Learn To Crack the Price Tag Code at These Major Retailers

Have you ever been staring at that awesome blender at Sam’s Club, dreaming of blending your fruit smoothie with ease, and notice the odd price tag of $125.01 and wonder how the heck they came up with that price? If you are normal, probably not. But after you read this article you’ll be checking every price tag you see because if you know what to look for, you can quickly determine if the price might go even lower or if it’s as low as it’s going to go.

How? Well, many stores use an internal pricing system which shows you if an item has been marked down, if it will be marked down again, or if it’s a final markdown. You just gotta be able to crack the price tag code. Thanks to former employees and code crackers like me, you too can join the ranks of price tag checkers. Here are the details from some of your most popular retailers (in alphabetical order):

American Eagle Outfitters

If you love the look and styles of the clothing at American Eagle Outfitters you’ll want to know the codes to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Here is what you need to know:

• Price ending in .95 – This is full price. Make sure at the very least you have an American Eagle coupon to save some money.
• Prices ending in .99 or .00 – This is a clearance price and the best price you’ll find on the item. Also, if the item has a separately attached price sticker to the actual price tag it is a clearance item. Ending price on attached price sticker can vary by store.
• Bonus: Check out our site for an online American Eagle coupon to save even more.

Best Buy

I have been trying to crack the price tag code at Best Buy for a long time and finally think I made a breakthrough thanks to a thread on Lifehacker where a commenter left some intriguing info. Here is how it breaks down:

• Prices ending in a .99 – Could be a full price or a sale price. Sale items ending in .99 are typically not that big of a savings. Try to avoid the .99 if you can.
• Prices ending in a .92 – This is a 1-time price drop at or below Best Buy’s cost. Typically a screaming deal.
• Prices ending in a .96 – Anything ending in a .96 is an adjusted price designed to beat the price of a competitor.
• Look for Code “C” – If you see a price tag with a small “C” in the lower right-hand corner, it means the item is clearance and no longer stocked. I have it on good authority that managers are able to give discounts on these products, so be sure to negotiate an even better price.

BJ’s Wholesale Club

Image Credit: Valmg.com

For my readers who live in the eastern United States, BJ’s Wholesale Club also has an internal pricing system that can help you score the best deal possible.

• Prices ending in a 9 – You’re paying full price for the item.
• Prices ending in .90 and .00 – Manager’s special discount. These are typically items the store wants to clear out. They are usually discounted 10% per week for a maximum savings of 60% off.
• Product Codes at BJ’s – These are the numbers on the price tag right next to the item number. Here are the 4 product codes you should be aware of:
• Product Code 1 – It is a regularly priced item that will be restocked.
• Product Code 2 – Product is discontinued and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Sometimes it is discounted, depends on how long it has been sitting on the shelf.
• Product Code 7 – A one time buy like seasonal Christmas decorations. Here today, gone tomorrow. So if the price is right you should snatch it up.
• Product Code 9 – Products that are destined to be sent back to the manufacturer for a variety of reasons. They won’t be restocked and likely will be gone within a week.

[Click to Print a Wallet Sized PDF Cheat-Sheet of the Price Codes]

Dick’s Sporting Goods

The pricing system at Dick’s is fairly straight forward and can be used to easily avoid paying full price. Here’s the 411:

• Prices ending in .00 or .99 – Indicates full-price. Avoid if you can.
• Prices ending in .93 or .97 – These are clearance items and indicates that an item has been marked-down from the original price.
• Bonus: Check out our Dick’s Sporting Goods coupons to maximize your savings.

Gap & Old Navy

For those of you who are not aware, Gap owns Old Navy and they share the same pricing model. Here is the skinny:

• Prices ending in .47, .49, .97 or .99 – Thanks to current Old Navy employee, John, for this tip. If the price ends with any of these, then the item is marked as clearance or discontinued and is probably the best price you’re going to get. TIP: Keep an eye out for clearance sales where they lower the clearance price by a flat 30% of 40% off. They typically do this at the end of the season to clear out old merchandise.
• Bonus: Check out Rather-Be-Shopping.com for Gap and Old Navy coupons to save even more.

