Big retail chains are trying to figure out what to do with excess inventory as long-delayed orders of goods that were popular during the earlier days of the pandemic pour in, only to be met by consumers whose preferences and shopping habits have changed, NBC News reported.

According to NBC News, stores like Macy’s, Target, Walmart, and others, have been slashing prices on thousands of products in stores and offloading merchandise in bulk before it leaves the warehouse, often at substantial losses.

The good news for frugal shoppers is that stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross could wind up with the products that the bigger stores are having trouble selling. If you are looking for discounted prices on new items, don’t go to the big box stores – go to the smaller ones.

One place to start is with the clearance items. You could potentially find things that previously cost a lot that have now been discounted to a reasonable price. Do the rest of your shopping after that.

Before you go to the checkout counter, make absolutely sure that you really want the items you picked out. CNN reported that some of the biggest stores including Target, Walmart, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters and more have too much inventory of of things like workout clothes, spring-time jackets and hoodies, garden furniture and bulky kids’ toys.

These stores do not want people to bring these types of items back into the store as a return. According to CNN, some large stores are considering handing customers their money back – AND – letting them keep the item. This may seem like a strange thing for a store to do, but right now, they have way more inventory than they can reasonably sell in a short time.

What if you really don’t want the item you tried to return? Some stores will suggest that you donate that item (perhaps to a thrift store). Apparently, this isn’t a new practice – Amazon has been doing it for years.

Lifehacker recommends that look for sales on in-season items. Big box stores might have too much of the items that are currently in-season, and don’t want to store unsold items for over a year. You can get some good deals on those items now, when stores are offering in-season items at off-season prices.

As always, it is important that you keep track of your spending. It is easy to overspend without thinking about it. Before you roll your cart into the checkout line, consider giving the things inside it a second look. Give yourself a chance to change your mind and stick to your budget.

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