Yellow sticker bargains at Marks and Spencer are most likely to appear first thing in the morning when the store opens, with late afternoon as a second option, according to a former supermarket bakery worker.
Marks and Spencer is known as a pricey supermarket, but shoppers can save money by timing visits to catch yellow stickers, which supermarkets attach to food approaching its use-by date for a discount.
Morning opening is the best time
Many people visit M&S just before closing time hoping for yellow stickers, but this is when staff are least likely to be putting out deals. Evening shift workers are often too occupied during the final hours before closing to reduce food, as there is considerable cleaning and organising to be done.
Yellow stickers are far more likely to appear during quieter periods with fewer shoppers around, with overnight staff typically responsible for applying reductions. Heading to M&S first thing when the doors open is the best bet, as that is typically when the finest deals are found. Visiting at 9am on a day off is well worth the effort.
Late afternoon as second option
If an early start is not possible, there is also a decent chance of finding yellow sticker reductions between 3pm and 5pm. Late afternoon ranks as the second most fruitful time to shop, since evening staff would frequently begin their shifts by applying yellow stickers to lunchtime items such as sandwiches or bakery goods.
However, managers would often instruct staff not to put yellow stickers out if a crowd had already gathered waiting for them, as the situation could quickly become unruly. When large numbers of shoppers congregate hoping for reductions, they tend to block aisles or pester staff while they are carrying out other tasks.
Yellow sticker timings can differ from one M&S store to another, so it is advisable to politely ask a member of staff when they have a quiet moment. If reductions are spotted being applied, shoppers should give workers plenty of room to carry on with their jobs.
