A clever customer has demonstrated that timing is everything when it comes to snagging incredible food bargains, after visiting her local Itsu outlet just half an hour before closing and walking away with a heavily discounted feast.
The Last-Minute Gamble That Paid Off
Visiting a restaurant or cafe shortly before it shuts for the day always carries an element of risk. While establishments that prepare meals to order typically don't present problems, fast-food joints and cafes offering pre-made items like sandwiches and salads often have depleted stocks by day's end. However, one woman decided to take that chance at her neighborhood Itsu, having heard rumors about substantial price reductions during the final thirty minutes of trading.
How Itsu's Closing Time Strategy Works
The Asian-inspired food chain implements this pricing approach as part of their effort to minimize food waste. By slashing prices on remaining items during the last half-hour of operation, they increase the likelihood that surplus food will be purchased rather than discarded. This creates a win-win situation: customers access affordable meals while the business reduces unnecessary waste.
In a TikTok video that has since gained considerable attention, shopper Danielle revealed that Itsu cuts prices by 50% during those crucial final minutes. She decided to test this at her local branch to see what kind of deals she could secure.
The Queue and The Selection
Despite arriving exactly thirty minutes before closing time, Danielle found several customers already waiting in the eatery, all anticipating the price reduction to make their purchases. This clearly indicates that word about this money-saving opportunity has spread effectively among bargain hunters.
"At first, I was a bit worried we weren't going to get anything," Danielle admitted. "But there was actually quite a lot of food left over. Not much hot food though, just a few things of dumplings and miso soups. But there were a lot of sushi and salads."
Although positioned toward the back of the queue, Danielle still found a decent selection available when her turn came to choose. She noted her limited familiarity with Itsu's menu but managed to select several appealing items.
The Impressive Haul and Savings
Danielle ultimately purchased four items: hoisin duck bao buns, miso soup, a king prawn poke bowl, and a salmon and avocado dragon roll. Her total expenditure came to just £11.95.
Had she paid standard prices, the financial picture would have been dramatically different. The poke bowl alone typically costs £10.75, the miso soup retails at £3.45, the salmon sushi is priced at £7.50, and the duck bao buns usually sell for £7.75. This would have created a combined total of £29.45 for the same items.
While Itsu advertises a 50% reduction during their closing sale, Danielle actually secured an even better bargain. Based on the approximate £30 original price, a 50% discount should have resulted in a £15 payment. Instead, she paid barely £12, representing savings of over 60%.
Viewer Reactions and Alternative Options
Those who watched Danielle's video expressed astonishment at her substantial savings. Many commented that they were previously unaware of Itsu's closing time discounts and planned to visit their nearest outlet to take advantage.
One viewer exclaimed: "Oh my god, I wish we lived closer [to an Itsu]!" Another shared: "I used to work next door to one and every close I'd get BAGS of free sushi. I miss it so much."
Danielle also highlighted that Itsu's approach offers a significant advantage over services like Too Good To Go, which provide mystery bags of reduced-price food from various establishments. With Itsu's closing time discounts, customers can specifically choose from available items rather than receiving an unpredictable assortment.
Practical Considerations for Bargain Hunters
For those considering trying this strategy themselves, Danielle offered some practical advice. While she purchased her items for an immediate evening meal, she noted that the discounted food would work perfectly for the following day's lunch if you don't need to consume it immediately.
This approach requires some planning and flexibility, but as Danielle's experience demonstrates, the potential savings make it worthwhile for budget-conscious food lovers seeking quality meals at dramatically reduced prices.