The Psychology of Shopping: JCPenney Coupon Case

If you are a JCPenney shopper you are already aware that the company has been in turmoil lately. New CEO, old CEO, yes to coupons, no to coupons. Their recent strategies have left a lot of shoppers scratching their heads and wondering what the heck is going on. Long story short, they are back to offering coupons and what they learned through the entire process about the psychology of shopping is really interesting.

The Rush of Using a Coupon

JCPenney, a little over a year ago, decided under the new CEO, that they were going to scratch the coupon model altogether and instead just go with everyday low prices. No longer do you need to bring in a coupon or redeem an online coupon code to get the best price. The best price is now the everyday price.

This is where this gets interesting. Turns out shoppers don’t like it. Instead, people like the idea of getting the best price with a coupon in hand. So in the past couple months JCPenney has brought back coupons and tossed the “everyday low price” model under the city metro bus.

Coupon Psychology

The psychology behind this is that shoppers get a rush from saving a ton of money with a coupon. Even if they would have paid the same price with the everyday low price model, they’d rather score the deal with the coupon. If the regular price is the lowest price, it’s less thrilling and consumers don’t come in the doors to take advantage of it.

I gotta admit that I fall into this trap as well. If I go shopping for a nice dress shirt that costs $20, but the tag says it was regularly $50, I am one happy guy as I strut to the register. But if I go to another store and the same shirt is also $20 and that is the regular price, I don’t get the same thrill. And as a matter of fact, I’ll often say to myself, “I’ll come back in a few weeks and see if it’s on sale or maybe I’ll check online for a better price.”

Free Shipping Psychology

The psychology of using a coupon also transfers over to online shoppers looking for a free shipping coupon. Have you ever been shopping online and the store doesn’t offer free shipping and you’re like, “Awww. I don’t know, $6 for shipping is kinda steep.” But then if they do offer free shipping you’re like, “Oh cool. I’m buying this NOW!” But you failed to take into account that the store offering free shipping may just be boosting their prices to cover the shipping charges. But psychologically, you always think you’re getting a great deal if you get free shipping. The truth is, it isn’t always the case.

Ask the Readers: Does using a coupon to save some money give you a bit of an adrenaline rush? Do you think JCPenney did the right thing bringing back coupons? I look forward to your comments.

13 Micro Bags That Are Worth Downsizing For

Bigger may be better when it comes to the size of cupcakes and diamonds, but when it comes to bags this season, smaller is definitely the way to go. Teeny-tiny bags were spotted on the Spring 2016 runways and they have been seen nestled in the arms of street style stars ever since. Note that these aren’t clutches, they are regular handbags cut down in size by at least two-thirds.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG SPRING 2016; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

If you have a throw-in-everything-except-the-kitchen-sink philosophy when it comes to packing your handbag, you’re going to have to streamline things. A lot. A micro bag forces you to only carry your essentials; your wallet, phone and a cool lip color or two. If you’re used to carrying around 35 pounds of “necessities,” that will probably seem impractical, if not ridiculous, but you’ll quickly come around to the idea.

MARC JACOBS SPRING 2016; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Not only is the miniature size adorable, but you’ll also never experience that aching shoulder pain from a heavy bag cutting into your skin. Click through the gallery below to see 13 micro bags that are sure to convince you it’s time to give up your oversized tote.

5 Fashion Trends That Sprang From Latin Roots

Elegance, strength and grace are all key elements of fashion that seem to transcend both time and trends. The influence of Latin style on modern fashion exemplifies this perfectly. Spotted both on and off the runway, in real and “reel” life, Latin influence is deep, rich, colorful and even flavorful in the way it captures a certain spirit synonymous with, say, São Paulo or Mexico City.

At the heart of every look is a true understanding of Latin culture at its core. More than just a pop of bright color or a hint of texture, these looks embrace the heritage itself. Take a peek at some of the inspiring ways Latin culture has influenced how we dress today.

