You may have heard about ‘bin stores’ recently. What is a bin store, exactly? It’s a retail store that sells overstock, returned, and clearance merchandise from major retailers. The merchandise is typically sorted into bins (in case you were wondering where the name came from) by category, and shoppers can dig through the bins to find deals on name brand products. Bin stores are often known for their “treasure hunt” atmosphere; it’s not uncommon to find hidden gems among the piles of products!

Why should you check out a bin store?

There are a number of reasons you should check out a bin store. Here are a few of the big ones:

  • Great deals on name brand products. Bin stores often sell them at a fraction of their retail price. This is because the items are typically overstock, returned, or clearance products that stores are eager to get rid of.
  • The thrill of the hunt. Part of the fun of shopping at a bin store is the thrill of the hunt. You never know what you’re going to find, and you might just come across a hidden gem that you’ve been wanting for a long time.
  • Variety of merchandise. Bin stores typically carry a wide variety of merchandise, including electronics, home decor, clothing, toys, and more. This means that there’s bound to be something for you, no matter what your interests are.
  • Affordable prices. Bin stores are a great place to find affordable household goods, clothing, and electronics. You can often find items for a fraction of their retail price, which can save you a lot of money.

How do bin stores work?

Bin stores typically operate on a weekly schedule with descending pricing. On the day that the new merchandise arrives, everything is priced the same. As the week goes on, the prices on the merchandise gradually decrease. This means that you can get a better deal if you’re willing to wait a few days. (But garage sale dynamics apply—the best stuff is likely to sell early, and while the discounts get better the longer you wait, the inventory will be more and more picked over as time goes on.)

Tips for shopping at a bin store

If you’re planning to check out a bin store, there are a few things you can do to maximize your chances of finding a good deal. Here are a few tips:

  • Go early. You’ll want to get there before everyone else, because the best deals are usually gone by the end of the day!
  • Be prepared to dig. Often, the merchandise at bin stores is sorted into bins by category, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll find what you’re looking for right away. Be prepared to dig through the bins to find the hidden gems, and remember you’ll probably be competing with other shoppers—it could get a little reality show-esque!
  • Be patient. The prices on the merchandise at bin stores gradually decrease over the course of the week. If you’re not in a hurry, you can wait a few days to see if the price on an item drops even lower. (But remember that it also might not be there when you come back!)
  • Have fun! Shopping at a bin store is a great way to find hidden gems and save money. So embrace the adventure!

Where can I find a bin store?

Bin stores are popping up all over the country. You can find them in most major cities, as well as in some smaller towns. To find a bin store near you, you can do a quick online search or ask around at your local retailers. Some of the common ones that you’re likely to find in your area are The Bin Store, Jackpot Bins, and Where Ya Bin.

The bottom line: bin stores are worth a visit

Bin stores are a great way to find hidden gems and save money on brand name products. If you’re looking for a great deal, be sure to check out a bin store near you. You might be surprised at what you find.