You’ve clipped coupons, checked promo codes, and waited for sales. But what if the best discounts aren’t advertised at all? The truth is, many retailers have secret store sections packed with hidden clearance deals. You just need to know where to look.
From Amazon to Target to department store gems, here’s your guide to the best-kept secrets in retail.
Amazon’s Hidden Discount Goldmine
Amazon has more than one secret savings section.
Start with the Amazon Outlet, where you’ll find overstock fashion, kitchen tools, and home decor at up to 70% off. Scroll a bit deeper and you’ll land in the Amazon Overstock zone, a less publicized section packed with items under $10. These aren’t just leftovers. You’ll find trending beauty brands, gadget essentials, and even name-brand accessories at a steep discount.
They’re not always visible from the homepage, so bookmark them or search directly. You can also find curated deals via the retailer’s “Secret Home Outlet” if you’re after throw blankets, storage bins, or home upgrades on a budget.
Walmart’s Clearance Secrets
Walmart’s clearance game runs deeper than the yellow tags.
To find Walmart’s hidden clearance, you’ll need the Walmart app. Scan items as you browse, especially top-shelf goods, endcaps, and seasonal displays. Many markdowns don’t get updated on the shelf, but they ring up for way less at checkout. We’re talking 70–90% off in some cases.
Don’t forget the Resold at Walmart section online. This is where Walmart sells open-box and refurbished items, including appliances, tech, and small kitchen tools. Everything still comes with a return policy, so it’s low risk, high reward.
Read More: How Retailers Trick You Into Spending More (And How to Outsmart Them)
Target Clearance Hacks You Need to Know
If you shop Target, you know the thrill of a red clearance sticker. But the real steals are hiding in plain sight. Head to the back corners of each department. That’s often where the secret Target section lives—full of overstock, off-season, and returned merchandise.
Want the best price? Use the Target app to scan items yourself. Some don’t have stickers, and others ring up lower than what’s shown.
You can also score based on price patterns. Look for tags ending in .06 or .08—they usually signal future markdowns. Items ending in .04? That’s likely the final price before they vanish for good.
Read More: The Secret to Finding Luxury Brands at Deep Discounts
Department Stores & Outlet Hacks
Department store outlets like Nordstrom Rack, Saks OFF 5TH, and Macy’s Backstage all hide final markdown racks near the fitting rooms or tucked in side aisles. These aren’t just regular sale racks. They’re often the stores with hidden clearance racks where prices are slashed a second or even third time.
A smart move? Use store apps or portable kiosks to scan barcodes. Sometimes, an item marked $29.99 scans at $12.04. That’s where price tag tricks for discounts pay off.
Extra Shopping Hacks to Save Even More
Finding secret store sections is just the beginning. These quick tips will help you double down on the savings:
- Scan everything with store apps. Shelf tags can lie.
- Stack deals using coupons, loyalty rewards, and cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta.
- Check top and bottom shelves where older stock ends up.
- Shop early or late in the week for fresh clearance markdowns.
- Sign up for loyalty programs to unlock exclusive clearance pricing and member perks.
Want to save even more? Combine these tricks with your favorite retailer’s email alerts or deal forums like Slickdeals to stay ahead of price drops.
Smart Shopping, Big Wins
Retailers won’t always make it easy, but that’s part of the thrill. The best places to find hidden discounts are often just a scan, shelf-check, or clever Google search away. Use store apps, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to dig.
Your next steal might be sitting behind a full-priced throw pillow.
Read More: How to Use Abandoned Carts to Get Discounts from Online Stores
