HOME Bargains is one of the nation’s favourite discount stores, but you could be spending more than you need to.
Most retailers have subtle tactics to get you to part with your cash – and many shoppers don’t even notice as they’re browsing the shelves.
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Heading to the discount shop, has more than 500 stores across the country, can help your hard-earned cash stretch further compared to pricier alternatives on the high street.
But you could save even more by understanding how the shop could be tempting you to spend more than you planned.
From signage to aisle layout we explain what to spot at Home Bargains.
We spoke to Jordon Cox, who dubs himself Britain’s “coupon kid” because of his money saving know-how.
The 26-year-old has spent more than 10 years spotting the biggest bargains and is an expert when it comes to savvy shopping.
We’ve spoken to Jordon in the past about the different ways supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl and Tesco encourage their shoppers to splash more cash, but he’s now revealed how Home Bargains compares.
Below he explains three tricks all bargain hunters should know…
Discount locations
Jordon’s first trick that he’s noticed Home Bargains puts into place is to entice you in with the best deals at the front of the store.
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He said: “You may think that supermarkets hide their best discounts at the back… not Home Bargains!
“Their best deals and discounts are right at the front as you walk in.”
This means that as you enter you’re immediately drawn in and won’t walk straight on to continue your shopping.
Jordon added: “It’s their way of enticing you in, as you could very easily walk past them all to start shopping and never return to the front.”
In order to avoid this he said that it’s important to stick to what you want and if you’re on a budget make sure you head for what you need in particular rather than getting sucked in.
Remember, it’s only a bargain if you wanted it in the first place.
Limited products
Any Home Bargains fan knows that its Star Buys are the best of the best when it comes to discounts.
Recent Star Buys deals have included Barbie dolls reduced to by £5, kids slushie machines reduced by £12 and sand pits for £5.
Jordon explained: “The big name items that are heavily discounted and advertised everywhere look good, but there may be only a few available in each store, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.”
He added that this is a cheeky way to get you into the shop and therefore more likely to keep spending on other items instead.
He said: “It’s a trick to get you into the store for that one item, and if it’s not there, you still might do some shopping with them anyway.”
A good way to avoid being sucked into more shopping is to make a list and only buy what is on it.
No extra discounts
One key thing that Jordon points out could lead shoppers to part with more of their cash is it’s lack of extra discounts.
The bargain shop does not offer money off vouchers or cashback, which other stores like Poundshop.com and OnBuy.com do.
Jordon told The Sun: “If you were hoping to pick up a deal and use some cashback or a coupon on top – think again.
“Coupons aren’t accepted at Home Bargains, and similarly, you won’t find them on any cashback app.
“So the price you see on the shelf will be the price you pay.”
Luckily for shoppers though the chain is of course known for low prices anyway.
It also does often have sales and end of season clearances, keeping your eyes peeled can be a savvy way to save some cash.
Knowing where to pick up products is just one way to save money at Home Bargains – there’s a host of hacks you can use to cut costs.
First, you’ll want to shop around before buying any product, which means using price comparison sites such as www.pricespy.co.uk and www.latestdeals.co.uk.
The Google Shopping tab is another great way to see how a product compares price wise as well.
How else to save money at Home Bargains
There are several other ways you can save money while shopping at Home Bargains.
As we mentioned, shopping around first is a great place to start – so you always know you’re getting the best deal.
Google Shopping is another great way to see how a product compares price wise as well.
Another tip is you’ll want to go for the right products to ensure you’re getting the best deals.
Fellow shopping expert Tom Church previously told The Sun Mrs Hinch products are a good place to start – they’re extremely popular and often reduced in price.
You’ll want to shop at the right times, which according to one current worker is first thing in the morning.
This is because staff stack the shelves first thing or at night, this means you’ll be able to pick up the biggest discounts and save yourself some cash.
In other news, Home Bargains is making a major change across dozens of its stores – and shoppers will be buzzing.
Plus, here are four items you should always buy at Home Bargains – and the two things to get elsewhere.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
