Ways 2 Save: 4 rules for saving the most money at liquidation stores

Where to shop huge discounts on toys, electronics, home goods and more

We know you are paying more for just about everything these days. As we get into the holiday shopping season, we are looking for ways to help you save money on items like toys, bikes, home goods and more.

We know you are paying more for just about everything these days. As we get into the holiday shopping season, we are looking for ways to help you save money on items like toys, bikes, home goods and more. There are different types of liquidation stores all over the Houston area and if you go by a few rules, you might be able to save even more.

The supply chain issues during the pandemic mean right now the deals at these stores are better than ever.

“It stems back from the pandemic, the big box stores were bloated with inventory. So, they need somewhere for that inventory to go,” said Brianna Sumrall, spokesperson for Dirt Cheap liquidation store. “We are a return retailer. We purchase products from big box retailers. We purchase their returns excess inventory, overstock and liquidations.”

One of the hottest items at Dirt Cheap is clothing.

“All of this baby clothing is $2 each. And most of these compare up to around seven to $10 retail price,” Sumrall explained. “This is a piece of clothing that we would get from one of our big box retailers. And the price is normally $35 you would get this 50% off.”

We found name-brand shoes like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein for $30 a pair. And for the home, sheet sets start at $9, and aisles are packed with blankets, pillows and bedding.

“So, you see that this is originally $99 at your big box retailer Dirt Cheap price is going to be around $50 as this is 40% off,” Sumrall explained, showing us a bed in a box.

There are rugs, leaf blowers and vacuums along with anything you might need for a home renovation project.

“As you can see, there’s anything from fans, faucets, stuff like that,” Sumrall said.

How to find the best deals at liquidation stores

• Rule #1 Shop often

“We get trucks multiple times a week with our store being the way it is, you never know what’s going to be in store,” Sumrall explains.

• Rule #2 Research retail prices

You can use the Amazon app or a “barcode scanner” app to check retail prices. Most of the time the prices you find in the store will be the lowest you can find, but if not, don’t be afraid to ask for a price match.

• Rule #3 Check items carefully

The third rule for shopping liquidation stores is to open boxes and check everything. Since you can’t return items, you do want to make sure that they work before you leave the store with them. Dirt Cheap has a “testing table” where you are encouraged to open things up, plug it in and test it out.

• Rule #4 Know the different types of liquidation stores

Most liquidation stores will have a little bit of everything, but some stores may focus on certain big-ticket items. We’ve shown you the scratch and dent and overstock appliances you’ll find at Flash Liquidation. We also found brand new bikes priced 40% off retail prices. You should also follow the stores on social media to see what the trucks are bringing in and for alerts about flash sales or discount days.