The supermarket bakery department relies on visual appeal. The displays feature towering cakes, fresh artisan breads, and warm cookies. The aroma of baking dough encourages shoppers to spend premium prices. However, this department operates under a strict biological clock. Baked goods degrade rapidly. A crusty baguette turns hard within 24 hours. Supermarkets cannot sell day-old bread at full price. To solve this inventory problem, stores slash prices aggressively at the end of the day. Understanding this cycle saves you cash. Here is a look at the late-night markdown and when stores discount fresh bakery items.
