Most M&S stores do their first major yellow-sticker run in the late afternoon. This is to clear out stock that hasn’t sold by the end of the day. Typically, you’ll start seeing discounts trickle in around 5:00 PM.
But here’s the kicker: a store in a busy city centre might reduce stock at 4 PM to catch the after-work crowd. A suburban store might wait until 6 PM or even 7 PM. The rule of thumb is to ask a friendly colleague—they usually know the local routine.
Pro tip: don’t be shy. Politely asking, “When do you normally mark things down?” can save you a small fortune over the year. It’s the modern equivalent of asking a fisherman where the best catch is.
The Art of the “Dine In” Discount
One of the best M&S hacks is the Dine In deal. These bundles often get reduced even further in the final hour before closing. The whopper deal of the week (pasta, sides, and a dessert) can go from £12 down to £6 or less.
Watch the chilled counters like a hawk. Items like fresh salads, ready meals, and sushi get marked down aggressively because they have the shortest shelf life. The longer you wait, the bigger the discount—but the slimmer the pickings.
I once scored a full roast chicken dinner for £2.50 at 7:45 PM. It felt illegal, but it was just very, very cold lasagne-justice. Your mileage may vary, but the thrill is real.
