A good tip for bargain hunters: check retailer’s websites before you actually venture out to one of their brick-and-mortar locations.

Industry experts say many stores offer better prices on their sites than they do in stores because selling online entails fewer overhead costs, allowing retailers to lower prices. Companies' Web operations are also frequently run by entirely different personnel than those at the physical locations.

"It's been a problem for a lot of these retailers—they are siloed in different divisions," says online shopping expert, Michelle Madhok. "The online arm doesn't talk to the retail arm."

However, if you must have your item now, experts say you should still check for a lower price online, as many retailers are happy to match their Web prices.

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