HomeGoods is my hands-down favorite place to shop. I never know what I’m going to find when I walk through the door but often enough it’s something amazing that keeps me coming back for more. And while I’m sure that many of you share my HomeGoods love, I’m also sure that some of you feel like you never find anything good at HomeGoods. While bad shopping mojo may be partly to blame, it might also be that you’re just not shopping HomeGoods “right”. What’s the right way to shop HomeGoods? I’ve put together some tips that will turn you into a HomeGoods power shopper in no time:
Take Your Blinders Off
Being focused is usually a good thing but not when shopping HomeGoods. If you go on a mission to find one very specific thing, be prepared to leave disappointed. While walking to the back of the store to look for the 30″ round distressed white mirror you want for over your fireplace, you might have just walked by the perfect lamp for your empty entry table but unfortunately you had blinders on and didn’t see it. Most of my favorite HomeGoods buys were unplanned ones. Like the beautiful wood bowl I’ve been using as a dining room centerpiece – I went to HomeGoods looking for spring pillows but shopped the whole store and came across this gorgeous wood bowl in the kitchen section. I brought it home not knowing exactly how I’d use but when I started decorating my dining room for summer, it fit right in:
Update! I’ve had so many people ask about this bowl after seeing it in my house and I finally tracked it down!! I’ve linked my sources and inspiration images for using it in your home {here}.
Shop on the Best Days
While you may luck into an awesome HomeGoods find any day of the week, I’ve found that the best days to shop HomeGoods are definitely weekdays. On the weekends, stores are often packed and can get a bit picked-over with no new shipments coming in. From what I’ve seen, the bulk of the restocking takes place during the quietest store times which tend to be weekday evenings so it makes sense that I’ve had my best success shopping HomeGoods on Tuesday through Friday mornings.
Shop the “Good” HomeGoods Stores
It’s true that not all HomeGoods are created equal. Some just consistently have better stuff than others. So if you have several HomeGoods stores within easy driving distance, don’t always just go to the one closest to you. Visit them all a few times and it will soon become clear which ones are better than the others. Can you believe that I have 19 HomeGoods stores within a 30 mile radius of where I live? I rarely go to the two closest to me because I almost always strike out at them – a few more minutes of driving is worth it to get to one of the “good” ones.
Look Outside of the Art Section for the Best Art
In the years I’ve shopped HomeGoods, I can only think of two pieces of art I’ve bought in the art section. I simply don’t have much luck there. But I’ve found several great pieces in other parts of the store. For example, our gallery wall has a lion head door knocker that I found in the accessories aisle and a tree slice that I found in the breadboard aisle:
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Buy Now, Decide Later
If you find something at HomeGoods that might work in your home but you’re not 100% sure about it, don’t even think about leaving it on the shelf! Merchandise moves fast and your it-might-work find that you see on Monday probably won’t be there when you go back for it on Tuesday. HomeGoods has a good return policy so it’s always safest to buy it, try it out in your home, and return it if it doesn’t work.
Get a Little Creative
Can’t find a tablecloth in the colors you’re looking for? Check out the drapery aisle for washable cotton drapery panels that can work just as well. No luck finding a pillow that matches the colors in your room? See if you can find some pretty fabric napkins that can be sewn into your pillow or even a flat rug or table runner, which is what I used to make the large end pillows on the couch in the family room in our old house:
I hope my tips help you guys score some great finds on your next HomeGoods trip! And for those of you who were already HomeGoods power shoppers, do you any other tips to add to the list?
Be sure and visit Driven by Decor’s “Shop” page {here} to check out my favorite stylish home and fashion finds!
savvy shopper says
Kris,
Thanks for the tips. I definitely need to take the blinders off, and also not leave things on the shelf that might work in my home. I go back, and inevitably, it’s gone. I wish you lived closer, because then, I’d just go with you as my second set of eyes (except we might go for the same item, which might make it awkward 😉
Kris Jarrett says
Being HomeGoods shopping buddies could be amazing or involve diving over each other the best finds (our taste is crazy similar!). Ha!
Polly says
I’ve gone out of my way to be nice to a young man who stocks the shelves. I asked his name months ago and make it a point to use his name in greeting when I see him. It’s paid off. Recently, when I was on a hunt for a padded bench, but the color I was hoping for wasn’t available he volunteered take a quick look “in the back” to see if there was another that just hasn’t made it out to the floor. Sure enough he lugged out exactly what I wanted. A little kindness can go a long way.
Kris Jarrett says
Polly, you are my kinda girl! Bonus for both of you because you get a little extra help and I bet you make his day when you come into the store knowing him by name!
Vel says
I’m HG crazy and agree with everything you said!
Kris Jarrett says
HG addicts unite! 🙂
Janet Woodman says
What a fun read this was! You are right on the money about all of it. If frequent Home Goods as much as possible. Love the store! I had asked you before where you get all your pretty French pillows? Not from Home Goods! LOL thank you again for your enjoyable blog.
