The clearance aisle in a grocery store can seem like a treasure trove for bargain hunters. It promises significant discounts on items nearing expiration, those with damaged packaging, or discontinued products. While genuine savings are often found here, stores also employ subtle strategies and “tricks” within these sections to maximize their own profits and minimize losses. Being aware of these tactics can help you navigate the clearance aisle more effectively. It ensures you’re getting a true deal, not just falling for clever merchandising. Here are 12 clearance aisle tricks grocery stores might use.
1. Grouping True Bargains with Less Discounted Items
Stores might strategically place items with very deep discounts alongside those with only minor price reductions within the same clearance area. This creates an overall impression of big savings. Shoppers, excited by one great find, might be less critical of the prices on adjacent items. Always check each price tag individually.
2. Using “Compare At” Prices That Were Rarely Charged
Shelf tags in clearance sections often show a “compare at” or “original” price next to the discounted price. However, this “original” price might have been an inflated figure that the item rarely, if ever, actually sold for. This makes the discount appear larger than it truly is.
3. Small Percentage Discounts on Already High-Margin Items
Some items placed on clearance, especially non-food or specialty goods, might have had very high initial profit margins. A “25% off” sticker might seem like a good deal, but the store could still be making a healthy profit on the item even at the reduced price.
4. Bundling Unwanted Items with Desirable Clearance Finds
Occasionally, stores might bundle a less popular clearance item with a more desirable one, offering a single price for the pair. This helps them move slow-selling stock, but you might end up paying for something you don’t actually want just to get the item you do.
5. Ambiguous or Missing Expiration Dates on Some Products
While most food items will have clear dates, sometimes packaging is damaged in a way that obscures the expiration or “best by” date. Or, for non-food items, there’s no date at all, making it hard to judge how old the stock is. Exercise extra caution with unclear dating.
6. Placing Clearance Sections in High-Traffic, Impulse-Buy Zones
While some clearance areas are tucked away, others are strategically placed near checkout lines or other high-traffic spots. This encourages shoppers to make last-minute impulse buys from the clearance section, even if they weren’t specifically looking for those items.
7. Limited Information on Why an Item is on Clearance
Sometimes it’s not clear why an item is discounted. Is it near expiry, damaged, discontinued, or just a slow seller? Lack of clear information can make it harder to assess the true value or potential issues with the product. Look for store stickers explaining the reason.
8. No Returns Allowed on Clearance Items (Store Policy)
Many stores have a policy of “all sales final” for clearance items. This reduces their risk but transfers it to the consumer. If you buy something that turns out to be unusable or not what you expected, you might have no recourse. Always check the return policy.
9. Creating a “Treasure Hunt” Atmosphere to Encourage Browsing
The often jumbled or less organized nature of clearance aisles can create a “treasure hunt” mentality. This encourages shoppers to spend more time sifting through items, increasing the likelihood they’ll find (and buy) something, even if it’s not a top priority.
10. Marking Down by a Bare Minimum to Move Stock Slowly
Not all clearance items are deeply discounted. Some might only be marked down by a small percentage initially, with further reductions happening over time if the item still doesn’t sell. The initial “clearance” price might not yet represent a significant bargain.
11. Using Clearance to Test Price Sensitivity on New (but Failed) Products
If a newly introduced product doesn’t sell well at its initial price, it might quickly land in the clearance section. This helps the store recoup some costs and also provides data on what price point consumers are willing to pay for that type of item.
12. Psychological Effect of a “Reduced” Sticker, Regardless of Amount
The mere presence of a red or yellow “reduced” or “clearance” sticker can psychologically influence shoppers to perceive an item as a bargain, even if the actual discount is minimal. We’re conditioned to react positively to sales indicators. Always check the actual price difference.
Navigate Clearance with a Discerning Eye
Clearance aisles can indeed offer fantastic savings for vigilant and informed shoppers. However, they are also a tool for stores to manage inventory, minimize losses, and even boost profits through strategic merchandising. Don’t assume every item in the clearance section is an amazing deal. Always check prices, expiration dates, product condition, and the reason for the discount. Compare with regular prices if possible. By understanding these subtle “tricks” and approaching clearance finds with a critical eye, you can ensure you’re truly capitalizing on bargains rather than just being influenced by clever retail strategies.
What are the best clearance aisle deals you’ve ever found? What “tricks” or tactics have you noticed stores using in their clearance sections? Share your experiences!
Read More
This Is Why You Should Never Skip the Clearance Section in Your Local Grocery Store
The Truth About Clearance Grocery Items: Are You Really Saving Money?
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