12 Insider Shopping Tips To Save Big at HomeGoods (#8 Changes Everything)

Have you ever wondered how your most stylish friends give their homes a magazine-worthy look? Chances are, they're not spending designer-level prices. Instead, they're leaning on smart shopping hacks, like a quick trip to HomeGoods for finds that only appear to cost a fortune.

From upholstered furniture with months-long lead times at a high-end retailer to kitchen finds that give your space both style and functionality, HomeGoods has it all.

But what casual HomeGoods shoppers may not realize is that there's a secret system for shopping this big-box retailer. Insiders know there are tips to get an even steeper discount on their favorite items.

Here are essential insider shopping tips that could save you major money at HomeGoods.

You won't find any specific discounts listed in the HomeGoods app, but if you're a TJX Rewards cardholder, you can track your rewards in the app, making it easy to use them rather than lose them. You'll see how much you've spent, how much you've earned, and what you have available to apply towards your next purchase.

HomeGoods might not seem like the type of store that would put items on hold, but, typically, you can ask an employee to put something on hold for you for exactly one day. That's just enough time to figure out if that large-scale artwork or velvet chair will actually work in your space.

Most deliveries are unloaded in the morning, so your best chance of getting first pick of new items is to stop by then. This could also be the time when employees mark down new clearance items, giving you a shot at seriously deep discounts.

You probably know that the red stickers are the shining beacon that something has been marked down from its already-discounted price. But were you aware that items are often discounted before their season has come to an end?

HomeGoods marks down items based on how long they've been in the store, and if you're lucky, you'll find holiday items discounted before the holiday has even arrived. This is the hack for gift shopping!

The markdown period is every three months, but that doesn't mean you have to keep an eagle eye on how long an item has been in the store. Every tag has a numerical value that corresponds to the length of time it has been there. For example, 1225 means December 2025, and its markdown date is approaching in March 2026.

The checkout area is a hotspot for two reasons. First, this is where red stickers often end up, particularly on smaller items. But, second, this is where indecisive shoppers will set their finds after changing their minds. Some of the best items are found discarded in the queue for waiting in line.

It may be a thrill to see a price tag sticker that shows you're saving tens, if not hundreds, off the "Compare With" price. But that's not always the most accurate way to compare like items. Instead, use Google Lens. Take a picture of the item, and you'll likely find an identical item online. This is the best way to determine if you're truly getting an incredible deal.

HomeGoods may be a corporate entity, but individual store managers are running the show, and they may be receptive to helping their most loyal customers.

If you make friends with the manager or the employees, they may give you a heads-up when the best items arrive. There's no specific day that they receive merchandise, so, unless you have time to pop in every day, insider intel is the only way to find out when great new finds are delivered.

If you find a fabulous frame but you need two, not one, don't waste your time asking an employee to check the back. Chances are, there is no back. Every item that is delivered is put out.

However, as is the case with many big-box stores, items are moved around faster than employees can keep up. Do your own hunting for the matching item, and if all else fails, check affiliated stores like Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

Every once in a while, HomeGoods will get an influx of luxury brands, like Yeti or Le Creuset. $500 might seem like a lot for a baking dish, but when it hits HomeGoods, you know the price is going to be significantly less.

For those with basic DIY skills, you may be eligible for a discount based solely on your ability to repair an item. If you see a stack of sunburst mirrors that catches your eye but one of them has a broken ray, bring it to the front and ask for a discount.

They'll likely give you a percentage off, and all you have to do is fix the item when you get home.

Clearance items can be hidden behind other items or misplaced on shelves. Be willing to shift items around and explore every nook and cranny to find those hidden deals. Check the store's perimeters for surprise clearance shelves that are essentially hidden and lost amid the large bulk of products.

Now you have a few more tricks up your sleeve to stretch your money further and stop making money mistakes when you shop at HomeGoods, or one of its sister stores: Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and HomeSense.

To keep upping your savvy shopper game, consider using one of the best cash back credit cards to earn points that you can use towards cash back while you stock up on your favorite seasonal candles, acacia wood cutting boards, and gallery wall-worthy art.