A former Marks & Spencer bakery employee has shared the best times to visit the supermarket for yellow sticker discounts, advising shoppers to go first thing in the morning rather than just before closing.
Yellow stickers are attached to items nearing their expiry date and are sold at a reduced price to clear stock. The ex-staff member, who worked at the M&S bakery during university, said staff tend to follow a set routine when putting out the discounts.
Best time for yellow sticker deals
Many shoppers assume the best time to find discounts is just before closing, but the former employee said this is usually the worst time to go bargain hunting. Staff are busy during the closing shift getting the store ready for the next day, and yellow stickers were only put out during quieter spells on the shop floor. In fact, they were often applied by staff on the overnight shift after the store had closed.
This means the best time to find yellow sticker deals is first thing in the morning. Getting to M&S as soon as it opens, around 9am, gives shoppers the best chance of picking up as many bargains as possible.
Late afternoon discounts
The late afternoon, between 3pm and 5pm, is another good time to visit, as this is often when shifts change and new staff start marking items down. Aiming to arrive around 4pm is a smart move, as this is typically when lunch items are discounted. In the former employee's experience, it is one of the best times to pick up cheap sandwiches and salads.
However, the former employee noted that their manager always told staff to stop putting out yellow stickers if customers started gathering around in anticipation. Large groups can block aisles, and when items are limited, people sometimes grab items from the staff or behave rudely.
Politeness pays off
The former employee advised against hassling a retail worker over a discounted sausage roll. If shoppers see a member of staff putting out yellow stickers, they should give them space and be polite so they can get on with the job.
It is also worth remembering that every M&S store is a little different, so reduction times can vary. If shoppers visit during a quiet period and politely ask a member of staff, they may be able to tell them when deals are usually posted. A little courtesy goes a long way – it makes life easier for retail workers and could help shoppers land a bargain next time they are looking for a deal.
