
We’ve all spotted a clearance sticker on a product past its date and wondered, “Why is this even still in stores?” There’s a mix of economics, logistics, and regulations behind chain stores selling expired items on clearance—and knowing why it happens can help you shop smarter. From overstock dilemmas to misleading markdowns, there’s more at play than meets the eye. Let’s unpack ten of the most common reasons your store might still have those out-of-date bargains hanging around.