12 Holiday Season Best Offer Hacks Revealed by Store Employees

Shopping during the holiday season can be chaotic, but store employees hold insider secrets to help customers maximize savings. Here’s what they wish they could tell you.

1.

Ask for price matching. Most stores have policies to match competitors’ prices during the holidays. If you spot a lower price elsewhere, show it at checkout. Employees are usually happy to help you save.

2.

When I started working in retail, my coworkers let me in on a secret. They told me, “Watch where we put the clearance stickers. It’s usually on items we need to move fast, but we don’t always advertise them.” One time during the holiday rush, a customer was buying an expensive kitchen gadget. I casually mentioned the same item was on clearance in the back corner of the store. She couldn’t believe it—she got it for half the price and thanked me profusely. The moral of the story? Always ask if there’s a clearance section or check those less-traveled aisles. That’s where the real treasures hide.

3.

That “limited-time offer” is usually a marketing tactic to rush you into buying. I’ve seen it happen many times. Most of the time, those same items will be back in the sale section within a few days, often at a better price!

4.

If you’re looking to save on decorations for next year, wait until December 26th. Holiday decor gets slashed by 75% the very next day, and it’s the best time to score festive items for next season.

“My first holiday season at the store was an eye-opener. The assistant manager pulled me aside and said, ’You’ll see shoppers go crazy for the ’50% off’ signs, but what they don’t know is the same sale gets better at the end of the day.’ She explained that managers adjust prices hourly based on how quickly things are selling. Sure enough, on Christmas Eve, we slashed toy prices from 50% off to 75% off just before closing. Customers who waited until the last minute scored incredible deals. The trick is risky, but if you can wait, the end of the day can bring even deeper discounts.”

5.

If you’re looking for clothing or accessories, the real sales begin right after New Year’s Day. Many stores mark down winter styles in early January to clear out space for spring collections. You can score amazing deals just by holding out a little longer!

6.

Shop during employee breaks. Stores are quieter during lunchtime and mid-afternoon breaks. Fewer customers mean you’ll get more help from staff and a better shopping experience.

7.

Sales stock tends to get picked over early, but if you wait until later in the day, stores often restock shelves with fresh items. Plus, the sales staff is more eager to help you at the end of the day when the store starts to quiet down.

8.

Everyone focuses on online sales, but in-store deals often get overlooked. I’ve seen items that are marked down 50% online, but in-store, they’re even cheaper with additional discounts.

9.

When you see an old price crossed out and a new one displayed, don’t trust it. It’s a marketing tactic designed to trick you into paying more. There’s a way to get this item for much less: just check the clearance section or wait for end-of-season sales. Often, the same item gets marked down even further after the initial “sale” period ends.

10.

Gift cards may seem like a last-minute option, but they’re often discounted after the holidays. Many stores offer bonuses or discounts on gift cards after Christmas, making them a smart way to save on future purchases.

11.

Shop damaged packaging. Items with minor dents or damaged packaging are often discounted even further during sales. Don’t hesitate to ask employees for a markdown—it’s usually store policy.

12.

Wait for the week after Christmas. Employees know the biggest discounts come after the holidays. Clearance sales on unsold items are often better than pre-Christmas markdowns. If you can wait, you’ll save big.

Christmas and the holidays can be a whirlwind of stress — from crowded malls to endless to-do lists. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few smart hacks, you can turn the chaos into comfort and make the season truly joyful. Whether it’s shopping strategically, planning ahead, or finding time to relax, small changes can bring big peace.