7 Secrets to Steal from a HomeGoods Super Shopper (2024)

• Design Ideas

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Think you know everything there is to know about how best to shop HomeGoods? Well, think again. We reached out to Christine Lee, the mastermind behind Instagram account @HomeGoodsObsessed, to share her super shopper-approved insider tips and tricks for getting the best deal and scoring the best finds at the bargain home decor treasure trove. Read on for seven secrets only the savviest HomeGoods fans know.

1. Be a Weekday Warrior

When are you most likely to hit up HomeGoods? On the weekend? If you can swing it, Christine recommends visiting at a different time for ease of shopping and a robust selection. “If your schedule allows it, Tuesday through Fridays middays are the best time to shop at HomeGoods,” she says. “Everyone is at work and the store is quiet and well-organized. The staff also puts out new inventory these days and the aisles and floors will be filled up. Monday is recovery day (from the weekend), so I don’t even bother.”

2. Treasures Everyday

While Christine notes her favorite weekdays to hit up the ‘Goods, she is quick to mention that fresh picks hit shelves daily. “Most stores receive shipments 4 times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, but do not expect items to hit the floor right away. They trickle out, so new items appear daily.” That said, if you went yesterday and didn’t find just the right platter or duvet cover, you might have better luck today.

2. Know Your Markdowns

“Markdowns occur every three months on a product,” Christine says. And unless you’ve had your eye on something specific for a while and can recount how long it’s been in store, there’s an easier way to tell a product’s lifespan. “Read the label! It will show you the month and year (i.e. 1117 = November 2017).”

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Discount (Even If It’s Already on Clearance)

Well, that is if the item is a wee bit damaged. Christine notes that “you can expect to receive a 10% discount on pieces that are slightly damaged — a scratch here, a ding there. For more heavily damaged items, you could get up to 20-28% off, but that is at a manager’s discretion.” Oh, and those clearance items that might also be showing a little wear and tear? It’s okay to also ask about those, even though their prices have already been reduced. “If you see a clearance item that’s slightly damaged, it doesn’t hurt to ask the manager for an additional discount — they want to get rid of inventory to free up floor space for new items!”

4. If You Fail to Prepare…

Of course, some trips to HomeGoods are purely for leisure. Walking around just to see what they have, what might strike your fancy on a Tuesday afternoon during your lunch break. But, according to Christine (and any other power shopper out there) you should always be equipped with pertinent information for your home needs. “Go prepared,” she states. “Take photos of your space and save it on your phone. Pre-measure walls you want to fill, empty spaces, the floor. You never think to do this ahead of time until you find that gem and then start to ponder if it’ll work. Oh, and bring a tape measure with you so you don’t have to bother hunting down an associate for one, and risking someone else scooping up your dream piece.”

5. Don’t Think Too Long

See something you like and can’t decide right away? “Just place it in your cart anyway since it’ll likely be gone by the time you decide to go back and get it,” says Christine. Think on it, and if it’s a “no” by checkout, just put it back.

6. Think Outside Your Local Store

There are a few things to note here. One is that if you see something you like at your local HomeGoods but it’s damaged, or you need multiples, it’s likely that another nearby store could have what you’re looking for. While the selection can be vastly different store to store, they also share some like items. Same goes for sister stores, Marshalls and TJMaxx. “They typically have a small home furniture section, as well as home decor items such as art, frames, art, vases, etc.,” notes Christine.

Secondly, HomeGoods doesn’t have an online retail component, but Christine has another suggestion for those who prefer shopping from their WiFi network: “Check out TJMaxx.com; their ‘Home’ section has a ton of additional items; bedding, accessories, decor, small furnishings.”

7. Know What’s Waiting For You In-Store

This last point is from us (though we’re sure super shopper Christine is also privy). If you’re a regular HomeGoods treasure hunter, you’ll want to download their app. Once you pick your local store, you can see sneak peeks of new arrivals to know whether you need to run immediately to grab something that catches your eye or hang back. You can also load in any gift cards or TJX Rewards Certificates you might have straight into the app so you never forget them by accident at home again.

*Re-edited from a post published 03.05.18 -BM

Filed in: