wiped out.
🛒 Don’t Just Shop—Strategize
Understanding markdown secrets isn’t about being lucky—it’s about being informed. With this knowledge, you’re no longer guessing when items will drop in price or wondering if you’re getting the best deal. You’re shopping with confidence, equipped with the tools to win the clearance game.
Start applying these markdown decoding tactics on your next trip to Walmart or Target. And for daily clearance finds, price glitches, and shopping hacks, check Yes We Coupon.com every morning before you head to the store. You never know what hidden gem you’ll uncover!
