Walmart can definitely be a money-saver, but only if you know how to shop it right. Over the years, I’ve picked up some sneaky little tricks that help me stretch our grocery budget, grab the best markdowns, and even find secret clearance that most people walk right past.
Whether you’re a Walmart pro or just starting to shop smarter, these 15 insider tips will help you save more, stress less, and shop like a total boss. 🙌
Before we dive in…
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1. Look for Price Tags Ending in “.01”
If you see a yellow clearance tag with a price ending in .01 — grab it! That’s the final markdown. It means the item is being cleared out and likely won’t be restocked. You’re getting rock-bottom pricing.
2. Scan Everything with the Walmart App
Okay, this is a big one. I always use the Walmart app while I shop to scan clearance items. Sometimes they ring up cheaper than what’s marked on the shelf. I’ve found items for $1 that were still tagged at $7. Total win.
3. Wednesdays = Clearance Day
Wednesdays are known as markdown day at many Walmart stores. That’s when employees update clearance sections and restock shelves — especially in produce, bakery, and frozen foods. It’s the best time to swoop in for fresh finds and discounts.
4. Bakery Items Go on Sale After 7PM
If you’ve got a sweet tooth or need snacks for school lunches, hit the bakery section in the evening. Many stores mark down donuts, bread, cookies, and cakes after 7PM to clear out inventory before closing.
5. Price Match with Walmart.com
Did you know you can ask for a price match if an item is cheaper on Walmart’s website? Just pull it up on your phone and show it to the cashier before checking out. This works best for in-store items that are also sold online.
6. Know Your Clearance Sticker Colors
Yellow tags are clearance — but white tags with red text mean Rollback prices (temporary deals). Clearance is final, but Rollbacks might go back up. Grab it while you can if it’s something you use often!
7. Shop Early for Holiday Clearance
The day after a holiday, get there early! Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter — Walmart deeply discounts all seasonal items right away. I’ve stocked up on holiday décor, baking supplies, and even stocking stuffers for next year.
8. Use Ibotta + Fetch for Cashback
Ibotta and Fetch apps are amazing for stacking even more savings. You just snap a pic of your Walmart receipt and earn cashback or points toward gift cards. I’ve saved hundreds this way — no joke.
9. The Great Value Brand Is Actually Great
Walmart’s store brand is seriously underrated. From pantry staples to cleaning supplies, we use tons of Great Value items, and I barely notice a difference (except in the price — hello, savings!).
10. Don’t Skip the Endcaps
The ends of each aisle are where you’ll find featured sales and markdowns. But here’s the trick: not all endcaps face the main walkway — peek around the corners and side aisles too.
11. Use Walmart Grocery Pickup to Stay on Budget
When I really want to stick to our grocery budget, I order online for pickup. No impulse snacks. No wandering the aisles. I can see the total as I go and make swaps if needed. It’s a game-changer.
12. Watch for Yellow Tags in the Meat Section
Meat that’s close to the sell-by date is often marked down with yellow stickers — and it’s perfectly fine to freeze and use later! I’ve scored packs of chicken and ground beef for half off.
13. Check for Online-Only Clearance Before You Go
Walmart’s online store has a whole clearance section that often beats in-store pricing. Before making a big purchase, I always search “[item] Walmart clearance” just to double check.
14. Use a Cash-Back Credit Card (Responsibly!)
If you’re already budgeting and paying things off monthly, using a cashback credit card can give you an extra 1-5% back on purchases. Just be sure to pay it off so you don’t lose savings to interest!
15. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Manager Discount
If you find a damaged item (think dented box, missing packaging, or a small rip), kindly ask a manager if they can offer a discount. They often will — especially on clearance items!
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Final Thoughts
Walmart can definitely be your budget’s best friend — as long as you know where to look. These little tricks have helped me save hundreds over the years, and now they’re yours too. 🙌
Got a Walmart hack I missed? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to hear it!
