Dear West Elm: Bring us all the sleek midcentury-inspired bar carts. But also, can you cut a girl a deal? We interviewed our savviest shopping pals (and scoured the darkest troves of the Internet) to bring you these seven secrets for getting the most out of your favorite home retailer.
7 West Elm Shopping Secrets You Need to Know
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Published Apr 18, 2017
Buy items with price tags ending in .97 or .99
These price points indicate that you’re not gonna get a better markdown—they’re final clearance. Translation: Don’t wait any longer to scoop up those throw pillows you’ve been coveting since, well, forever. (P.S. Since they’re super discounted, note that this merchandise is non-returnable.)
Apply Family Gift Cards
Fun fact: West Elm is in the same “family” of retailers as Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and Mark & Graham. Meaning if you have dollars lingering on old Christmas gift cards, you can apply them to your West Elm purchase. #themoreyaknow
Take Advantage of Free Stylists
West Elm offers several in-house professional design services, all of which are moderately priced. But did you know that an hour-long stylist consultation, either in store or at your home, is completely free? (Think basic design advice like fabric, paint and product recommendations catered to your space.) The next time you want your pad mapped out and reimagined, consider this seriously sweet perk.
Join the Mailing List
Looking to make a big purchase like a sofa or dining set? Joining West Elm’s e-newsletter mailing list and ordering online is a total no-brainer. You’ll be given a onetime promo code for 15 percent off your first purchase, and you’ll also be alerted to insider sales and exclusive offers as soon as they happen.
Play the Education Card
Are you a student? Teacher? Member of school faculty? That earns you 15 percent off every purchase in West Elm’s book. Simply present a school ID at checkout, or if shopping online, enter a .edu address to reap this sizable reward.
Ask About “Open Box Items”
Many West Elm locations have a small section for gently worn display items, returns and anything with defective packaging—many priced with sample sale status discounts. Ask about 'em at the front desk if you’re in a treasure-hunting mood.
Sign Up for a Company Credit Card
We know it’s another bill to keep track of. But if you’re a West Elm addict, they’re super worth it. Being a cardholder earns $50 initially, $25 in rewards for every $250 spent, birthday dollars, access to the friends and family annual shopping event and a cardholder-only customer service line—you know, for those times when you just cannot figure out how to spot clean your futon.
