When Do Supermarkets Put Half-Price Stickers? Discount Timing Guide

A guide to when Japanese supermarkets mark down bento and prepared foods. Includes info from former supermarket employees.

Basic pattern (2-stage markdowns):
① 5-7 PM: First markdown (20-30% off)
② 1-2 hours before closing: Half-price stickers

By store type:
- Suburban stores (Aeon etc.): Markdowns start ~4 PM, half-price after 9 PM
- Urban stores (My Basket etc.): Markdowns start ~7 PM

Best days for half-price deals:
- Wednesday/Thursday nights (stock adjustment before weekends)
- Rainy evenings (fewer customers = more leftovers)

Tips:
1. Observe your local supermarket for 1 week to learn the pattern
2. Same store = same timing every day
3. Grabbing 30%-off items gives better selection than waiting for half-price
4. Check early morning too — yesterday's leftovers get further markdowns

Target half-price bento and you can get dinner for ¥200-300.