TL;DR: Many major retailers — including Best Buy, Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nordstrom — have price-matching and post-purchase adjustment policies they rarely advertise. Simply asking at checkout or calling within the adjustment window can save you real money on purchases you have already made.
You are probably already clipping digital coupons and stacking loyalty rewards. But there is a discount sitting right in front of you at the register that most shoppers never touch — because they do not know to ask for it.
According to researchers at Consumers’ Checkbook, who surveyed roughly 100 major retailers in October 2025, most large stores offer price-matching or post-purchase price adjustment policies. The catch? Almost none of them advertise it. They are counting on you not knowing.
Which stores will match a competitor’s lower price at checkout?
Pull up a lower price on your phone, show it to an employee, and many stores will match it on the spot. Here are some of the biggest names confirmed to do this:
- Best Buy matches prices from Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart, and a long list of other major retailers at the time of purchase.
- Home Depot matches Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Walmart — right at the register.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods matches a wide range of competitors, including Amazon, Nike, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom, both at the time of purchase and up to 14 days after.
- JCPenney will match any retailer’s in-store or online price, at the time of purchase or within 14 days.
- Michaels matches local competitors and major online retailers including Target, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby, for up to seven days after purchase.
- Hobby Lobby honors competitors’ in-store ads on identical items at the time of purchase.
The Consumers’ Checkbook team tested this themselves. They got Nordstrom to match Bloomingdale’s price on a pair of sneakers — dropping the cost from $225 to $168.75. Home Depot matched Lowe’s price on a refrigerator, knocking nearly $90 off. It took minutes.
What if you already bought something and the price dropped?
This is where a lot of money gets left on the table. Many stores will refund you the difference between what you paid and a lower price — if you ask within a certain window. This is called a price adjustment, and it is surprisingly common.
Some standouts:
- Guitar Center offers price adjustments for up to 45 days after purchase.
- Home Depot and Ashley Furniture both offer 30-day adjustment windows.
- Target, Apple Store, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, and Banana Republic all offer adjustments — typically between 10 and 14 days.
- Costco will adjust prices for up to seven days after purchase.
The process is usually simple. A quick phone call or online chat is often all it takes.
What about damaged packaging or open-box items?
This one is even easier. If you spot a product on the shelf with a dented box, a missing label, or a small cosmetic imperfection — ask a manager what they can do on the price. Stores would generally rather discount an item than deal with returning or restocking it.
Hobby Lobby, for example, has been known to knock off as much as 90% on items with minor damage. A boutique clothing store might give you 75% off a dress with a small stain that washes out. The item is the same. The only difference is that you noticed — and asked.
How do you actually ask without it feeling awkward?
Keep it simple and polite. Something like: “I noticed this is available at [competitor] for [lower price] — are you able to match that?” Or, after a purchase: “I saw the price dropped since I bought this. Is a price adjustment something you offer?”
Most cashiers can handle it on the spot. If not, a manager almost always can. The worst they can say is no — and that costs you nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all stores offer price matching?
No. Amazon, Walmart, and Target no longer match competitor prices, according to Consumers’ Checkbook’s October 2025 survey. However, many other major retailers do, including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
How long do I have to ask for a price adjustment after buying something?
It depends on the store. Windows typically range from 7 to 30 days. Guitar Center offers the longest at 45 days. Always check the store’s specific policy.
Do I need proof of the lower price?
Yes, for most stores. Pulling up the competitor’s current price on your phone is usually enough to get a match approved.
Can I get a discount on a damaged item even without a formal policy?
Often, yes. Asking a manager directly is your best move. There is no formal guarantee, but many stores prefer to discount over dealing with a return.
