by Linsey Knerl

JCPenney is a popular shopping stop where household items, clothing, and décor can be found at savings of up to 90% off--if you know when to buy. We give you the scoop on the best ways to save at this national chain.

Sign up for a JCPenney Card and Save Money

Though we wouldn't tell you to get credit for the sake of credit, it may be a good idea to sign up for a JCPenney store card to have access to exclusive savings opportunities. How good are they? Very good. In fact, by having an active account with them (even if you never use the card), you'll get $10 off purchases of $10 or more at least quarterly by mail.

Shop the JCPenney Outlets

With big savings to offer customers (and a great selection of larger sizes, including Big and Tall Men), shopping at JCPenney outlets can be a super savings strategy. (For a list of all JCPenney outlet locations, visit OutletBound.com.

Shop the JCPenney Catalog to Save Money

Online shopping is pretty slick, but catalogs still have their benefits. By signing up for JCPenney catalog mailings, you can take advantage of exclusive offers in their overstock and clearance catalogs. These items usually sell out quickly, and can give customers a savings of up to 90% off!

JCPenney Insider Savings Tips

Store managers have some of the best tips to offer shoppers:

  • Check your receipt: Each receipt from your store purchase offers an opportunity to fill out an online survey based on your shopping experience. By taking a few minutes to share your feedback, you will be rewarded with a 15% printable coupon for your next shopping trip! (Limit of one survey savings opportunity every 30 days.)

  • Look in the newspaper: Check your local newspaper on weekends for circular inserts containing big savings. They will usually include money-off coupons based on your total purchase amount ($10 off $50, for example).

  • Watch out for VIP events: JCPenney holds a quarterly VIP event on Sunday evening that offers big discounts. If you are signed up for the store credit card, you will get a postcard in the mail notifying you of the event.

  • Go to Friends and Family events: Another fantastic quarterly savings opportunity is the Friends and Family event. If you are acquainted with an employee, they can give you a coupon allowing you to use their 20% discount.

Quick and Dirty JCPenney Savings Tips

JCPenney has several other ways to save, and according to a spokesperson for the company, knowing the following quick and dirty tips can save you more cash:

  • Shop online: Buy online, and save on items that may not be available at your local store. Since it costs a bit to have items delivered, look for free shipping promotions that require a minimum purchase. (Shoppers will be happy to know that return shipping for any catalog or online item is free.)

  • Look for store-wide sales: Sales happen nationwide, so if you find it on sale in one store, odds are great that you will find the same low price in another store. Sale events offer savings of up to 70% or more, and they can last anywhere from 1 day to a week. Seasonal merchandise often offers the biggest chance to save (look for denim sales during back-to-school shopping, gifts and gadgets before Christmas, jewelry before Valentine’s Day, women’s clothing before Mother’s Day, and men’s clothing before Father’s Day.) For even more savings, check out the outlets, clearance racks, and overstock catalogs.

  • Watch for clearance markdowns: Clearance markdowns can occur at any time, but the most widespread reductions will happen at the end of January, the end of June, and the end of September (before the new seasonal items are put out.)

  • Visit the JCPenney website: Advertised promotions and printable coupons can be found at the JCPenney website, and customers can sign up for special email newsletters for even more inside info on the latest deals.

This is the final episode of The Dealista, hosted by the personal finance blog WiseBread.com. To keep up with what we’ll be doing next, and to save big money in the meantime, visit our Daily Deals at WiseBread.com/bestdeals. We’ll be offering daily savings, coupons, and freebies to help you live large on a small budget. Thanks!