Cheaply Made Furniture

Furniture at discount retailers can be tempting due to their super low prices—but they might not be worth the spend. Laurie Hise, a budget shopping expert and founder of Passionate Penny Pincher, says that it’s common to see furniture constructed from lower-quality material at discount stores that may not withstand regular use. Replacing it will cost you more in the long run.

“The good news?” Hise adds. “You can score amazing deals on sturdy mirrors, well-constructed ottomans, or the perfect side table. Just skip anything with moving parts or particle board, and always check construction quality.”

Expired Cosmetics

Some makeup and skincare products end up at discount retailers due to overproduction, excess inventory, or packaging changes that make them unsuitable for full-price retail shelves. However, some of these products end up sitting for a long time, either surpassing the expiration date or getting pretty close.

“We know beauty and skincare products can be expensive, so those discounts can be tempting,” says Jordan Tonniges, a shopping expert and stylist at lookingGLASS. “However, inventory turnover at discount stores is often slow, which means products might be expired or improperly stored. This can reduce their effectiveness or even cause irritation. It’s always safer to stick with trusted retailers for your skincare needs.”

Certain Consumables

Similarly, be cautious about food and beverage items at discount retailers. Specifically, it’s best to pass on foods with oils that may go rancid, expired drinks with compromised seals, and dented cans. Safer options include dry goods—like rice or pasta—intact canned foods, and shelf-stable condiments or beverages. 

Off-Brand Cleaning Products

While name-brand cleaning supplies can be a good deal, off-brand versions may not perform as effectively. “You could end up using more of the product to achieve the same results, which negates any cost savings by having to buy more,” Hise explains. If the price is so low that it’s worth the risk, then go for it—but otherwise, pay a little extra for the reputable stuff. 

Low-Quality Cookware

Scoring high-end cookware from discount stores from brands like Le Creuset, All-Clad, and Staub feels like winning the lottery, but don’t be swayed by some of the cheaper stuff. “Low-quality cookware is just a headache waiting to happen. It warps, heats unevenly, and nonstick coatings flake off way too soon—sometimes even into your food, which is gross and not safe,” notes interior designer Amy Switzer. “Handles come loose, things rust, and you end up replacing it way faster than you should. It’s a waste of money and effort.”

Mass-Produced Artwork

From an interior design perspective, Switzer says to walk away from mass-produced pieces at discount retailers. “Mass-produced art from discount retailers can lack personality and end up feeling a bit soulless in your space,” she explains. “It’s often printed on low-quality materials, so it doesn’t hold up over time or make much of a statement.”

Instead, she suggests buying unique pieces from local artists, flea markets, or thrift stores. There, “you can find something with character and a story that fits your style perfectly,” she says.

Generic Knick-Knacks

In the same vein, mass products or cheap-looking knick knacks aren’t always the best bet. Many are also trendy and end up falling out of favor pretty quickly. You’re better off finding one-of-a-kind gems that truly speak to your personal style versus buying a generic item.

If something speaks to you and it feels like you cannot leave without it, that’s one thing. But if it’s just something to buy, go ahead and walk away. 

Certain Baby Gear

Most baby products you find at discount retailers are fair game, including clothing, blankets, and smaller items. However, products like cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs, and carriers may be outdated and not be up-to-date regarding current safety standards. If they’re unboxed items, they may also be missing critical parts that affect their safety, too. 

Electronics

This is technically a situation where your mileage may vary, but Hise says to proceed with caution when buying electronics at a discount store. “Discount retailers often carry older models or refurbished electronics that may not come with a manufacturer’s warranty,” she notes. “Additionally, these items might lack the latest features and could be more prone to issues or defects.”

Just make sure you’re OK with the risk and understand what you’re buying before swiping your card. 

Vitamins and Supplements

Supplements and vitamins can also find their way onto discount store shelves for the same reasons as cosmetic items. It’s important to double-check the expiration dates on these, especially since they’re products you’re going to ingest. We also recommend doing some research on the product beforehand to avoid purchasing anything that was previously recalled.