Edited by Jennifer Tanaka; Reported and written by Christopher Adamson, Taryn Bickley, Lizzie Garrett, Annette Gonzalez, Rebecca Little, Megan Lovejoy, Becca Milfeld, Pauline Shih, Jennifer Wehunt, and Christopher Wrenn

Photography by Michael Boone Photography and Joe C. Moreno

B. Markowsky gold purse, $64 (originally $248), at T.J. Maxx

In a recession, the old adage "Time is money" gets flipped on its head in favor of the other, more useful mantra: "Why pay more?"

Why, indeed? Through visits to dozens of stores, we compiled our comprehensive guide to the very best destinations for getting top-notch stuff—everything from clothing and luggage to appliances and home-renovation supplies—at dramatic savings. And because getting the best for less sometimes means ferreting out finds from lower-price merchants, we didn’t hesitate to include biggies such as Target, Costco, Ikea, and Home Depot when they excelled in specific categories.

Granted, bagging treasures the bargain-shopping way takes time, a bit of driving around, and a keen eye for quality. Small pains, we think, for keeping dollars in your pocket at a time when every single one of them counts.

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