Bargains are all around you. You just have to know where to look for them. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, going to the same stores all the time, not taking the time to seek out new opportunities to save money.

I drove by an undiscovered bargain hunter’s paradise nearly every day for more than two years before I stopped in to see what I might be missing.

I’ve noticed that, at least in Washington State, stores that specialize in inventory liquidation have become quite popular in the past couple of years. I hadn’t realized that I had one of these gems right under my very nose.

Liquidators buy up inventories from businesses that are overstocked, have filed for bankruptcy, or have had to turn over their inventories to satisfy insurance claims. Items are sold between 20 and 50% below retail prices. And you never know what you’re going to find.

I have found our liquidation store an invaluable resource for wedding and shower gifts. They carry a lot of serving dishes and dinnerware, often expensive beautiful sets at only a fraction of the original cost.

They also get in a lot of inventory from drug stores, which I have found to be the source of most of my regular bargains. I recently purchased about a year’s worth of allergy and cold medicines at 50% off the original price. I was also able to find toothbrushes, toothpaste, tights, multi- vitamins, antibacterial ointment, and enzyme cleaner for my contacts, all at 50% off. You kind of have to watch the expiration dates on items like medications and vitamins, but I haven’t had any problem finding products with at least 6 months left before they expire.

Liquidation stores are doing retailers a big favor by taking unwanted or unneeded inventory off their hands. The public also benefits by having access to a low-cost alternative to drugstore and department store prices. You have to check in from time to time, however, to find the best selections. They are always acquiring new and different types of inventories, including mattresses, furniture, and even clothing.

To find a liquidator near you, look in the yellow pages under “liquidators.” Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to save big $$ on these everyday household items.

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Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What’s for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at www.creativehomemaking.com.

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