🏷️ Introduction
If you’ve been browsing discount outlets, you’ve probably seen two terms pop up everywhere — bin stores and liquidation stores. While they sound similar, there are key differences in how they operate, what they sell, and how shoppers find deals.
Here’s a simple breakdown so you know which one fits your bargain-hunting style.
🧺 What Is a Bin Store?
Bin stores are one of the fastest-growing trends in the discount world. These stores receive pallets of customer returns or overstock items from major retailers like Amazon, Target, or Walmart — then dump them into large bins for shoppers to dig through.
How bin stores work:
- Prices start high at the beginning of the week (for example, $10 per item on Friday)
- Prices drop daily
- After the lowest priced day, items are restocked and the price goes back up
- Inventory changes weekly, so every visit feels like a new treasure hunt.
Best for: thrill-seekers and bargain hunters who love surprises, since you never know what you will find.
📦 What Is a Liquidation Store?
Liquidation stores operate more like traditional discount outlets. They buy bulk inventory, such as pallets and truckloads of shelf pulls, returns, and overstock. These stores usually organize products on shelves by category and price different items individually.
You can find a wide variety of items at liquidation stores. This includes grocery items, clothing and shoes, home goods, and more.
Best for: resellers or shoppers who want to browse organized deals.
⚖️ Key Differences: Bin vs. Liquidation Stores
| Feature | Bin Store | Liquidation Store |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Fixed daily price that drops over time | Individual product prices vary |
| Layout | Large bins filled with mixed items | Organized shelves or pallets |
| Experience | Fast-paced, treasure hunt | Calm, easy browsing |
| Best For | Bargain hunters | Resellers / organized shoppers |
| Inventory Refresh | Weekly | Ongoing |
💡 Which One Is Better?
It depends on your goals:
- Looking for cheap surprises? Go to a bin store.
- Looking to resell or find specific products? Visit a liquidation store.
Many shoppers enjoy both since both are like a treasure hunt, since you never know exactly what inventory the stores will have.
🗺️ Find Both Near You
Use the Liquidation Store Finder map to explore liquidation outlets across every state and also in Canada. For finding bin stores, check out Bin Store Finder!
✅ Conclusion
Bin stores and liquidation stores both offer incredible savings and unique experiences. Whether you’re hunting for personal bargains or business inventory, knowing the difference helps you make the most of every deal.