How to get the best after Christmas toy clearance prices

Christmas toy clearance is starting.  Here are the markdown schedules for all of the best sale stores. based on last year's dates. I will update this post as dates and information changes.  Not all stores follow the same dates or clearance amounts.

• Bed Bath and Beyond: 
• 50% - December 26
• 70% - January 3
• CVS: 
• 50% - December 26
• 75% - January 5
• 90% January 12
• Dollar General: 
• 50% - December 26
• 70% - January 31
• 90% - January 14
• 25¢ - January 21
• Hobby Lobby: 
• 66% - December 26
• 80% - December 29
• 90% - January 2
• Lowes: 
• 75% - December 26
• Michael's: 
• Grab Bags - January 28
• Rite Aid: 
• 50% - December 26
• 75% - January 5
• Target: 
• 50% - December 26
• 70% - December 28
• 90% - December 31
• Walgreens: 
• 50% - December 26
• 70% - January 7
• 90% - January 13
• Walmart: 
• 50% - December 26
• 75% - December 31
• 90% - January 11 

Here are some tips for getting the best deals:
  
1. Go to the stores now to see what's on sale and how much is left.
Check out the stores now to see what you want and how much inventory they have.  You'll be able to decide if you should get the items at 50% or if it's worth risking the wait to 90%.
2. Check different locations.
It's weird but different locations have different inventory.  What's popular at one location will be available at another.
3. Hide stuff?!?
I have mixed feelings about this.  I hate seeing instagram posts from people showing off how they bought every single box of a specific toy.  If you know that there are people that do that at your stores then I feel it is more than fair to hide a few items. Luggage is supposed to be a great place for hiding.
4. Make friends.
Lots of other shoppers and store employees will give you tips and point out items you may not think or know about.  Store managers and employees will run the codes for you if you are nice.  And other shoppers may even share their baskets and tips of what stores are the best to go to.
5. Check instagram.
Instagram is the best for find out what is part of the hidden sale -- items not marked but still ringing up on clearance.  Search under the store hashtag to find these items quickly.
6. Try working in a team. 
It's hard to know which store is going to be the best one to start at.  If you have a group to work with you can each start at a different location and get to more stores early.
7. Ask
A lot of people report that when something is not discounted but seems like it should be they ask for a discount and will sometimes get one.  
8. Compare prices at different stores.
Many of the same items go on sale at different stores.  Know which ones will have the best deals.

Good luck and if you have any other tips please share them in the comments.  I hope you all get awesome finds this year!!!