There’s no denying that Latina models are having their moment in the spotlight right now — and we wholeheartedly welcome it. From the return of Raquel Zimmermann who is scoring campaigns left, right and center to Mica Arganaraz being embraced by just about every fashion editor in the industry, ultimately landing Vogue covers around the world and scoring a healthy number of advertising campaigns for Spring 2016. We’ve rounded up five gorgeous Latina women who are taking the fashion industry by storm.

So-Bad-They’re-Awesome 80s Fashion Trends Are Making a Comeback

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and now that we’ve all had our way with normcore, we’re ready to embrace our weird and take up the mantle of maximalism. Where better to draw inspiration than kitschy, high-gloss 80s fashion? Look at the success we’ve already had co-opting the decade’s love of the shoulder.

80S FASHION TRENDS RAN AMOK AT MARC JACOBS RESORT 2017; IMAGE: COURTESY OF MARC JACOBS

Scrunchies and parachute pants we’re happy to leave in the past but some of those over-the-top fashion trends have us feeling downright nostalgic — and where there is longing, there is gratification. Maybe it was taking in Marc Jacobs’ Resort 2017 collection to the sounds of Duran Duran, but suddenly we’re craving windbreaker-inspired jackets, puffy-sleeved everything and metallic numbers that’ll put the whole club to shame.

Click through the slideshow below for six so-bad-they’re-awesome 80s fashion trends that have designers’ — and our — animal-printed seal of approval.

20 Breathtaking Chokers and How to Rock Them in 2016

Necks are essentially extensions of our faces and therefore vital fashion real estate. Ever since 90s fashion trends made their way back into the fold, easy-to-wear chokers have become our throats’ best friends — and with good reason. They were born to be worn withthe off-the-shoulder trend, you can easily DIY one from any length of leather or ribbon, and more often than not they come in neutral monochromes or metallics that go with literally everything.

Neckpieces come in all shapes and sizes, as exemplified by the Fall 2016 runways of Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent, Loewe, Givenchy and many, many more. They can be rebellious, chic or somewhere in between, as proven by the fashion front-runners who rock them on a nearly daily basis. (Here we refer to Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and FKA twigs, to name just a few.)

CHOKERS MADE APPEARANCES AT SEVERAL FALL 2016 RUNWAY SHOWS, INCLUDING THAT OF LOEWE; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Whether you choose to Nefertiti-out or not, one thing’s for sure: Everything south of your clavicle looks a touch more polished thanks to these inherently feminine bands. Behold:

A sparkling neck elevates even the most exaggerated ensembles.

Juicy Couture Called It: Why Tracksuits Are Most Definitely Back

Of the 18 brands that collaborated with Demna Gvasalia to create label-of-the-moment Vetements’ first-ever Paris Couture Week showing, little did we expect that early-aughts darling Juicy Couture would steal the show. Best known for its Paris Hilton-endorsed velour tracksuits, the once omnipresent brand came back with a flaming cherry red vengeance. Jaws dropped, derrières yearned to be emblazoned with gothic silver lettering spelling j-u-i-c-y.

Today, velour virtuoso Juicy Couture announced its return to the fashion scene with an ad campaign dedicated to its signature pairing, entitled #TRACKISBACK. The accompanying video spot, which features 21 downtown influencers reminiscing about their first tracksuit — most of them Juicy Couture, many of them pink velour — celebrates the 21st birthday of the cozy cultural mainstay.

IMAGE: JUICY COUTURE

In the actual print campaign, each It girl demonstrates how to style her middle school staple for the present day (whilst avoiding looking passé). Alewya Demmisse wears her maroon hookup under an oversized blue puffy overcoat featuring furry lapels. Hind Sahli sports her fuzzy gray hoodie with a sheer plaid maxi skirt, black suede tennis shoes and a message tee. The overall lesson is this: play with texture and fabrics (fur, leather, silk, denim), pair with sleek, fashionable kicks (preferable sneaks) and only one velour piece at a time, please.

IMAGE: JUICY COUTURE

If you are intent on wearing a full-on tracksuit look, there are equally juicy, somewhat more elevated ways of doing so. Click through the slideshow below to see how Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Rita Ora and more take on the trend and, of course, shop some of our favorites. Whether these big-time style stars dare to step out in head-to-toe velour, only time will tell.