An experienced former Tesco worker has revealed the insider knowledge that could save British shoppers significant money on their grocery bills, explaining that supermarkets implement multiple price reductions throughout the day, not just during evening hours.
The Supermarket Discount Pattern Revealed
Having worked for four years at Tesco, the ex-employee regularly reduced fresh items to mere pennies as closing time approached. This practice extends beyond Tesco to other major UK supermarkets including ASDA, Sainsbury's, Aldi, and Morrisons, all of which systematically mark down products approaching their best-before dates or being phased out.
Most supermarkets designate a specific clearance area within their fresh food aisles, typically marked with clear signage or filled with items bearing the distinctive yellow reduction stickers. However, the exact location and organisation of these sections can vary between different store branches.
When Do Supermarkets Actually Reduce Prices?
The timing of price reductions isn't uniform across all stores and depends heavily on individual shop circumstances. Factors influencing reduction schedules include the store's activity level and available staffing on any given day.
The former Tesco employee explained that working in both seasonal shops (busy in summer, quiet in winter) and consistently bustling central London locations demonstrated how reduction timings could be delayed during particularly busy periods, despite aiming for consistent start times.
For shoppers uncertain about their local store's discount schedule, the simplest solution is to ask a staff member directly for specific information about reduction times.
Tesco's Multiple Reduction Rounds Explained
During their Tesco employment, the ex-worker observed three distinct rounds of price reductions beginning around 9am/10am, when selected products received an initial 10% markdown.
As the day progressed, items underwent further reductions of 30%, 50%, and occasionally even 90% discounts during final markdowns. The bulk of reduced items typically included fresh produce like milk, bread, ready meals, and salad bags, though shoppers could occasionally discover substantial discounts on larger cuts of meat, fish, and even premium Tesco Finest range products.
Most items were reduced because they were approaching their use-by date that same day, though this doesn't necessarily mean they must be consumed immediately. Many reduced items, particularly bread and milk, are perfectly suitable for freezing to extend their lifespan.
Optimal Shopping Times for Maximum Savings
One of the best times to hunt for bargains is during the evening between 6pm and 8pm, when final markdowns typically occur. The later you shop, the greater your chances of securing substantial discounts, though waiting too long risks missing out entirely, especially in busy stores where bargains are quickly snapped up.
Earlier this year, Tesco introduced a new wave of reductions at 7pm specifically to combat food waste. A Tesco spokesperson confirmed to Express.co.uk that while discounts generally occur around 7pm, exact timing can vary between stores, noting: "Markdowns on fresh products continue to be popular and help to prevent good food from going to waste."
