Want to stop overpaying at your favorite stores? We have you covered.
Mastering how to read price tags can help you score better deals, without waiting for major sales. From Target’s markdown codes to TJ Maxx’s color-tag system, retailers hide clues in plain sight.
This guide shows you how to decode them like a seasoned shopper.
Price Tag Color Codes: What They Really Mean
Retailers use color-coded tags and hidden markings to quietly signal markdown stages. Once you understand these patterns, you can predict when prices will drop further.
TJ Maxx & Marshalls
- White tag = Regular retail price
- Red tag = Clearance price
- Yellow tag = Final clearance (lowest price before it disappears)
- Purple tag = From the high-end “Runway” collection
Pro tip: Spot a red tag on a designer item? Wait a week. If it’s still there, it’ll likely turn yellow, meaning you’ll snag it at the lowest markdown available.
Target
Target’s clearance pricing is more systematic than it looks. In the top right-hand corner of most clearance stickers, you’ll find a small number (15, 30, 50, 70) showing the discount percentage.
For example, a $19.99 throw pillow with a red clearance tag reading “30” is marked down to $13.99. Come back next Thursday, and that same pillow may be at 50%—just $9.99.
Pro tip: Target usually drops prices on specific days:
- Tuesdays – Women’s clothing, home décor
- Thursdays – Housewares
- Fridays – Cosmetics, accessories
Read More: Costco or Sam’s Club? Which Has Better Pricing?
Kohl’s
Kohl’s uses price endings and sticker colours to show markdown levels:
- Tags ending in .00 or .80 = Final clearance
- Yellow stickers = Price cuts on clearance racks
- Blue tags = Limited-time price drops, not permanent markdowns
Pro tip: Clearance markdowns are often scheduled midweek (Tues/Wed), so shopping early can give you first pick.
Decoding Clearance Tags Like an Insider
Clearance sections might feel like a game of chance, but there’s actually a system behind it.
At Kohl’s, markdowns often land midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday), so shopping then gives you early access. Check for yellow price stickers or tags ending in .00 or .80, which usually signal final clearance.
Costco fans will want to remember these codes:
- .99 = Regular price
- .97 = clearance markdown
- .00 or .88 = manager’s markdown or returned item
- An asterisk ( * ) = item won’t be restocked
For example, if you see a Vitamix blender priced at $349.97 with an asterisk, that means it’s on clearance and not coming back. Now’s the time to grab it.
These subtle clues help savvy shoppers stay ahead. Consumer Reports even reports that Costco’s price endings often reveal more than most members realize.
Unit Price Hacks That Actually Save You
At stores like Walmart, Aldi, or your local grocery chain, every price tag comes with a unit price, usually printed in smaller type beneath the main price.
Example:
- Family-size cereal: $4.99 for 18 oz → 28¢ per oz
- Regular size: $3.49 for 14 oz → 25¢ per oz
Even though the larger box looks like a better deal, the smaller box is cheaper per ounce.
Pro tip: For pantry staples like rice, oats, and pasta, always buy based on unit price, not sticker price. This one habit can shave $20–$30 off your monthly grocery bill.
If you’re curious how stores use tricks like this to get you to spend more, check out our article on How Retailers Trick You Into Spending More.
Read Tags to Save Cash
If you want to spend less without sacrificing your style, learn how to read price tags and start spotting these hidden clues.
The markdown code, date stamps, tag colors, and unit prices all give you an edge, whether you’re shopping for groceries or grabbing clearance clothes.
Remember, the best shoppers aren’t just bargain hunters. They’re detail readers.
