For many of us, the satisfaction of finding a good value, a real bargain, goes beyond just saving money; it’s a rewarding experience. We’ve likely all enjoyed that little thrill of discovering something we need or want at a price that feels like a win.
In fact, for some, the quest for the best deals can almost feel like a game, a strategic pursuit where patience and a keen eye are key. And just like any good game, knowing the right strategies and, perhaps most importantly, the right timing can make all the difference in coming out on top.
Recently, a fellow shopper shared information that has sparked considerable interest in the bargain-hunting community, hinting at a potential new tactic to master the art of the deal.
While shopping at the Broadway store in Sydney, Courtney Farrell unexpectedly stumbled upon a goldmine of discounts.
At 7:30 pm on a Friday, she witnessed a Kmart employee wheeling out a rack brimming with items priced as low as 20 cents. Yes, you read that right—20 cents!
Farrell shared her discovery in a video posted on social media.
‘Kmart PSA—biggest discount rack hack? At 7.30 pm in Kmart, all of a sudden, they put out a 20c rack,’ she exclaimed.
The rack was filled with odds and ends, including desirable items like fleece shorts. Like any astute shopper, Farrell couldn’t resist the lure of such bargains.
‘I couldn’t not grab things I didn’t need… because they were only 20c,’ she admitted.
This revelation has sparked a conversation among former Kmart employees and shoppers alike. Some confirmed that markdowns often occur on Monday nights between 7 pm and 7:30 pm, with items reduced to $2 or less. Others noted that clearance items tend to appear around 8 pm.
However, former Kmart workers have also commented that markdown timings vary from store to store.
‘As [an] ex-Kmart manager, there’s no timing to it. We just have to mark down stuff to get rid of it. Each store will also price differently. Any time products have those yellow barcodes on them, it’s a manager markdown. The store decides to mark it down so it will not be the same in other stores or online,’ one former manager explained.
The reasons behind these markdowns are as varied as the items themselves. Some employees pointed out that seasonal changes often prompt a clearance of old stock.
Others mentioned that markdowns occur when there’s time to do so, typically in the mornings or later at night.
Thrifty shoppers have been sharing their tales of triumph, with one finding $1 electronics and another snagging a waterproof speaker for a mere 60 cents.
One particularly lucky shopper recounted how their mother found a bag for $7, only for them to discover the same bag marked down to 50 cents a week later, prompting a bulk purchase and a refund of the original.
Another shopper revealed: ‘It’s normally at a random time on a random day from what I have seen. Luck of the draw. It’s always a great day when you are there, and they bring that trolley out.’
Have you had any remarkable markdown finds at Kmart or other stores? Do you have a strategy for finding the best deals? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your fellow readers would love to learn from your expertise!
Also read: Discover the genius trick a Kmart shopper used to handle a terrifying incident
