Discount Store Prices Are Rising — Here Are 4 Tricks to Still Slash Costs
Unfortunately, prices are rising at your favorite discount stores due to inflation and global shipping problems. The good news? There are still easy ways to keep cash in your wallet. We dug deep to uncover four tips for avoiding overpriced items and paying extra.
Pay less for furniture and home goods.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who head to Ikea whenever you need low-priced tables, linens or decor, listen up: Ikea recently raised its prices by an average of nine percent due to increased transportation and materials costs.
Love the retailer’s famous modern design but not a fan of the price hike? Visit their in-store Deals department, where you’ll find reduced prices on everything from saltshakers to dressers. Or head to eBay or Facebook Marketplace and search for gently used Ikea goods, which typically cost less than 50 percent of their original price. Plus, they are already assembled!
Cut the cost of fuel.
While memberships to BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart+ help you save at their gas stations, even their prices go up when the cost of gas soars. But you can still save by applying for their branded credit cards: Get 10 cents off per gallon at BJ’s gas stations and two percent off at other stations with BJ’s Perks Mastercard. Or earn four percent back on gas for the first $7,000 per year, then one percent thereafter with Costco Anywhere Visa Card.
You can also earn five percent back on gas up to $6,000 for the first year and one percent after that with Sam’s Club Mastercard. And earn two percent cash back at Walmart pumps with the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card.
Nab $1 finds.
After 35 years of selling items for just $1, discount store Dollar Tree has raised prices by 25 percent to $1.25 on the majority of its merchandise. Fortunately, you can still find $1 treasures at Dollar General, where 20 percent of its products go for a buck or less, and Family Dollar, which offers a selection of “$1 Wow” products.
Also smart: Search Amazon for products $1 and under by using the filter feature on the left side of the page. You’ll discover hundreds of discounted products, such as an 8 ounce spray bottle of Glade air freshener and a three-pack of Kleenex travel-size tissues.
Bonus Tip: When looking for a discount on Amazon, search for “sold by Amazon” on a product’s page. Many third-party sellers have hiked up their prices because of rising costs, but you can often find the same product for less by purchasing directly from Amazon.
Scoop up low-cost, brand-name clothing.
Don’t look now, but T.J. Maxx has raised its discount store prices for many designer brands. And some manufacturers, like Levi’s, Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, and Steve Madden have stopped selling at off-price stores altogether.
To save on clothing from your favorite makers, head to the sales section of the brands’ websites or visit their outlet stores. More and more designers are selling their own discounted overstock and past seasons’ fashions. Another option: Visit ThredUp, which offers genuine gently used name-brand clothing, shoes, and accessories for up to 90 percent less than their original price tag.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
