7 ways to score big savings during your holiday shopping

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- With Christmas just around the corner, this is the season for power shopping! And if you are bypassing the so-called off-price stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall's, you could be missing out on big savings.

The two retailers plus Home Goods all are under the same company, so the pricing structure is similar.

Here's what you should know:

Typically, the stores get new inventory every week day, Monday through Friday. But during the holidays, it's every day. A manager at the River Oaks Marshall's told me markdowns at her store happen every two to four weeks.

Clearance items are marked with a big red sticker, usually a 20 percent or more drop in price. We spotted a leather Italian hand bag was on clearance for $99, originally at TJ Maxx for $149.99. If you are lucky enough to spot the tags that have been marked with two red stickers, the savings are tremendous an Oscar De la Renta dress had an original tag of $699, but it was marked with a double red sticker that had a price of $199, a savings of $500.

If you see purple tags in the store, it indicates it's from what TJ Maxx calls "The Runway," high-end clothing and styles at a discounted price. Expect a discount of 40 percent.

And if you think these items are last year's fashions, we spotted a Ralph Lauren dress currently at Macy's.com for $89.99. The same dress sells at TJ Maxx for $59.99.

Don't forget toys! We spotted savings better than Walmart like a Little Tyke Basketball goal at Marshall's home goods for $29.99, Walmart's price $10 more!

And finally, don't discount the gourmet food! A 2016 Starbucks coffee Holiday Blend is a big money saver at TJ Maxx. The price is $9.99 for an 18-ounce. of ground coffee. At Target, a 10-ounce bag is $7.99.

The biggest markdowns to happen right after Christmas and at the end of the summer.