What Time Do Japanese Supermarkets Put Out Half-Price Stickers? 2026 Chain-by-Chain Guide

⚡ 30-second answer: Markdown-sticker timing is not set by law or a nationwide rule — each store decides for itself. But there's a clear pattern: ①a first markdown (20-30% off) around 5-7pm, and ②half price 1-2 hours before closing is the most common two-stage rhythm. Since the same store marks down at almost the same time and in the same order every day, a week of watching is enough to crack your local store's pattern.

Quick reference	Rule of thumb
First markdown (20-30%)	Around 5-7pm
Half-price stickers	1-2 hours before closing
How it's decided	Store's discretion (same store ≈ same time daily)
Most-discounted items	Deli, bento, sushi, fresh items with same-day expiry
Last verified	July 2026

"What time do the half-price stickers go out?" — the honest answer is "it depends on your store," but that's not useful, so this guide covers it in three layers: ①nationwide tendencies, ②known chain-by-chain traits, and ③how to crack your own store's pattern.

How markdowns work — why the timing differs by store

Discount stickers are an operation to sell down same-day-expiry items before they're thrown away. When they go out is the store manager's or a staffer's call, and it shifts with foot traffic, stock levels, and even the weather. So there's no nationwide "X o'clock."

But because each store's staff routine is fixed, markdowns start "at almost the same time, from the same aisle" every day. The trick isn't memorizing a clock time — it's learning your store's routine.

The common two-stage pattern

• Bento, deli, and sushi are marked down first, then same-day meat and fish
• 24-hour stores have no "before closing," so they often mark down during the midnight-to-early-morning restock (around 0-2am or 5-6am)

Chain-by-chain tendencies (※varies by store)

Known tendencies for frequently searched chains. The exact time differs per store, so treat this as a starting point for observation.

Crack your store's markdown pattern in one week

1. Watch the floor in the evening once on a weekday and once on a weekend (note when the sticker staff make their rounds)
2. Watch the order items are marked down (deli → sushi → meat follows almost the same route daily)
3. On rainy days and holidays, stock is left over, so markdowns come earlier and deeper
4. To catch half price, join the round as it starts (popular items are gone once stickers are on)

Etiquette and cautions

• Don't trail the sticker staff and hover — many stores treat it as a nuisance, and some have scrapped markdowns because of it
• Items are mostly same-day expiry, so eat what you buy that day
• Most stores take cashless payment. Visiting Japan? See cash vs card in Japan

FAQ

Q: What time do Japanese supermarkets put out half-price stickers?

A: There's no nationwide rule — it's each store's discretion — but a first markdown (20-30%) around 5-7pm and half price 1-2 hours before closing is the most common two-stage pattern. The same store marks down at nearly the same time daily, so a few visits reveal its pattern.

Q: Does Gyomu Super have half-price stickers?

A: Because it's already cheap, discount stickers are used sparingly at many branches. Instead there's often a clearance cart — check that (practice varies by store).

Q: What time do depachika markdowns start?

A: Around 1-2 hours before the department store closes (often 8pm). Popular counters draw lines and sell out in minutes. See the depachika half-price sticker guide.

Q: When do 24-hour supermarkets mark down?

A: With no "before closing," they usually discount during the overnight-to-early-morning restock (around 0-2am or 5-6am, depending on the store). This also varies a lot by store, so watch once at night.

Last verified: 11 July 2026. Markdown timing and practice differ by store and can change. This article describes general tendencies and does not guarantee any specific store's discounts.