9 Things Shoppers Get Wrong About HomeGoods That Could Be Costing Them

Love designer decor, yet love saving money even more? Then you're probably a fan of HomeGoods. The housewares store is part of the TJX family, which includes TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and others. As such, you can expect good value and some unique finds — but only if you understand how HomeGoods works.

Unfortunately, many shoppers make several assumptions about HomeGoods, which could end up costing them more than they save.

Here are nine busted misconceptions about HomeGoods, helping you become a savvier shopper and save money on your interior decor.

Plenty of rumors abound about HomeGoods, including that they get stock from Goodwill (they don't). Any whispers stating goods are discounted due to damage or faults should also be ignored. HomeGoods offers discounts based on hunting down deals from unique designers and artisans.

Top tip: If you do find an item that's scuffed, marked, or otherwise damaged, ask for a further reduction. Alternatively, if the discount is deep enough, it may be worth buying and fixing yourself.

The HomeGoods buying model means you can say goodbye to the concept of a fixed inventory. The store's best deals sell out quickly, and there are no guarantees that they will restock the product.

So, if you see a "must-have" item, grab it fast.

When you buy a discounted product at HomeGoods, you'll likely see that the label has a "Compare at" price. The implication is that the item used to cost this much, so you're making a great saving.

The reality is that when HomeGoods can't obtain the price of the original item, it has a policy of comparing items to something "...of a similar type, quality and style." Check the original price yourself with the manufacturer or designer to confirm your actual savings.

Not everything at HomeGoods looks like a bargain at first, but if you're following the previous tip of checking the original prices, you might get some surprises.

Big brands like Yeti and Le Creuset end up on HomeGoods' shelves, often at highly discounted prices. So, you might hesitate to pay $35 for a cooking dish, but if the original was hundreds of dollars, that's quite a bargain you've found.

In the same vein, you can't expect popular holiday or seasonal items to last long. Other stores may continuously restock their holiday products. HomeGoods buys whatever's available, so grab Halloween, Christmas, or Easter stock as soon as you spot it.

One report showed that cozy seasonal throws were selling out almost as soon as they hit the shelves. Similarly, a Redditor commented that it's best to purchase Halloween decorations in summer, as by September, they're sold out.

HomeGoods isn't Aldi and doesn't have a "special buys" day when all the new products arrive. Instead, items arrive randomly when the retailer's buyers find and order them. So, there's no point hanging around the store all day on a Wednesday or turning up at a specific time.

One interior designer recommends building a relationship with your local HomeGoods store manager. They just might let you know when new shipments are expected.

Shopping on a weekend makes sense for many people who work or have other commitments during the week. HomeGoods regulars know that if you're on the hunt for bargains or premium finds, you should avoid weekends at all costs.

Weekdays, especially early in the morning, can be quieter, making it easier to navigate the aisles and spot bargains before they're swept up by other shoppers.

Shoppers might feel like they're not saving time or money by following the trend of "treasure hunting" their way around HomeGoods. But the truth is that it's the best way to find designer deals and bargains before they're gone.

Interior experts recommend a "circle, squat, discover, repeat" method, where you search the entire store and don't forget the bottom shelves.

This is a huge misconception that could cost you some serious savings. While HomeGoods items are already priced down, there are some items that will get a nice, flashy red sticker and an even deeper discount.

These discounts are usually for items that are no longer seasonal or need shifting to make room for new stock. Check lower shelves and the area around the checkouts to make sure you don't miss any ad hoc deals.

HomeGoods is a great place to bag some bargains. While it doesn't function like a traditional home interior retail store, the excitement of a genuine "find" is worth the time taken to find it. You can ask a member of staff to hold an item for you for up to one day, and there's an extended returns policy active during the holidays.

Remember the basics of furniture and decor shopping. Measure your space before you go and take a note of those measurements so you don't accidentally buy a chair that won't fit in your living room. Check that sets, such as plates and cups, are complete as they could be discounted due to missing items.

You can also use the HomeGoods app to keep up with their fast-changing inventory and save even more money by jumping on new deals fast. Also, it can be a smart idea to use a cash back credit card to earn rewards on your treasured finds.