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Everyone knows that prices can vary among retailers, but by how much? To find out, I collected posted prices for popular products at different online and brick-and-mortar stores. (Prices were gathered within a brief window in August and September and may have since changed; shipping costs were excluded.) The results are clear: A little research can save you a lot!
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Courtesy PowerXL
PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer (7-Quart)
Price spread: $70
T. J. Maxx: $100
Macy’s: $140
Wards.com: $160
Kohls.com: $170
Jeff Elkins
Hunter Boots (Women’s Original Tall)
Price spread: $93
Sears.com: $67
HunterBoots.com: $99
Zappos.com: $150
DSW: $160
Courtesy ProForm
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
Price spread: $1,499
BestBuy.com: $500
Dick’s Sporting Goods: $600
IndoorCyclery.com: $999
TheWearablesStore.com: $1,999
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Jeff Elkins
Men’s Lucky Jeans (121 Slim Straight)
Price spread: $64
T. J. Maxx: $35
Men’s Wearhouse: $60
LuckyBrand.com: $83
Amazon: $99
Skullcandy Indy Evo True Wireless Earbuds
Price spread: $42
eBay: $38
OfficeSupply.com: $50
Verizon.com: $70
ATT.com: $80
Conair Infiniti Pro Smooth and Wave
Save up to 75 percent
Mercari: $35
Amazon.com: $54
Target: $55
eBay: $68
Conair.com: $138
Kipling Asseni Mini Printed Tote Bag (Blue Geo Print)
Save up to 27 percent
Dressinn: $69
eBay: $71
Walmart.com: $71
Macys.com: $94
Kipling.com: $94
Shop around … better
- Check all major retail sites and search Google.com/shopping. You never know where the best deals will be.
- If an item is particularly low priced, it may be refurbished or its seller may be iffy. Check user reviews and return policies, especially on eBay and with third-party sellers on sites such as Amazon and Walmart.
- Some brands (including Apple, Bose, Maui Jim, Sonos and Yeti) have policies for minimum advertised pricing that make it tough to find markdowns. So look for special incentives and check for unadvertised sales in stores.
Lisa Lee Freeman, a consumer and shopping expert, was founder and editor in chief of ShopSmart magazine from Consumer Reports.
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