Most Americans have purchased at least a few items from discount stores like Walmart and Target — and many of us have spent thousands at these stores over the years. But despite their low-price and convenience-oriented reputations, you may want to rethink what you buy at these stores. But first, here’s what you should consider buying at these stores. , adds that toys are often well-priced at these stores too. Read: Target beats own estimate with surprise profit But just because — as Konrad puts it, “there are plenty of good buys at both Walmart ” — you can’t assume that you have carte blanche to buy, buy, buy at these stores. Here are five items that you may want to consider purchasing elsewhere, experts say. Wrapping paper and other holiday items When you’re doing your holiday gift shopping at Walmart or Target, it’s tempting to load up on wrapping paper, gift tags, greeting cards and other holiday items, but this may not be a good idea. “Dollar stores are hands-down the best place to purchase seasonal items” Heffernan says.
“Dollar stores typically carry all your wrapping needs (paper, boxes of holiday cards, ribbons, gift boxes, gift tags, etc. of course all for $1),” she points out. One year later: What have we learned from the Target data breach? Books and other media When it comes to entertainment — be it books, music or TV shows — you’re typically better off shopping Amazon than Target or Walmart, says Konrad. on the hard copy, but on Amazon you could order the Kindle version of the book, which was only $12.99. Bedding Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch says that while Walmart and Target do have good prices on bedding, the quality — which is likely important to consumers since they spend six or more hours on their beds a day — often isn’t up to snuff. “The price for the quality is not good,” she says. She adds that you can often find better quality at reasonable prices at Macy’s during sales and with coupons or at Homegoods and TJMaxx Furniture Furniture is often one of the priciest things we buy for our homes, with many sofas and beds easily costing more than $1,000.
But don’t assume you should buy these items from Walmart or Target to save money. Instead, Konrad says that IKEA is often the way to go for discount furniture (just come prepared with your patience as assembly is, well, challenging). Organic fruits and veggies In recent years, stores like Walmart and Target have increased their organic food selection, so now you can buy some of the items you once might have had to go to Whole FoodsBut Heffernan says that may be a mistake. “Shop Trader Joe’s for the best prices, especially in fruits and veggies,” she says. She says that doing so can sometimes save you 5 - 10%. However, Woroch notes that Target’s Archer Farms brand (some of its foods are organic) of food like milk, eggs, snacks and cereal is typically 10% cheaper than at grocery stores.Let friends in your social network know what you are reading aboutTwitterGoogle+LinkedInPinterestPosted!A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Presidents Day pops up on our calendar just after we’ve taken down our heart-shaped Valentine’s Day decorations and just before we plan our spring break vacations.
But the often-overlooked holiday may offer up significant savings on some of life’s necessities.If you’ve been putting off purchasing a mattress, furniture or major appliance, here’s what you should know about shopping over Presidents Day weekend.What to buy (and skip)Presidents Day is Feb. 20, but sales will start before the holiday and last for at least a few days after. Plan your shopping accordingly, especially if the item you want is in high demand.Furniture tops our list of worthwhile purchases. Historically, department stores discount their home departments during the holiday weekend. Last Presidents Day, J.C. Penney took 40% to 60% off furniture and mattresses, Wayfair discounted home furniture by up to 70% and Target took 25% off rugs and bedding online.This year, Joss & Main shoppers can use code EXTRA20 between Feb. 15 and 23 to take an additional 20% off home categories, including rugs, outdoor furniture, bedding and wall art.The most amazing Presidents Day sales are on home appliancesIs there mail on Presidents Day?
A look at what’s closedAppliances will also be a bargain. If you spring for a major purchase, check for free shipping and delivery offers, which could save you a considerable amount.Feb. 15 through 28 at home improvement store Lowe’s select appliances will be up to 30% off.The weekend will be a prime opportunity for savings on mattresses and winter clothing, says consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow, professor emeritus at Golden Gate University and author of Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We Shop and Buy. She calls Presidents Day an undervalued shopping holiday.Presidents Day sale events offer a chance to nab a discount on something you really need, but think twice before you start spending your Benjamins. For instance, deals on spring items won’t be so hot. They’re less likely to be discounted than winter products because they’ve just been released.“My advice to shoppers is to think carefully about the item, not just the price,” Yarrow said in an email. “It's all too common to get overly excited about a discount and buy more than you need or something that's not quite right.”
Where to goOnce you’ve narrowed down your shopping list, decide where to go. Here are additional deals available over the weekend:Ashley HomeStore: Through Feb. 20, get 25% off online purchases of $3,000 or more, among other savings. Best Buy: Save $300 on select gaming PCs and $200 on select MacBook Air 13-inch models.Cabela’s: Shop discounts on sofas, recliners, TV stands and more in the Presidents Day Furniture Sale.Converse: Feb. 17 through 20, take an additional 40% off clearance sneakers in store at Converse Factory locations. Valid on select clearance styles. See store associate for complete details.La-Z-Boy: Find sale prices on recliners, sectionals and more both online and in store.Mattress Firm: Through Feb. 26, or while supplies last, save up to $500 storewide. Selection may vary by store.National Park Service: On Feb. 20, get free admission to National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee.Overstock: Feb. 17 through 23, get an extra 20% off area rugs and mattresses and an extra 10% off bedding and bath, among other sale categories.