7 Secrets to Steal from a HomeGoods Super Shopper

Think you know everything there is to know about how best to shop HomeGoods? Well, think again. We reached out to Christine Lee, the mastermind behind Instagram account @HomeGoodsObsessed, to share her super shopper-approved insider tips and tricks for getting the best deal and scoring the best finds at the bargain home decor treasure trove. Read on for seven secrets only the savviest HomeGoods fans know.

Before diving right into the in-store shopping tips, it’s important to know that HomeGoods no longer operates an online storefront for decor, furniture, or other merchandise, so you can’t shop online at HomeGoods anymore. The retailer shuttered that aspect of its business in late 2023 to focus on its brick and mortar locations — over 900 stores are spread across the United States, and new stores continue open each year.

You can find the closest one to you using the store locator on the HomeGoods website. HomeGoods gift cards are the only remaining thing that can be purchased online, and they can be sent digitally via email or shipped as physical cards.

Now, let’s move onto the expert HomeGoods shopping advice!

When are you most likely to hit up HomeGoods? On the weekend? If you can swing it, Lee recommends visiting at a different time for ease of shopping and a robust selection. “If your schedule allows it, Tuesday through Friday midday [is] the best time to shop at HomeGoods,” she says. “Everyone is at work, and the store is quiet and well-organized. The staff also puts out new inventory these days, and the aisles and floors will be filled up. Monday is recovery day (from the weekend), so I don’t even bother.”

While Lee notes her favorite weekdays to hit up the ‘Goods, she’s quick to mention that fresh picks hit shelves daily. “Most stores receive shipments four times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, but do not expect items to hit the floor right away. They trickle out, so new items appear daily.” That said, if you went yesterday and didn’t find just the right platter or duvet cover, you might have better luck today.

“Markdowns occur every three months on a product,” Lee says. And unless you’ve had your eye on something specific for a while and can recount how long it’s been in store, there’s an easier way to tell a product’s lifespan. “Read the label!” Lee says. “It will show you the month and year (i.e. 1117 = November 2017).”

“You can expect to receive a 10% discount on pieces that are slightly damaged — a scratch here, a ding there,” Lee says. “For more heavily damaged items, you could get up to 20%-28% off, but that is at a manager’s discretion.”

Oh, and those clearance items that might also be showing a little wear and tear? It’s okay to also ask about those, even though their prices have already been reduced. “If you see a clearance item that’s slightly damaged, it doesn’t hurt to ask the manager for an additional discount — they want to get rid of inventory to free up floor space for new items!” she notes.

Of course, some trips to HomeGoods are purely for leisure: walking around just to see what they have, what might strike your fancy on a Tuesday afternoon during your lunch break. But, according to Lee (and any other power shopper out there), you should always be equipped with pertinent information for your home needs.

“Go prepared,” she states. “Take photos of your space, and save it on your phone. Premeasure walls you want to fill, empty spaces, the floor. You never think to do this ahead of time until you find that gem and then start to ponder if it’ll work. Oh, and bring a tape measure with you so you don’t have to bother hunting down an associate for one and risking someone else scooping up your dream piece.”

See something you like and can’t decide right away? “Just place it in your cart anyway since it’ll likely be gone by the time you decide to go back and get it,” Lee says. Think on it, and if it’s a “no” by checkout, just put it back.

There are a few things to note here. One is that if you see something you like at your local HomeGoods but it’s damaged, or you need multiples, it’s likely that another nearby store could have what you’re looking for. While the selection can be vastly different store to store, they also share some like items. Same goes for sister stores, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx. “They typically have a small home furniture section as well as home decor items such as art, frames, art, vases, etc.,” Lee notes.

Secondly, as mentioned above, HomeGoods doesn’t have an online retail component, but Lee has another suggestion for those who prefer shopping from their WiFi network: “Check out TJMaxx.com; their ‘Home’ section has a ton of additional items; bedding, accessories, decor, small furnishings.”

This last point is from us (though we’re sure super shopper Lee is also privy). If you’re a regular HomeGoods treasure hunter, you’ll want to download their app. Once you pick your local store, you can see sneak peeks of new arrivals to know whether you need to run immediately to grab something that catches your eye or hang back. You can also load in any gift cards or TJX Rewards Certificates you might have straight into the app so you never forget them by accident at home again.