My Big Lots Coupon Super Saving Strategy!!

If you are a Big Lots Rewards club member, you should have received an e-mail blast a few days ago containing a special $5 off of a $15 purchase coupon. The Holiday coupon was sent to all Rewards Club members.

I have written several posts about my love affair with Big Lots. For additional tips, not covered in this coupon post, check out My Big Lots 20% off Weekend Deals. I give you all the important details on the Rewards Club and give you links to get signed up in this post on Big Lots Friends and Family. 

Tips for Planning Your Shopping Trip

The first thing you need to do when you get these special offers is click that link and head to the website. This way you can download the coupon, print it off, and keep it somewhere prominently displayed (like your fridge), so you won't forget to spend it.Take note of the expiration date. You only get a few days to take advantage of the offer. Highlight that expiration date with a yellow highlighter to help draw your eye to that all important date.

I try to plan my trip to coincide with the day of the week that my Big Lots does their markdowns. Once a week, Big Lots employees scour the shelves, looking for merchandise that is close to its expiration date. They mark these items down to half price and put them on a special end cap. If you don't know which day of the week this happens at your Big Lots either call and ask or check with an employee the next time you stop by.

My Strategy and What I Got

Big Lots allows you to use their coupons on any merchandise in the store, including items which are already on sale or clearanced! So, getting the best bang for your buck involves filling your cart with previously discounted items and getting that total as close as you can to exactly $15.  NOTE - You must spend $15 before the coupon is applied. So, take along a calculator and when you get to $15 then head to the checkout.

Stop #1 - Markdowns

The first place I always head is to the markdowns. For us, markdown day is around noon on Tuesday. However, I failed miserably at showing up anywhere near that day and time. I wound up going to Big Lots at 7pm on Saturday, the final day of the coupon savings. So, I found absolutely nothing on the half price markdown shelves.  Drat!

Stop #2 - Canned and Packaged Foods 

Big Lots is like any other grocery establishment: You have to look past a lot of processed food to find the real food gems. But, Big Lots is SO worth your time and effort to stop by periodically! They tend to get in high-quality, name-brand items. This includes organic items! But, you have to be patient and stop by once a week since their stock changes frequently. 

 

I found these cans of Hunts No Salt Added Tomato Sauce for just $.40 each before the discount.  The coupon brought the price down to just $.28 for each can!

 Big Lots features a very nice selection of ethnic foods. This bag of black beans for just $1.40 is a great example! I'll pair this bag of beans with some of that salt-free tomato sauce and some spices. Serve it over brown rice and you'll feed your family for at least two meals!

Here is one of the organic items currently in stock at my Big Lots. It's cold weather and hot tea is a staple at our house.  Each box was just $2.00 before the coupon was applied. The coupon reduced it to $1.40 each!

Stop #3 - Household Items

 

 

Big Lots has departments featuring items like: soap, detergent, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste, paper towels, and more!  Once again, most of these are name-brand products at fantastic prices!

These 28 oz. bottles of Palmolive dish detergent were just $2.00 each! After giving the check out employee my coupon, the price was reduced to $1.60! I got the original scent. Does anyone else remember "Madge" the Palmolive lady soaking people's fingers in Palmolive?  If you were born before 1970, you are sure to recognize this iconic commercial! I can never see a bottle of Palmolive without thinking of Madge!

My Total and Final Thoughts: 

Before the discounts, my pre-tax total was $15.40. After the $5/$15 coupon I paid just $10.72! 

Big Lots is a treasure trove of fantastic deals. You do have to sort through some junk foods and flimsy plastic. But, really, any store is like that. I find that Big Lots is a great way to supplement my pantry with top-quality products and prices which can't be beat elsewhere in town. 

Do you shop Big Lots?  

What are your favorite items?  Give us a shout out in the comments section.  We'd love to know!

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Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope