Introduction
Furniture shopping can be exciting yet overwhelming—especially when you’re hunting for the best deals. Many shoppers wonder whether furniture stores offer dedicated clearance sections and how to navigate them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most frequently asked questions about clearance furniture shopping to help you save money and furnish your space wisely.
Which Furniture Stores Have the Best Clearance Sections?
Finding a great deal on high-quality furniture often starts with knowing where to look. Many popular furniture stores have dedicated clearance sections, either in-store or online, offering major markdowns on overstock, discontinued, or floor sample items.
1. Top Retailers Known for Their Clearance Furniture Sections
Store Name | Online Clearance | In-Store Clearance | Unique Deals Offered |
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Ashley Furniture | ✅ | ✅ | Floor samples, overstock |
IKEA | ✅ | ✅ | As-is section with daily markdowns |
Wayfair | ✅ | ❌ | Daily deals, flash sales |
Macy’s Furniture | ✅ | ✅ | Seasonal sales, closeouts |
Big Lots | ✅ | ✅ | Clearance tags with deep discounts |
American Signature | ✅ | ✅ | Outlet pricing and clearance |
Rooms To Go | ✅ | ✅ | Final markdowns and package deals |
These stores consistently offer clearance sections with deeply discounted items. Visiting both their websites and physical locations can maximize your chances of finding the perfect piece at a fraction of the original price.
2. Types of Clearance Sections
There are typically three types of clearance sections you’ll encounter:
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Online Clearance Pages: Retailers list discounted furniture items on their websites.
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In-Store Clearance Zones: Specific areas in the store dedicated to clearance and overstock items.
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Outlet or Warehouse Clearance: Some brands operate outlet stores focused exclusively on clearance inventory.
3. Benefits of Shopping in Clearance Sections
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Big Savings: Discounts can range from 30% to over 70%.
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Quick Availability: Many clearance items are available immediately.
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Unique Finds: Discontinued or one-of-a-kind pieces may not be available elsewhere.
4. Potential Downsides to Consider
Concern | How to Address It |
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Limited Stock | Shop early or frequently for new deals |
Minor Damage or Wear | Inspect items before purchase |
No Returns or Exchanges | Confirm store policy before buying |
5. Shopping Strategies
Here are a few helpful tips for shopping clearance furniture:
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Visit stores during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
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Ask sales associates about recently marked-down items.
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Subscribe to newsletters for early access to online clearance sales.
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Use filters on websites to sort by “clearance” or “sale” categories.
6. Local Versus National Chains
While large chains like Ashley and IKEA are popular, don’t overlook local furniture stores. Many independent retailers have hidden clearance sections with great deals, especially during inventory turnarounds.
7. Online-Only Retailers With Clearance Sections
Websites like Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon Warehouse offer clearance sections with rotating inventory. These platforms often have user reviews, making it easier to evaluate quality before purchasing.
8. Outlet Stores Are Goldmines
Many major furniture brands have outlet branches where everything is discounted. For example, Pottery Barn Outlet and Crate & Barrel Outlet provide markdowns on open-box and display items.
9. Seasonal Opportunities
Retailers usually push clearance sales at these times:
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January (post-holiday inventory clear-outs)
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July (mid-year stock change)
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Holiday weekends (Labor Day, Memorial Day)
10. Summary
If you’re wondering whether there are furniture stores with clearance sections, the answer is a resounding yes. From global brands to local shops, almost every retailer offers some form of clearance—either online, in-store, or both. With the right approach, you can score high-quality furniture at unbeatable prices.
How Do Clearance Furniture Sales Work at Major Retailers?
Clearance furniture sales are an essential part of how major furniture retailers manage their inventory. These sales not only help stores make room for new merchandise but also offer shoppers steep discounts on quality items. Understanding how these sales work can give you an edge when it comes to getting the best deals.
1. What is Clearance Furniture?
Clearance furniture typically includes items that retailers want to sell quickly. These may be:
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Discontinued models
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Overstocked inventory
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Seasonal furniture
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Display or floor models
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Returned but undamaged products
These items are sold at significantly reduced prices—sometimes up to 80% off the original price.
2. Why Do Major Retailers Offer Clearance Sales?
Clearance sales are a strategic way for retailers to:
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Free up warehouse or floor space
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Update inventory with new collections
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Move slow-selling products
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Quickly liquidate seasonal items (e.g., patio sets in fall)
Rather than holding onto unsold merchandise, retailers prefer to recoup some cost by offering these items at deep discounts.
3. How Are Clearance Items Priced?
Retailers usually follow a markdown schedule. For example:
Weeks on Clearance | Typical Discount |
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Week 1 | 10%–20% off |
Week 2 | 30%–40% off |
Week 3 and beyond | 50%–70%+ off |
Stores often tag clearance items with colored stickers or signs indicating the current discount tier.
4. Types of Clearance Sales
Here are the most common types of clearance sales at major furniture retailers:
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Ongoing Clearance Sections: Always stocked with rotating deals.
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Flash Sales: Last for a limited time, often online.
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Holiday Weekend Sales: Include clearance and regular markdowns.
