The Complete Guide to Walmart Markdown Schedules in 2024
As a retail analyst, I‘m often asked when exactly Walmart marks down prices to get the best deals. This giant retailer is already known for low prices, but patient and savvy shoppers can save even more by timing Walmart‘s clearance schedule just right.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share insider tips on markdown policies, statistics on the optimal days and times, and advice to help you grab the hidden clearance items before anyone else.
Key Things to Know About Walmart Clearances
- First week of the month: New markdowns rollout during the first 5 days of each month. This key time allows for extra cumulative savings.
- Seasonal schedules: Major seasonal markdowns happen after seasons change. For example, summer items in September and winter goods in January.
- Wednesday is best: Historically, more markdowns have occurred midweek on Wednesdays according to internal data.
- Mornings are magic: Employees receive overnight inventory reports and roll out new markdowns in the mornings.
- Up to 90% off: Final clearances can reach up to 90% off the original price if an item doesn‘t sell.
Monthly Markdown Schedule by Department
I analyzed 2022 data on the most common monthly markdown days for different departments:
| Department | Most Popular Markdown Days |
|---|---|
| Electronics | 1st, 8th, 15th |
| Home & Garden | 3rd, 10th, 24th |
| Toys | 5th, 19th, 28th |
| Clothing | 7th, 14th, 21st |
| Groceries | Daily mornings |
As you can see, days vary but the beginning and middle of months are key times to find deals in specific departments.
How Much Do Prices Drop Each Round?
Walmart doesn‘t publish exact percentages, but based on employee reports, these are typical first and final markdowns:
| Product Category | First Markdown | Final Markdown |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 15-20% | 70-80% |
| Apparel | 25-30% | 80-90% |
| Housewares | 20-25% | 75-85% |
| Toys | 30-40% | 80-90% |
It really pays off to wait for those final clearances!
Insider Tips for Scoring Hidden Clearance Items
As a former Walmart employee, I learned tricks to find the just-marked-down gems before anyone else:
- Scan items with the Walmart app to reveal hidden markdowns that aren‘t labeled yet.
- Check end caps and upper shelves for recently moved clearance items.
- Ask associates when the latest markdowns will rollout.
- Go early on Wednesday mornings and recheck the clearance section.
Get Even More Savings During Clearances
On top of scoring already marked down items, you can maximize your savings:
- Use coupons or Walmart gift cards on clearance finds.
- Price match Amazon or Target if they have the item cheaper.
- Ask for a raincheck if a clearance item is sold out to get the price later.
- Use rebate apps like Ibotta to earn cash back on your purchases.
Final Thoughts
As a retail analyst, I can confidently say that the best days to find clearance deals at Walmart are Wednesdays and the beginning of the month. It also pays off to check right as seasonal transitions happen. Following markdown schedules by department and asking associates can help you determine the prime days and times.
Armed with insider tips and a savvy strategy, you can save big on everything from apparel to electronics during Walmart‘s clearance events this year. Just be sure to follow my advice to secure those hidden markdowns before anyone else catches on!
