Secret Store Outlets: How to Shop and Save Big

If you’re like us, you love finding a good bargain — it’s always such a thrill to score a deep discount. Sure, sales are great, and outlet stores are good too. But what if there was a way to lock in deals at the stores you love most? There’s a savvy way to save a bundle while shopping at the stores you love: Head to their “secret” store outlets where prices are 40%, 70%, even 95% cheaper. Only those in the know can take advantage of these amazing bargains — and now you’re one!

1. Score designer deals at Amazon

If you’re a fan of Amazon, then you likely already know you can nab discounts on a wide range of products in their Overstock, Warehouse and Digital Deals departments at Amazon Outlet. What you probably don’t know is that Amazon also has a secret Premium Brands Outlet, where you can save up to 85% on apparel, shoes and handbags from famous brands like Coach, Tommy Hilfiger and UGG.

Once you’re there, you can use the main Amazon search bar to find exactly what you want to shop for within the Premium Brands Outlet. Just be sure to bookmark this page since stock frequently changes, offering more money-saving deals!

2. Spend even less on ThredUp clothes

Woman on laptop online shopping — Alistair Berg/Getty Images

Since 2009, the popular online thrift and consignment store ThredUp has been selling gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for up to 90% less than their original price. And now you can save even more. That’s because the retailer recently launched a separate online thrift store where they sell used women’s and children’s goods priced at just $7 or less. But this new shop is so top-secret that if you weren’t aware it existed, you’d probably never come across it on your own.

In fact, ThredUp doesn’t even include a single mention of it on their website. Luckily, you can be one of the fortunate in-the-know shoppers who can take advantage of these incredible $7-and-under deals now before word gets out. All it takes is heading to 777Thrift.com. You’ll have more than 50,000 secondhand items to choose from. And shipping is a flat fee of $7 per order or free for orders over $77.

3. Snap up bigger Target bargains

If you’re like us, you love Target for its many high-quality private brand products that are sold at affordable prices (such as Threshold furniture and Universal Thread women’s denim). And you probably love the retailer even more for its frequent sales that further reduce prices. Well, here’s insider information about Target that can keep even more cash in your pocket: The retailer saves its biggest markdowns on private brand products for items that are sold outside its stores!

That’s because Target sells pallets of merchandise deemed overstock, out of season and discontinued to salvage and bin stores that then resell them for up to 90% less than their original price. To find these drastically reduced products near you, ask a manager at your local Target where liquidated merchandise is sent since many are happy to tell you when asked. Or search for salvage and bin stores in your state at AubreySwanBlog.com and BinStoreFinder.com.

You’ll know when you’ve found a Target private brand by the product line’s name. To get a refresher of all the Target private brands, visit Corporate.Target.com.

4. Snag department store super-savings

As you know, most major big chain stores include clearance sections on their websites where you can find overstock products and returns for less than their original price. And now, many retailers are opening brick-and-mortar clearance stores where prices are even lower.

For example, Best Buy recently opened nearly 2 dozen outlet stores across the country that are filled with heavily discounted large-screen TVs, appliances, mobile phones and computers.

Dillard’s has 27 clearance centers in 15 states that are full of discounted designer goods. And Nordstrom has two “Last Chance” clearance outlet locations in Phoenix, Arizona and Lombard, Illinois, offering clothing and accessories for even less than you’d find at their online NordstromRack off-price store.

The reason behind the trend: Retailers have discovered that offering physical locations for shoppers to find bargains brings in more revenue, so they’re investing more heavily in them. To find clearance outlets for your favorite retailers, visit their websites and search their store locations.

Bonus tip to save at store outlets

No need to drive to on outlet mall to snatch up bargains. Many of your favorite big brands like Cuisinart and Reebok have secret outlet stores on eBay.com. Just head to eBay’s Brand Outlet to save up to 75%.