Dollar General Clearance: The Markdown Cascade, Tags & Timing
Dollar General clearance follows a fairly predictable markdown cascade: items step down in stages — commonly around 50% → 70% → 90% off → a penny — until they're cleared. Knowing the stages, the timing, and the tags helps you predict what's coming.
The markdown cascade
Clearance items generally don't jump straight to a penny. They step down over successive weeks — a common pattern is 50% off, then 70%, then 90%, and finally $0.01 when the item is discontinued out of the system. New markdowns are applied weekly, and an item keeps dropping until it either sells or pennies. The single most useful signal: once something is at 90% off, it's often close to a penny.
Tuesday is the key day
Dollar General's system updates overnight Monday, so new penny items and fresh markdowns typically appear Tuesday morning. Some stores apply changes later Tuesday or into Wednesday. Many experienced shoppers plan a Tuesday or Wednesday trip for the freshest cascade.
Clearance events
On top of the weekly cascade, Dollar General runs periodic clearance events — roughly every 4–8 weeks, often Friday through Sunday — with an extra ~50% off already-reduced clearance. Items being phased out of their normal shelf spot (sometimes called POG or core clearance) start around 10% off and then take the extra cut during an event. These events are when the deepest pre-penny deals show up.
Reading the tags
Dollar General clearance is marked with orange and yellow tags showing a percentage (30/50/70), plus colored dots and shapes that code departments and cycles (for example, certain dot colors on apparel, toys, or housewares penny on multi-month or yearly cycles). The percentage on the tag is the clearest read; the colored dots are community lore and vary. As always, the in-store scan or DG app is the only confirmation of the real price.
FAQ
What is the Dollar General clearance markdown schedule?
Clearance generally steps down over successive weeks — commonly about 50% off, then 70%, then 90%, then a penny when the item is discontinued. New markdowns are applied weekly and items drop until they sell or penny.
What day does Dollar General do markdowns?
The system updates overnight Monday, so new markdowns and penny items usually appear Tuesday morning, sometimes later Tuesday or Wednesday.
What does 90% off mean at Dollar General?
It's the strongest sign an item is near the end of the cascade — often a week or two from dropping to a penny. Note the item and check back.
How often are Dollar General clearance events?
Roughly every 4–8 weeks, frequently over a weekend, with an extra ~50% off already-clearanced items. Timing varies by store and isn't officially published.