Janet
Kris Jarrett says
I rarely have luck finding pillows at HomeGoods 🙁 Thanks for reading Janet!
Janet Woodman says
Hi Kris, Do you have a source for the pretty French style pillows you have in your home? Thank You, Janet???? PS Years ago Home Goods imported a lot of their artwork from Canada. There used to be a much better selection until they started selling made in USA artwork. Huge difference in artwork! Have a great day!
Kris Jarrett says
Sure – I’m happy to share the source but I’m not sure which pillows you’re referring to. Which room of my house are the ones you like in? And interesting about the artwork – I haven’t bought a framed piece of art from HomeGoods in years!
Janet Woodman says
Hi Kris, I haven’t bought any Home Goods artwork in years too! That’s why I wanted to pass along that the downgrade was as soon as they stopped importing the artwork from Canada. For some reason Canada has top quality art and frames. I miss those days! I believe your soft light colored French style pillows are on your couch etc… They are embellished with soft motifs etc… I would love to buy some. I found some on Etsy but they are just not right. They are just
not soft and pretty enough. I have a rule I use when shopping
1- Do I need it?
2. Do I love it – I mean LOVE it?
3. Is it pretty?
If I follow these rules it keeps from having to return things,
Thank you
Janet Woodman
Kris Jarrett says
Got it – those pillows I got from a design shop near my parents’ house in North Carolina called Blue Hand Home. Beautiful store (and I think they sell online too)! I love your “rules” for buying things by the way!
Jeanne says
I just cannot bring myself to buy things that are made in China. So much of Home Goods merchandise is. If it is not made there I can consider. China=junk in my mind.
Shelly@ConfettiStyle says
I couldn’t agree with your HomeGoods shopping tips more. The store is filled with more possibilities than one can imagine.
Kris Jarrett says
Definitely!
classic•casual•home says
Great tips!!! I definitely think some Home Goods are better than others,,,I miss the ones in So. Calif,.
Kris Jarrett says
It’s so true – we have one 10 mins away that’s horrible and one about 20 mins. away that is beyond amazing!
Laurie says
Hi Kris! I am glad that I’m not alone in my love for all things Home Goods! I travel to 5 in my area and the employees may or may not know me by name…:) I totally agree with you in that there are definitely ‘good’ stores. I will go to all of them, but there are always a certain few that seem to have much more inventory. If I go in looking for something specific, I will head to that department first and then wander to see what else catches my eye. I joke that when I enter Home Goods, I go into a time warp…minutes turn into an hour (or more!) very quickly. Did you find any of the marble/wood cutting boards that you were looking for? I was in one of my stores weeks ago and picked one up and I love it! They still had more last week and I really won’t be surprised if there’s another one sitting on my counter by the end of the week! Have a great day!
Kris Jarrett says
Yes! TheHomeGoods time warp is real!!! I only found one wood and marble cutting board when I went a few days ago but it wasn’t a very pretty one so I passed. I’m guessing that they’ll keep getting more in (and I’ll keep looking!). Glad you were able to snag one!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Wait… I can’t get past 19 STORES WITHIN 30 MILES OF YOU!!! No fair! Share the wealth, Homegoods! We only have 1 in our state, and it’s a good 30 minute drive. Love all of your finds, with I could duck into our store more often. I think consistency is the key. And I would die to come across that wood bowl some day! 😉
Kris Jarrett says
Are you kidding me – only one HomeGoods in the whole state? Insanity! I haven’t seen that bowl again but if I come across it I will get it for you 🙂
Carol says
The closest Home Goods store for me is two and a half hours away – so I don’t get to go that often ???? but I sure do enjoy it when I’m able to go! (I can’t get over the “19 stores in 30 miles” either – lol)
Kris Jarrett says
Two and a half hours away? Oh my gosh, that would be hard for me but I bet it seems like a wonderful treat when you get to go!!
Marley says
Kris, you are speaking my love language! I may or my not have a HomeGoods addiction. I agree with all of your tips and employ every one of them! I actually use the HomeGoods app quite often as well to peruse new items that come in to my local store (you can customize it to accommodate all the stores in your area). The app is hit or miss, but I am so addicted I check it when I’m bored or sitting in the car lane at school;) #yesihaveaproblem;) I also ask the store associates when they get shipments i.e., my local store gets theirs every Wednesday so I try to stop by later in the week. Hope this helps! BTW Love your blog! I’m a southern CT native and miss it so much…hope you are enjoying my beloved New England state!
Kris Jarrett says
Stop the press – I didn’t know about the HomeGoods app!! I have already downloaded it and gotten sucked into it for a solid half hour. Thank you (I think 🙂
Kathy Hall says
I just looked for the Homegoods app and couldn’t find it in the App Store ???? !!
