Savers is a nationwide chain of thrift stores that provides gently used clothing, furniture, household goods, and more at affordable prices. One unique aspect of Savers is their color-coded tagging system. Each week, Savers rotates through six different colored tags, with each color representing that week’s round of merchandise put out on the sales floor. Depending on the tag’s color, an item will be marked down in price week by week until it is finally sold. This system allows Savers to systematically discount older inventory to keep their shelves stocked with fresh merchandise. The color-coded tags help customers identify newly put out items versus those that have been on the sales floor for longer. Savers’ rotation of colored tags brings thrill of the treasure hunt each week for thrifty shoppers.
History of Savers’ Tagging System
Savers thrift stores started using a color-coded tagging system in the early 2000s as a way to better track and rotate their merchandise inventory. According to a 2014 article in Supply Chain World magazine, “The tags are printed on thermal paper that is color coded weekly to indicate when the merchandise was put on the floor.” https://scw-mag.com/news/268-savers/
This color rotation allows Savers to systematically discount older merchandise each week to keep their inventory fresh and moving. Typically, items are first put out at full price with a white tag. Then every week the tag color changes to indicate a discount, progressing from green, yellow, red, blue, and purple tags before items are removed from the sales floor or donated. This color coding system makes it easy for both employees and shoppers to identify markdowns at a glance.
Meaning of Each Tag Color
Savers uses a color-coded tagging system to indicate the weekly sales prices for items in their stores. Each week a different color tag goes on sale. The colors rotate in the same order every week:
According to Reddit user u/theenigma31680, “This weeks tag color at Savers is yellow, that means the rest of the colors go like this: orange, red, purple, blue, green.” (Source)
The Littlest Lightbulb blog also confirms the rotation is purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and silver/white. (Source)
Knowing the color rotation schedule allows savvy Savers shoppers to time their visits to take advantage of the weekly sales. Each color represents a different percentage discount off the base price when it is the tag of the week.
White Tags
Items with white tags are the most commonly found products at Savers thrift stores and also the least expensive. White tags indicate everyday and discount merchandise, usually priced between 99 cents to $7.99 on average.
The white color-coded tags represent the baseline and largest category of economy and budget-friendly items that you can find on Savers’ shelves. From basic clothing to household items and children’s toys, white tag products make up the bulk of Savers’ inventory and selection.
Because the white tags are so prevalent and numerous, you will encounter the widest variety and largest quantity of merchandise within this pricing tier. White tags allow Savers shoppers to purchase everyday essentials and casual basics at a very affordable cost. With some searching, white tags can yield great finds and deals on more premium items as well.
Green Tags
Green tags at Savers indicate special discounted items, usually 50% off the original price. According to The Weekly Rotation of Color Coded Price Tags at Savers Reddit Post (source), green tags represent the standard full-price items after the weekly rotation of markdowns. However, Savers typically does run special “50% off green tags” sales several times a year.
So in summary, green tags denote regular priced merchandise that is not currently discounted unless there is a special green tag sale running that week. Checking the Savers Facebook page or website can provide information on any current green tag sales.
Yellow Tags
According to the blog The Littlest Lightbulb[1], yellow tags at Savers indicate newer merchandise that just hit the sales floor. These tend to be more expensive, branded items or higher quality merchandise.
A Reddit thread[2] explains that yellow tag items are usually nicer brands and styles. Savers uses yellow tags for their newest weekly merchandise.
Garden Variety Life[3] also states that yellow tags denote newer items for that week. Shoppers can expect to find branded and quality garments with yellow tags.
So in summary, yellow tags at Savers signify newer arrivals for the current week. These tend to be more expensive, name brands or higher end pieces.
[1] https://thelittlestlightbulb.wordpress.com/2020/11/01/tips-and-tricks-for-shopping-at-savers/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Flipping/comments/27emmz/the_weekly_rotation_of_color_coded_price_tags_at/
[3] https://gardenvarietylife.com/thrift-store-shopping-101/
Red Tags
At Savers, red tags signify the highest priced items in the store, usually collectibles or antiques. According to Gardenvarietylife.com, red tags are placed on the most valuable merchandise Savers receives[1]. These are typically collectibles, antiques, designer brands, or rare and unique items. Reddit users on r/Flipping confirm that red tag items tend to be the most expensive, priced at a premium[2]. Thelittlestlightbulb.wordpress.com notes that red tags may start at $6.99 or higher for apparel/housewares or $9.99 or higher for collectibles and antiques[3]. Savers uses red tags to designate their unique and rare finds that collectors may be willing to pay more for.
Blue Tags
Blue tags at Savers indicate the newest merchandise that has hit the sales floor that week. According to The Littlest Lightbulb, blue tags mean an item was put out either that day or sometime within the past 3 days.1 This makes blue tag merchandise desirable, as it represents the freshest selection. Shoppers can expect to find the best condition clothing and household items with blue tags.
During the winter months, blue tags often contain high quality cold weather apparel like coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, and more. As Reddit users note, blue tag prices start at $6.99 for clothing items. However, specialty winter gear like ski jackets could be priced higher even with a blue tag. Savers employees try to price blue tag merchandise at competitive prices to sell it quickly before rotating to the next color tag. So winter coats and accessories with blue tags are smart purchases for shoppers looking to stock up on cold weather gear at discount prices.
Purple Tags
Purple tags at Savers indicate merchandise that was put out 5-6 weeks ago and signifies the oldest inventory in the store. These items are generally priced at 50-75% off the original sticker price.
Purple tag merchandise often consists of holiday or seasonal items that didn’t sell during the peak season. For example, in January and February you may find Halloween costumes and decor priced with purple tags since they have been sitting unsold for over a month. Likewise, winter coats and accessories may have purple tags in March as the winter season ends. The steep discounts on purple tag items make them a great opportunity to score deals on out-of-season products.
According to Gardenvarietylife.com, “They are Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Silver. (I don’t have a Savers near me, so I don’t know the specifics of their rotation, but it’s probably very similar to Goodwill’s.)”
Conclusion
Savers’ unique color-coded tagging system allows customers to easily identify the pricing of different categories of merchandise. The white tags indicate the lowest pricing for common everyday items. Green and yellow tags mark the middle-tier pricing for brands and select categories. Red tags are used for higher quality brands and special collections, while blue tags signify designer and luxury items. Finally, the purple tags are reserved for the most elite brands and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.
Understanding this color-coded system is key to finding the best deals and unique treasures at Savers. The tagging gives customers transparency into the pricing structure, allowing them to shop smart across all categories. Whether you’re looking for basic apparel and household items on a budget, or hoping to score big on luxury brands, the color tags serve as a helpful guide. Savers’ unique approach makes thrifting an accessible and exciting adventure for all.
