We all love a good promo code, but here’s the thing: not all stores treat coupons the same way. Some retailers love stacking discounts. Others hide their best deals in newsletters. A few play hard to get but reward loyal shoppers. The trick? Knowing how each brand works—and how to play by (or around) their rules.

So instead of throwing the same old promo code strategy at every site, let’s break it down by brand. These are some of the most popular retailers out there—and how to actually save money when shopping with them.

Target

Target is a deal-stacking dream if you know what you’re doing. They have regular sales, app-only deals, and a whole system of store coupons.

Tips that work:

• Use the Target Circle app to “clip” digital offers
• Combine manufacturer coupons with store coupons
• Stack with Target Circle earnings (like loyalty points)
• Look out for gift card deals (e.g. “Buy 3, get $5 gift card”)
• If you have a Target RedCard, that’s an extra 5% off automatically

Biggest pro? You can stack all of the above in one purchase. It’s kind of glorious.

Amazon

Amazon doesn’t do traditional promo codes often, but they do offer hidden coupons and strategic discounts.

Here’s how to save:

• Clip coupons on product pages or from the coupon hub
• Use Subscribe & Save for recurring items and stack with coupons
• Watch for Lightning Deals and price drops
• Use Amazon-branded cards for up to 5% cash back
• Sign up for email promos from specific brands—they often include limited-time codes

Amazon rewards shoppers who pay attention. Slow down, check for that little green coupon box, and always scan for bonus offers before clicking “Buy Now.”

Kohl’s

Kohl’s is the stacking capital of the world. Between promo codes, Kohl’s Cash, Yes2You rewards, and sale events, there’s almost always a way to stack discounts.

Stacking strategy:

• Combine a percent-off promo (e.g. 20%) with a dollar-off promo (e.g. $10 off $50)
• Earn Kohl’s Cash on qualifying purchases
• Use Kohl’s Cash like real money during redemption windows
• Use loyalty rewards to save even more

Check their homepage banners and app—they rotate codes constantly, and the best ones are often short-lived.

Sephora

Sephora doesn’t offer a ton of coupons, but their loyalty program and gift-with-purchase perks are strong.

Ways to save:

• Join Beauty Insider for point-based rewards
• Use one promo code per order (usually for deluxe samples or discounts)
• Watch for seasonal sales (20% off events happen a few times a year)
• Stack samples at checkout—two or more, depending on cart total
• Check email exclusives—they often contain limited-use codes

Sephora’s deals aren’t obvious, but loyal customers get the best ones. Stay in the loop.

Old Navy / Gap / Banana Republic (a.k.a. the Gap Family)

These stores are known for having multiple site-wide sales every month—but smart shoppers know when to hold out for better offers.

Brand tips:

• Sign up for emails—first-timer codes are generous
• Shop during Super Cash events to earn and redeem bonuses
• Use Gap Inc. rewards (if you have a store card)
• Combine a storewide code with category-specific offers
• Download the app for early access or app-exclusive discounts

Pro tip: The best deals are usually on Monday or Thursday, especially during seasonal transitions.

Macy’s

Macy’s can be coupon heaven… if you know how to read the fine print. They usually let you stack codes, but some are category-specific.

Here’s how to work it:

• Use their standard “EXTRA” or “VIP” codes for site-wide discounts
• Clip digital savings on the product page (often in red text)
• Combine coupon codes with Star Rewards (loyalty points)
• Wait for One Day Sales—major price drops across every department
• Double-dip on clearance and coupons (yes, it usually works)

Always read exclusions. Some brands (like Nike or Michael Kors) don’t allow coupon use.

Best Buy

Best Buy isn’t big on promo codes, but there are still ways to save.

Your best bets:

• Join My Best Buy for member-only pricing
• Look for open-box or clearance options
• Check product pages for bundle savings
• Use price matching—yes, they’ll match Amazon
• Apply manufacturer coupons through rebate portals or the BB app

Best Buy rewards careful planning, not spontaneous shopping. The best prices often come through flash sales or bundles.

Walgreens

Walgreens is sneaky good when it comes to digital coupons and rewards.

Winning formula:

• Clip digital coupons in the app or online
• Combine manufacturer coupons with in-store offers
• Earn Walgreens Cash (like loyalty dollars)
• Stack promotions like “Spend $20, Get $5” with coupons
• Buy 1 Get 1 50% deals often qualify for additional savings

Pro tip: You can scan a printed coupon and still use a digital one. It’s one of the rare stores that allows both.

Ulta Beauty

Ulta is generous with store coupons—but they almost always exclude prestige brands. Still, there are workarounds.

To save more:

• Use the $3.50 off $15 coupon on drugstore brands
• Join Ultamate Rewards for point-based savings
• Combine store sales with coupons (look for “qualifies for coupon” tags)
• Use birthday freebies and exclusive member events
• Look out for email-only or app-only coupons

If you’re buying prestige brands, your best bet is to wait for 20% off store-wide events. They happen more than you think.

Home Depot and Lowe’s

Big-box home improvement stores don’t always offer coupon codes, but they do offer savings if you know where to look.

Tips for both:

• Check for rebate offers from manufacturers
• Use credit card rewards (store cards often come with instant discounts)
• Sign up for email or app alerts—first-time subscribers usually get 10% off
• Shop clearance in-store or check “Special Buy of the Day” online
• Ask about price matching or bulk purchase discounts

These stores are less about flashy codes and more about quiet, steady savings.

Every brand plays the promo game differently. Some give you a dozen stackable codes. Others reward patience and loyalty. The best strategy? Learn the quirks of the stores you shop at most, and adjust your approach accordingly.