Clearance racks and end caps can feel like treasure hunts. You see the red sticker, the markdown tag, the "final sale" sign-and your brain immediately tells you it's the best deal in the store. But ...

If you’ve been burned by a “clearance” tag that wasn’t much of a deal, you’re not alone. Walmart markdowns can be great—but they’re messy, store-by-store, and sometimes the best price isn’t the one ...