5 Stores Frugal People Completely Avoid, According to This Ramsey Expert

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In a TikTok video, Rachel Cruze surveyed her frugal followers to see which stores they typically avoid.

Even if you weren’t familiar with the below stores, a quick scan of these places reveals price tags that would convince most people to walk out without buying anything. From the responses Cruze received, most people said they would never shop at the following five stores.

Also here are four things frugal shoppers never waste money on.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom sells high-end fashion with pricing to match. You’re paying for brand names and a luxe shopping experience, so the store simply isn’t centered around getting more bang for your buck. If you’re not exactly excited about spending $150 on a blouse, then Nordstrom isn’t the store for you.

Instead of digging through Nordstrom’s clearance section to find something that won’t make your wallet tap out, visit Old Navy or Uniqlo for quality basics and occasional trendy pieces that sometimes mimic Nordstrom’s style without the price hike.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie delivers boutique style but the pricing is sky high. It’s normal to find dresses going for $228 or candles priced at $136. The aesthetic is aspirational, but when you don’t have a spare $200 to spend on one dress there are other stores that would better suit your budget and still feel like shopping at a boutique.

H&M’s clothing and home decor lean toward bohemian and minimalist styles, much like Anthropologie does, but the prices are more affordable. You can find simple cotton dresses for less than $40 and home finds that feel luxe without the financial strain. Alternatively, you could also find unique, affordable pieces by scouring Urban Outfitters during a sale or by searching through the clearance section.

Target

Whenever you visit Target, you walk out spending far more than you originally planned. It’s a fine-tuned combination of strategic layouts, bright lighting and lack of windows that seemingly makes you forget what you came in for originally while convincing you to buy more. When you want to start saving money and eliminate excess purchases, try shopping at Dollar Tree or Family Dollar for household necessities that are far cheaper than Target. You’re not going to find premium fashion or lavish home goods, but if you’re seriously trimming expenses, this is an intentional buy instead of a browse-and-spend experience.

Publix

Publix is like the Beyoncé of grocery stores. It’s beloved, has great service, but is also pricier than your typical supermarket. For staple items, you’re paying a premium every week you go back to stock up. To cut back on your grocery bill, try shopping at Trader Joe’s or Aldi. These two stores consistently ranked as one of the most affordable grocery stores in 2025 according to TheKitchn.com.

Lululemon

When you’re frugal, a $100 pair of Lululemon leggings is out of the question. Lululemon nailed the athleisure look, but most frugal people will say similar performance gear exists for way less. It’s a great product if you absolutely love it, but it’s not the best return on investment when you’re trying to save money.

The more affordable alternative? Fabletics or Old Navy. You get leggings and workout gear that perform well without the heavy price tag. So you’ll enjoy the same comfort and way less buyer’s guilt.

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