Ah, Williams Sonoma, you glistening mecca of upscale cookware and tablescapes. We could lose ourselves shopping your perfectly curated aisles for julienne cutters all day. And maybe (probably) go broke in the process. In our unending quest to help save a few, here eight tips for navigating your favorite kitchen retailer like a total whiz.
8 Williams Sonoma Shopping Perks You Didn't Know About
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Published Apr 24, 2017
Getty Images/Roberto Machado Noa
Keep Tabs on Outlet Offerings
Did you know that Williams-Sonoma has an online outlet? We sure didn’t. This treasure trove offers everything from cookware to seasonal decor, all at a savings of 50 to 75 percent off. And it’s constantly being updated. Just beware that all sales in the outlet are final (meaning no returns if you decide that cherry pitter was a bit superfluous on second thought).
Consider Big Purchases in June and January
Twice a year (in January and June) Williams-Sonoma holds semi-annual blowout sales with craaaazy steep discounts up to 75 percent off. So maybe hold off on pulling the trigger on that Le Creuset stoneware cooking set for another few weeks—who knows, it might just get a glorious markdown.
Getty Images/Vivien Killilea / Stringer
Use Sister Stores to Your Advantage
Williams Sonoma is in the same “family” of stores as West Elm, Pottery Barn, Mark & Graham and others. And you can use the same gift cards across all of them (aka that PB gift card from your mother-in-law can be applied to your Crock-Pot purchase instead). It’s also a great idea to join The Key, the family’s rewards program. For every dollar spent across any of these retailers, you get 3 percent back in reward dollars. That adds up, folks.
Look Out for Weekly Sales
Every week Williams Sonoma offers a different sale of a particular theme—either a brand (e.g.: Kitchenaid) or a product type (e.g.: flatware). So check in once a week if you’re looking to make a new purchase but aren’t under a time crunch.
Get Rewards for Military Service
Williams Sonoma offers an in-store 15 percent discount to veterans, active military members and their immediate families. All you have to do is show an ID at checkout.
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Connect on Social Media
Be sure to follow Williams Sonoma on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram since that’s the first place it alerts followers to early access-sales, awesome sweepstakes (think all-expenses paid culinary trips to Japan) and premiere events (60 percent off those fancy ice-cream makers might just be the impetus we need to buy one).
Compare Prices In-Store and Online
Hint: They’re not always the same, folks. Next time you come across the frying pan of your dreams at Williams Sonoma, pull out your smartphone and check what that puppy’s going for online. (And vice versa.) You might just a save a few.
Join the Mailing List
If you’re splurging on something super pricey (and heavy to carry), join Williams Sonoma’s mailing list for 15 percent off your total online purchase and free shipping to boot. Plus, you’ll get clued in to upcoming sales and insider events if you stay subscribed.