Kris Jarrett says
Maybe it’s Apple only (do you have an Android?). It’s definitely still in the Apple app store – it’s called “The Goods”
Brenna Adamski says
I worked at HomeGoods for three years, and my advice would be similar to Marley: DEFINITELY ask your HomeGoods employees when they get shipments in. Also, if you are looking for something specific: ASK! There is almost always a TON of stock in the backroom, since trucks come in frequently, and it takes a bit to get things from the truck to the floor. If your store gets a shipment in on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, then come those days in the afternoons. Almost all of the merchandise will be unpacked from the truck at that point, though it might not all be out on the floor. This way, you can see what has gotten out and ask for something specific if you don’t see it; it could be unpacked in the back!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks so very much for your “insider” tips Brenna! It’s funny because at the HomeGoods stores by our old house, I asked employees several times what days they got new shipments and they always said it was random – that there were no certain days. I’ll give it a try asking at the HomeGoods stores that I currently shop at since it sounds like there are certain days at some HomeGoods stores at least!
Brenna Adamski says
Definitely! It is almost always on set days because they need to make sure they have employees to unload the trucks. Occasionally, there will be a surprise truck, but it should be generally scheduled. I would encourage you to ask a manager or the coordinator at the front (typically standing back and assisting those working at the registers or answering phones). They will likely know the schedule, as they are more fully trained and work more hours.
Lori says
You nailed it! That is exactly how to shop at Home Goods! It takes a different type of mind set to go in there! Thanks for sharing!
Kris Jarrett says
It definitely is a different kind of shopping, isn’t it (the best kind 🙂 !
Mary says
You are right on about every suggestion. I have been buying at Home Good, TJ and Marshalls for over 30 years and I live by buy it now and figure it out later…..or it won’t be there when you come back.
Love your blog. Do you have any recommendations about when curtains are marked to clearance? Recently I bought Ralph Lauren linen curtains reduced by 30%, but, they were still over $200. And, I couldn’t help but wonder if they were due for a new markdown soon. The clearance price hadn’t changed in two weeks. Always looking for the best deal.
Kris Jarrett says
I haven’t figured out any system for clearance items at Home Goods to predict when they’ll be knocked down. Wish I knew! I hope you’re able to snag those curtains at a great price! 🙂
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
Great tips, Kris! So true about ‘buy now decide later’. I can’t even count how many times I have decided to wait and come back only to find something completely sold out! After all, you can always return something if it doesn’t work. I just bought some red pillows for my son’s room recently so I will have them when I decorate for Christmas. Every year I wait and cannot find one red pillow that time of year…now I am ready! Enjoy your week!
Shelley
Kris Jarrett says
I couldn’t believe that the store was already filled with Christmas stuff when I went a few days ago!!
Lin says
Yes exactly! This is what I do now, if I’m on the fence about something because I don’t know where I will put it, I just buy it and give myself time to think about it.
Judi says
I’m inspired by your office gallery wall but can you give me dimensions on your framed pictures and the size of you Mendong mirror under the gold star mirror? Love all that you do
Rene' says
You are so right in saying be creative, taking your blinders off and basically thinking
outside the box. My favorite item in my house is the dinning room curtains that I purchased
at Home Goods 4 years ago. People always comment on them, then I tell them they
are actually long table cloths. I then went to lowes and purchased drapery rings with the
little alligator clips on them so the installation was immediate. I still smile every time I
pass them…….because when decorating, I tend to gravitate to colors I enjoy wearing.
Kris Jarrett says
Oh my gosh – I love that! What a great idea Rene!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
Great tips Kris…..especially shopping on weekday mornings, that’s when I find I have the best luck too.
Kris Jarrett says
In our HomeGoods, the interior designers often swoop in and buy tons of stuff first thing in the morning so there’s a huge difference in what you can find at 10am vs. later in the day!
Mary says
I so agree. they take everything that currently is in style or is unique. And, small Boutique owners buy the rest. Recently, I was in line behind two women that had filled several carts with every Chinoiserie accessory in the store. To find the best stuff you have to shop often.
Tammy says
I live in Canada, so we have Home Sense, same great idea. I always seem to have my mojo shopping there, but friends complain to me that they can’t find anything. I suggest they start a Pinterest board for a project or room and pin lots of inspiration pictures. I tell them to review that board just before they go shopping, and once in the store, to look for things that remind them of their pins.
On another note, last night I finished a gallery wall in my bedroom, which was inspired by your office wall, and I was so happy I could hardly sleep last night!!
Have a great day!
Tammy
Kris Jarrett says
Love that idea Tammy – so, so smart! And I’m so excited for you about your new gallery wall – woo hoo!!
Beth says
You are so lucky to have 19 stores near your home. It must be so tempting to shop them constantly instead of working. I have caviar taste on a chicken budget and Home Goods is the only way I can afford to shop for home decor items as often as I do. As it is, I know several of the staff by name and they are very friendly.
Kris Jarrett says
I know, I AM lucky!! Love that you know your HomeGoods’ staff – you must definitely be a regular!