How Walmart clearance works

[kevinp]

May be posted elsewhere but I didn’t find it. I have been to 6 WMs within a 60 mile radius and have noticed that each one is very different in how they clearance Legos. Talked to a toy manager today at my local WM and here’s the details. Corporate office tells all branches to clearance specific items initially (almost always) 20%. Then the store manager gets so much clearance dollars per store at the first of every month to allocate as he/she pleases to each department. It varies but usually the toy manager takes it over from there and further discounts clearance items but sometimes the store manager likes to micro-manage and they select the items themselves. My toy manager said her department gets the largest share of clearance dollars but I’m sure that varies by location. So, if you have local WMs and can get in good with the toy manager or their assistant, you can really be on top of things. In my case, I have a video/game store in this small town and I’ve been here for over 18 years and they are customers of mine so my situation is pretty sweet : ) If nothing else, just remember the first week of the month is when clearance should be further discounted. Wouldn’t surprise me if other BBRs do something similar. If anyone has questions for me to pass along, feel free to ask.

[bobl]

Interesting. This is certainly something to keep in mind. Thanks for the info.

[kevinp]

Just heard from my local WM toy manager. She said management gave her permission to 50% further clearance what is left (I'm getting a bunch of series CMFs for 50 cents each) and adding new clearance items Monday. She told me to check other stores as they don't waste time when management gives orders. So check your WMs and other big box retailers. Another thing I will mention is if you can foster a relationship with a toy manager as I have, do so. She is giving me the Friends display when they're done with it :)

[The-Daryl]

Wow. Your Walmart has kept minifigures in stock at a dollar for over a month?! Around here, everything was gone (barring returns) by the end of the first week of Jan (and most was gone before that), haha.

[kevinp]

One of the few advantages living in podunk Arkansas ;) I bought an unopened case of them for $1 per last week.