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Inventory Blowouts: End-of-season or store-wide clear-outs.
Being aware of these can help you time your purchases wisely.
5. Online vs In-Store Clearance Sales
Most retailers offer both:
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Online Clearance: Convenient for browsing and comparing.
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In-Store Clearance: Often features better prices on floor models or slightly damaged items.
Tip: Check online first, then call or visit the store to see if deeper discounts are available in person.
6. Return Policies on Clearance Items
Clearance policies vary by retailer. Here’s a quick comparison:
Retailer | Return Policy for Clearance |
---|---|
Ashley Furniture | Final sale on most clearance items |
IKEA | Returnable with receipt, even on As-Is items (varies by location) |
Macy’s | Returnable within 30 days |
Wayfair | Most items returnable unless marked “final sale” |
Rooms To Go | Final sale, no returns |
Always confirm return policies before purchasing clearance items.
7. How to Spot the Best Deals
To make the most out of clearance sales:
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Ask sales associates for upcoming markdowns
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Shop during weekday mornings for less competition
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Look for furniture with small cosmetic defects (easily fixable)
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Follow your favorite stores on social media for clearance alerts
8. Delivery Options for Clearance Items
Some retailers offer free delivery on clearance furniture, while others charge extra. For example:
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Wayfair: Free shipping on most items
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Ashley Outlet: Delivery fees may apply
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Local stores: May offer in-house delivery or partner with third-party services
Always factor in delivery costs when calculating your total savings.
9. Clearance Furniture Isn’t Always Used
Many buyers confuse clearance with secondhand or damaged. But much of the furniture on clearance is:
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Brand new but overstocked
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Still in boxes
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Seasonal or out-of-style, not defective
You can often find pristine, untouched pieces at a steep discount if you shop early.
10. Summary
Clearance furniture sales at major retailers are structured, strategic, and often highly rewarding for savvy shoppers. From markdown schedules to return policies and delivery options, knowing how these sales operate helps you make informed decisions—and snag incredible deals.
Can You Negotiate Prices in a Clearance Section?
When it comes to clearance furniture, the prices are already heavily discounted—but that doesn’t always mean negotiation is off the table. Many shoppers are surprised to learn that with the right approach, they can still negotiate the price of clearance items at certain furniture stores.
1. Is It Acceptable to Negotiate Clearance Prices?
Yes, in many cases, it is acceptable to politely negotiate even on clearance furniture. While not every retailer allows price adjustments on already discounted items, others may be more flexible—especially for floor models, slightly damaged pieces, or bulk purchases.
2. Which Stores Allow Negotiation?
Here’s a quick comparison of how some major retailers handle negotiations:
Store Name | Negotiation Possible? | Notes |
---|---|---|
Ashley Furniture | ✅ Sometimes | Especially on floor models or large buys |
Macy’s Furniture | ✅ Limited | Managers may have some discretion |
IKEA | ❌ Unlikely | Fixed pricing model |
Local Stores | ✅ Often | Especially family-owned or independent |
American Freight | ✅ Usually | Known for deal-making and flexible pricing |
While corporate chains often have set rules, local and independent stores are typically more open to bargaining.
3. When to Try Negotiating
The timing of your visit can impact how successful your negotiation is:
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End of the month: Salespeople may be eager to hit targets.
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Late in the day: Managers might be more flexible just before closing.
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Holiday weekends: Stores may already be offering markdowns and may add extra discounts to close deals.
4. How to Negotiate Effectively
Follow these tips for negotiating clearance furniture:
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Do your research: Know the original price and competitor pricing.
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Be polite and respectful: Kindness goes further than pressure.
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Point out flaws: If there are scratches or dings, use them to your advantage.
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Bundle items: Buying multiple pieces can often lead to a better deal.
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Ask for extras: If the price can’t budge, request free delivery or assembly.
5. Use These Phrases When Negotiating
Here are some respectful ways to start a price conversation:
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“Is this the best price you can offer today?”
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“If I buy this today, is there any room for a better price?”
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“I noticed a few marks on this piece—could that be reflected in the price?”
Using these phrases keeps the conversation friendly and professional.
6. Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, no matter how reasonable your offer, the salesperson might not budge. In that case:
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Don’t take it personally.
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Ask to be notified if the item is further marked down.
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Visit again during a clearance event or promotion.
Walking away can sometimes even prompt a manager to reconsider and call you back with a better offer.
7. Negotiating Online Clearance Furniture
It’s harder—but not impossible—to negotiate online. Try these tactics:
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Live Chat: Ask if there are current discount codes.
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Email or Call: Ask if bulk or bundle pricing is available.
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Use Price Trackers: Tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel can alert you to price drops.
Also, signing up for store newsletters can sometimes provide exclusive coupon codes applicable even to clearance.
8. What Not to Do When Negotiating
Avoid these common mistakes:
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Don’t demand or pressure staff.
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Don’t lie about competitor pricing—if it’s not real, they may call your bluff.
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Don’t assume all clearance items are negotiable.
A respectful, informed approach will always produce better results.
