A former Marks & Spencer employee has shared insider tips on when to visit stores for the best yellow sticker deals. The savvy shopper, who worked in the bakery while at university, now knows exactly when to head in to snap up discounted items approaching their use-by date.
According to the ex-staffer, many shoppers make the mistake of visiting near closing time, but that is unlikely to yield bargains as staff are too busy to apply stickers. Instead, the best times are 9am when the store opens, or around 4pm for sandwiches and pastries. Yellow stickers are typically applied during quieter periods, often by overnight workers.
The insider warned that managers sometimes instruct staff not to apply stickers if a crowd gathers, as it blocks aisles. In some cases, stickering is paused entirely if customers pester staff. The former employee advised being courteous and keeping distance when stickers are being applied.
Timings may vary by location, but politely asking a staff member during a quiet moment may reveal when stickers are due. The tips come as spring picnic season begins, with M&S offering premium snacks that can be pricey without discounts.
