10 Things Every HomeSense Shopper Should Know (#6 Might Shock You)

HomeSense is a discount home furnishing store operated by the same parent company (TJX Companies) that also owns TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. It offers off-price department store goods through its chain store locations.

HomeSense has 69 locations throughout the U.S. and can be a great way to save money on furniture and other home goods. How can you get the best deals at this retailer?

Here are some savvy shopper facts you should know before shopping at HomeSense.

According to HomeSense enthusiasts, the key to finding a good deal is going early and going often. The chain does not advertise pricing or inventory, but they do receive several shipments each week.

Therefore, you'll need to visit stores in person to see if they have what you need within your price range. Mornings on weekdays are considered the best time to spot new additions.

Meticulous planners and list-lovers might struggle with the constantly changing product selection. HomeSense has a rapidly changing inventory and doesn't keep a replenishment stock, so that the shopping experience can be more akin to a yard sale, but with all brand-new items.

Their business model encourages shoppers to peruse their aisles several times a week and not hesitate to buy what they love, or they'll regret not finding it again later.

TJX stores utilize a color-coded price tagging system that helps you identify the best deals. White tags indicate regular pricing, red tags denote clearance, and yellow tags are used to flag final clearance markdowns, indicating that the price will not be lowered further. Blue tags mean the item is part of a set or has a coordinating piece.

Think you've scored a designer name brand piece? Check the label to make sure, because one of the ways HomeSense acquires goods is through merchandise manufactured directly for them under the TJX brand.

These licensed items may not be of the same quality you expect from brand-name goods, so always check the labels to make sure you're getting what you expect for the price tag.

Some shoppers say HomeSense stocks the cast-offs from high-end stores, which can include products with a small defect of some kind. Sometimes it's not a big deal, but you can't make that decision until you know what it is.

Factory seconds aren't the only way products are sourced, and they can be great deals on brand-name products, but you'll want to know that before you buy.

You might not expect to find a grocery aisle in the middle of a furniture store, but HomeSense offers more than just furniture, including food. They have a department called "Entertainment Marketplace", filled with gourmet finds like premium pastas and hard-to-find sauces.

According to a Narcity report, former employees of the discount store suggest being diligent about checking expiration dates before purchasing food, though. Things with a long shelf life, such as snacks, are probably going to be smarter buys.

Is there anything worse than finding the perfect furniture piece just to discover it doesn't fit in your vehicle? Some HomeSense stores work with a third-party service to deliver those larger items to your home. Check with your local store to see if that's an option for you.

The stationary section is often used as a catch-all for items that don't have a clear department placement, so that's a great place to find unique items — and of course, stationery products. They also have planners and agendas available, which is great for anyone who needs to purchase a dated organizational tool in the off-season.

Shoppers can only shop in brick and mortar stores, there is no way to buy online or compare prices without physically going into the store. If you don't have a location nearby, you'll have to buy your furniture elsewhere.

HomeSense often sells installation furniture, such as bathroom vanities or tubs and showers. They also have tools and other hardware in this section, so it's worth taking a peek if you've been pricing out larger home renovation projects.

If you have a HomeSense store in your town, it might be worth the visit to find great deals on everything from furniture to small decor to tools, and even unique food finds. You're likely to find similar deals at HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx in case you don't have a HomeSense around you.

To stretch your savings, use the best cash back credit card options and make the most of your money if you're buying a big ticket item like a new dinning tables or couches.