The plummeting temperatures across the UK have spurred a rush for winter warmers, and one savvy shopper has found the ultimate bargain: a long hot water bottle, usually priced at £9, for a mere 10p at discount retailer B&M. This incredible find, representing a 99% discount, was shared on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook page, sparking envy and excitement among fellow bargain hunters. The lucky shopper showcased her purchase, a long hot water bottle encased in a cozy faux fur cover, available in light grey and cream. The post ignited a flurry of comments, with many expressing their astonishment and admitting to having paid the full £9 or even £10 for the same item. The hot water bottle, lauded by B&M as the “perfect companion for cuddles on the sofa or making your bed nice and roasty toasty on those cold nights,” proved to be a highly sought-after item, particularly for those seeking relief from back pain or a warm bed during the chilly winter months.
While the online price for the hot water bottle remained at £10, the shopper revealed the secret to her incredible savings: the B&M Scanner app. This free app, available on both Apple and Android devices, allows users to scan product barcodes in-store and discover hidden discounts. The app occasionally reveals significant price reductions, sometimes as low as 10p, even before the in-store price tags are updated. However, it’s important to remember that these deals are not guaranteed across all B&M stores, as retailers often implement varying price strategies across their branches. Therefore, while one shopper might stumble upon a 10p gem, another might find the same item at full price.
To maximize savings and ensure the best possible deal, it’s always recommended to compare prices across different retailers. Websites like Price Spy and Price Runner, along with a quick Google search, can help you gauge the market value of a product and avoid overspending. In this instance, a quick search revealed that similar long hot water bottles were being sold at significantly higher prices by other retailers, such as Dunelm (£9.80) and Boots (£8.49). This highlights the importance of price comparison and the potential for substantial savings through savvy shopping strategies.
B&M, renowned for its bargain deals, offers several avenues for budget-conscious shoppers. A former B&M manager revealed that Wednesdays at 10 am are prime time for finding the deepest discounts. This is typically when staff mark down items, sometimes to as little as 10p, to clear out excess stock and make room for new products. Additionally, keeping an eye out for red stickered items is another valuable tip, as these denote special buy products that have been reduced in price.
Beyond the in-store strategies, staying connected through online communities can also lead to significant savings. Joining Facebook groups dedicated to bargain hunting, such as B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving Deals and More, and Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group, can provide access to real-time updates on the latest deals and discounts. These groups often share insider tips, product reviews, and alerts on limited-time offers, allowing members to stay ahead of the curve and maximize their savings potential.
The B&M Scanner app, frequently highlighted by savvy shoppers, has proven to be a powerful tool for unlocking hidden discounts and saving hundreds of pounds annually. The app’s barcode scanning functionality allows users to quickly compare the scanned price with the advertised price on the shop floor label, often revealing significant discrepancies. Seasonal items and older stock are typically the most heavily discounted, as B&M aims to clear out inventory and make way for new arrivals. The app is free to download from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, making it easily accessible to all smartphone users.
To join the B&M bargain hunt and maximize your savings potential, follow these simple steps: Download the B&M app from either the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, navigate to the “more” option located at the bottom right-hand side of the app’s home page. Select the “barcode scanner” option, which will activate your phone’s camera. Hover the camera over the barcode of the product you wish to price check. If the scanned price is lower than the displayed price, simply take the item to the cash desk, where it will automatically be scanned at the lower price. The barcode scanner functionality is accessible even without creating a B&M account, offering a quick and convenient way to uncover hidden discounts. By combining these in-store and online strategies, shoppers can significantly reduce their spending and make the most of the bargain opportunities available at B&M.
