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Blog: ShopSmart Secrets For Saving Even More At Discount Stores

By Jim Donovan:  Shoppers are bound to get a good deal at a discount store, but having a strategy can save them even more.  The October 2013 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, shares secrets for getting the best deals on clothing, accessories and more at Kohl's, JCPenney, H&M, Target, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls.

 "Using coupons only isn't going to get you the absolute best deal anymore," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart.  "Knowing about retailer's pricing strategies and other tricks can help you really maximize your savings."

Secrets for Saving Even More at Discount Stores

  • Use a store credit card.  Kohl's gives cardholders 15 percent off their first purchase, plus exclusive coupons and discounts all year long.  Target Red Card users get 5 percent off everything and free shipping for online orders.  TJX credit card holders get $10 back for every $200 they spend at Marshalls, T.J.Maxx or HomeGoods, with no annual fee.
  • Shop on certain days of the week.  Markdowns at Marshalls and T.J.Maxx usually happen on Wednesdays.  Kohl's shoppers who are age 60-plus get an extra 15 percent off in stores every Wednesday.  The hottest-selling items from H&M's latest campaigns usually hit floors on Thursdays.  At Target, women's clothes are generally marked down on Tuesdays, men's on Wednesdays, and kids' on Mondays.
  • Go mobile.  H&M's app sends users sale alerts and gives instructions on getting coupon codes on their smart phone.  Text "Coupons" to TARGET for access to a wide range of mobile coupons that can be used in-store.
  • Get social.  Become a fan of H&M on Facebook and Twitter to get access to potential savings.  T.J.Maxx shoppers who share photos of their finds with #maxxinista on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook could win a $1,000 gift card. 

For additional tips on saving even more at discount stores, check out the full report in ShopSmart's October issue and for more information about ShopSmart visit www.ShopSmartmag.org.

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