9. Negotiation Isn’t Always About Price
If the store refuses to discount the price further, ask about other perks:
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Free delivery or setup
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Extended warranty
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Discount on future purchases
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Waived taxes or fees (at local stores)
Even small add-ons can make your purchase a better value overall.
10. Summary
While clearance items are already reduced, there’s still room for negotiation—especially at independent stores or on floor models. By timing your purchase wisely, being polite, and asking the right questions, you may walk away with an even better deal than the clearance tag suggests.
Are Clearance Furniture Items Returnable or Final Sale?
One of the most important things to know before buying clearance furniture is whether or not you can return it. Return policies vary widely between retailers, and misunderstanding them can lead to frustration or lost money. Let’s break down what you need to know about clearance return policies.
1. Clearance vs. Final Sale: What’s the Difference?
Not all clearance items are final sale, but many are. Here’s the key difference:
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Clearance: Typically refers to discounted items being cleared out of inventory. They may still be returnable, depending on store policy.
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Final Sale: These items are sold “as-is” and cannot be returned or exchanged.
Always read the signage or online product description carefully before making a purchase.
2. Major Retailer Return Policies on Clearance Items
Here’s a quick comparison of some popular furniture stores’ return policies for clearance products:
Retailer | Clearance Return Policy |
---|---|
Ashley Furniture | Most clearance items are final sale, non-returnable |
IKEA | Returnable with receipt, even from the As-Is section (some conditions apply) |
Macy’s Furniture | Clearance items may be returned within 30 days, unless marked final sale |
Wayfair | Most clearance is returnable unless labeled “final sale” |
Rooms To Go | Clearance and outlet items are generally final sale |
Always ask a sales associate or check the product listing if you’re unsure.
3. Why Are Some Clearance Items Final Sale?
Retailers often mark clearance as final sale to:
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Reduce administrative costs associated with returns
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Clear inventory more efficiently
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Move slightly damaged or discontinued products without complications
This policy helps stores streamline operations, especially during large seasonal clearances.
4. Exceptions to the Rule
Some stores offer limited return windows even for clearance items—especially online retailers. For example:
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Wayfair may allow returns for store credit, minus shipping and restocking fees.
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Overstock.com often accepts returns within 30 days, even on discounted items.
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Macy’s offers returns unless specifically marked otherwise.
Read the fine print before clicking “buy now” or swiping your card in-store.
5. Tips for Buying Final Sale Clearance Furniture
If you’re considering a final sale item, follow these steps:
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Inspect thoroughly (look for chips, stains, wobbly legs, etc.)
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Measure accurately to ensure it fits your space
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Check delivery terms—some stores won’t deliver final sale pieces
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Ask about warranty coverage if applicable
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Take photos before transporting it to protect against damage claims
6. Can You Still Get a Refund on Damaged Clearance Items?
In some cases, yes—but only if the damage was undisclosed at the time of sale. If the damage was visible and noted, it’s unlikely you’ll get a refund. However, if a product arrives damaged from an online clearance purchase, you may be able to file a claim.
Always keep your receipt and take photos as proof.
7. Exchange Policies for Clearance Items
While many clearance items are final sale, some stores allow exchanges rather than refunds. This is common with:
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Local furniture outlets
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Overstock centers
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Discount furniture warehouses
Always ask: “If I can’t return this, could I exchange it if there’s a problem?”
8. What About Warranty on Clearance Furniture?
Many clearance furniture items still come with manufacturer warranties unless clearly marked otherwise. However, some stores void warranties on “as-is” or final sale items.
Be sure to ask:
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Is the warranty still valid?
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What does it cover (e.g., structural defects, upholstery issues)?
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Is registration required?
9. Store Credit vs. Refund
Some stores offer store credit only for clearance returns, even if technically returnable. If that’s the case:
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Consider whether you’ll shop there again
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Ask how long the credit is valid
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Confirm whether the credit can be used online and in-store
This is especially important for larger purchases, as a refund in credit can limit flexibility.
10. Summary
Clearance furniture items may or may not be returnable, depending on the store’s policy. Always check if an item is marked final sale and understand what that means. With the right precautions—like thorough inspection, asking the right questions, and confirming return/exchange policies—you can shop clearance sections with confidence.
Conclusion: Shopping Smart in Furniture Clearance Sections
Furniture clearance sections can be goldmines for savvy shoppers who know what to look for and how to navigate the options wisely. From national retailers like IKEA and Ashley Furniture to online giants such as Wayfair and Overstock, most stores offer clearance deals in one form or another—whether to make room for new inventory, retire old collections, or sell floor models at discounted rates.
We explored some of the most asked questions about clearance furniture shopping, including where to find the best clearance sections, how clearance pricing works, and whether negotiation is possible. You’ve also learned how return policies vary between stores, what types of furniture typically land in clearance, and the difference between clearance and final sale. By understanding the nuances of each store’s clearance strategy, including when and how to shop, you can avoid common pitfalls and get more value for your money.
In today’s economic climate, making every dollar count is more important than ever. Clearance furniture shopping is not just about finding a bargain—it’s about making informed choices, recognizing long-term value, and outfitting your space without overspending.
Before your next furniture purchase, don’t overlook the clearance section—it might just have the perfect piece at the perfect price.