Additional Coverage:
- 9 HomeGoods Shopping Mistakes That Are Costing You Money (financebuzz.com)
HomeGoods: Separating Fact from Fiction for Smarter Shopping
Love a good deal on home decor but find yourself scratching your head at HomeGoods sometimes? You’re not alone! This popular housewares store, part of the TJX family (think TJ Maxx and Marshalls), is a treasure trove of unique finds and great value – if you know how to navigate it.
Unfortunately, many shoppers operate under a few common misconceptions that could be costing them more than they save. Let’s bust nine of those myths and turn you into a savvy HomeGoods pro, ready to snag those designer deals without breaking the bank.
1. Myth: HomeGoods Items are Cheap Because They’re Damaged or “Seconds”
Forget the rumors that HomeGoods sources its inventory from Goodwill or sells damaged goods. The truth is, HomeGoods specializes in finding deals from unique designers and artisans, allowing them to offer discounted prices.
If you do happen to spot a scuffed or marked item, don’t hesitate to ask for an additional reduction! Sometimes, a deep enough discount makes a minor flaw worth fixing yourself.
2. Myth: HomeGoods Restocks Best-Sellers Regularly
Unlike traditional retailers, HomeGoods operates on a “grab it while you can” model. Their best deals fly off the shelves, and there’s no guarantee that a “must-have” item will ever be restocked. So, if something catches your eye, don’t hesitate – it might be gone tomorrow!
3. Myth: “Compare At” Labels Always Show the Original, Highest Price
Those “Compare at” prices on HomeGoods labels can be tempting, suggesting huge savings. However, when HomeGoods can’t pinpoint the original price of an item, they compare it to something of “a similar type, quality, and style.” For true savings verification, it’s always wise to check the manufacturer’s or designer’s original price yourself.
4. Myth: Expensive Items are Always Overpriced
Don’t let a higher price tag scare you away at HomeGoods. Big-name brands like Yeti and Le Creuset often make their way to the shelves at surprisingly steep discounts. That $35 cooking dish might seem pricey at first glance, but if its original retail value was in the hundreds, you’ve just stumbled upon a serious bargain!
5. Myth: Holiday Goods Linger Until the End of the Season
Just like their regular inventory, popular holiday and seasonal items at HomeGoods move fast. While other stores might continuously restock festive decor, HomeGoods buys what’s available.
So, if you’re dreaming of a specific Halloween, Christmas, or Easter decoration, grab it as soon as you see it. Reports suggest cozy seasonal throws vanish almost instantly, and Reddit users recommend buying Halloween decorations as early as summer!
6. Myth: New HomeGoods Deliveries Arrive on Specific Days or Times
Forget trying to time your visit for a “special buys” day. HomeGoods deliveries are unpredictable, arriving whenever the buyers secure new products.
There’s no set schedule. A smart tip from an interior designer?
Build a relationship with your local store manager – they might just give you a heads-up on incoming shipments.
7. Myth: Weekends are the Best Time to Shop
While weekends are convenient for many, serious bargain hunters know to avoid HomeGoods during peak hours. Weekdays, especially early mornings, offer a quieter shopping experience, making it easier to spot those hidden gems before other shoppers snatch them up.
8. Myth: The Treasure Hunt Concept is Overrated
Thinking the “treasure hunt” approach is a waste of time? Think again!
Interior experts swear by a “circle, squat, discover, repeat” method, urging shoppers to explore every inch of the store, including those often-overlooked bottom shelves. This is your best bet for uncovering those elusive designer deals.
9. Myth: Discounts are Fixed and Won’t Change
This is a major misconception that could cost you big! While HomeGoods items are already discounted, keep an eye out for those bright red stickers indicating an even deeper reduction.
These further markdowns often apply to seasonal items or stock that needs to clear to make way for new inventory. Scan lower shelves and the areas around the checkouts for these spontaneous deals.
The Bottom Line for HomeGoods Shoppers
HomeGoods offers a thrilling shopping experience where genuine “finds” are plentiful. While it operates differently from a typical home interior store, the excitement of discovery is well worth the effort. Remember, you can ask staff to hold an item for up to a day, and an extended returns policy is often active during the holidays.
Before you go, brush up on basic furniture and decor shopping tips: measure your space to avoid buying ill-fitting items, and check sets for completeness (missing pieces could mean a deeper discount!). Stay ahead of the rapidly changing inventory with the HomeGoods app, and consider using a cash-back credit card to earn rewards on your new treasures. Happy hunting!
Read More About This Story:
- 9 HomeGoods Shopping Mistakes That Are Costing You Money (financebuzz.com)