Favorite Sale: Bargain Hunt

A few weeks ago I was planning a day in Owensboro, Kentucky, when my cousin asked me if I was going to Bargain Hunt. I was indifferent, because I had been to other Bargain Hunt locations before. One was nice, but in a fairly lengthy shopping trip I found only a few things I thought I could use that I was willing to pay the asking price for. Another was OK, but items tended to be bought before they got to the really deep discounts (more on that in a minute). One was so heavily frequented and so poorly maintained that it always looked like it had just been looted.

She encouraged me to stop by, at least, and take a look. I'm so glad that she did.

If you've never been to Bargain Hunt, here's the premise. The store receives items that have not sold elsewhere (like a Big Lots or other closeout stores). They may be missing their original packaging, or part of it, or they may be pristine and just no longer the item of the season. They are marked with a discounted price and a date. 

Here's where it gets fun: the longer an item is in the store, the deeper the discount becomes. So if something just arrived, you pay (discount store) sticker price. If it's been there several weeks, you pay 10% less, another week means 20% less, and so on. There are items in the store that are 90% off the original discount store price. And that's where you really win! Even at the initial discount prices, they offer some great deals. But if you can stick to the "Best Bargains" racks and shelves, you'll find amazing prices on nice things. If you're not going in looking for something specific, only look at the Best Bargains, and you'll be amazed at the markdowns and save the most money.

Every store is different, of course. How they're managed and how they're shopped makes a huge impact on the feel of the location, as does where their merchandise comes from, since I assume they're all different and dependent on what's nearby. This location in Owensboro is wonderful. I've now been there twice. Here's a peek at my savings round up from my most recent visit:

This purchase of under $17 included the following--and I promise I'm not exaggerating!

- 2 long sleeve pajama tops for me (0.50 and 0.70)

- 1 pair of jeans for me (0.70)

- 1 winter coat for me (3.50)

- 2 sets of 100% cotton standard pillowcases (2.00, 2.60)

- 1 set of 100% cotton king pillowcases (2.80)

- 6 seasonal items (0.50 each)

- 1 camera case that Pip plans to transform into a lunchbox for her dolls (0.90)

My first visit was nearly as successful, but I didn't share it because I wanted to make sure it wasn't a fluke. After my second trip, I don't think it was.

Do you have a Bargain Hunt near you? Have you ever shopped there? I'd love to hear about your favorite finds!