While the majority of inventory is being ushered out the door, it's important to remember that not everything in a store may be on sale. Electronics, especially those released within a month or two of Christmas, will not be marked down. Wait until after new gadgets announced at the annual Consumer Electronics Show hit shelves in March for deep discounts on last year's models.
Other things to wait on:
- Exercise equipment and fitness clothes (on sale in the spring)
- Luggage (on sale in September)
- Grills and patio furniture (on sale in autumn)
- Humidifiers (on sale in February)
- Consumer electronics, such as MP3 players, DVD players, or laptops (on sale in spring)
So, what things can you find the best deals on in January?
Winter clothing (sweaters, leggings, fleece, scarves, gloves, coats, boots): pretty much any type of cold-weather fashion must go!
Designer handbags: making way for their spring color collection, end-of-year colors are now at 50-80% off
TVs: Traditionally, televisions go on sale two weeks before the Superbowl in February, but consumers can expect to find the best deals of the year as early as Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.
Holiday decorations (Christmas trees, twinkle lights, ornaments, greeting cards, wrapping paper): stock up for next year with items 70-90% off. A friend recently purchased a giant pre-lit tree for $17 and got next year's box of 50 Christmas cards for $0.49
White Sale (towels, bed linens, pillows, blankets): A department store tradition that dates back to 1878, linens are at their lowest price of the year in January. These sales originated to entice customers to go shopping during the slowest retail month of the year. Discounts average 60-70% off.
Winter sports equipment
Home furnishings: sofas, bed frames, bookshelves, storage
Mattresses: averaging 70% off
Tax preparation software: buy it now for discounts of up to 40% off; this deal won't be around in February
Take advantage of 25% off gift cards at GiftcardGranny.com (or sell your own unwanted gift cards from the holidays for cash.)
Another tip is to start searching for Valentine's Day gifts for your sweetheart amongst the Christmas sale leftovers. Jewelry, fragrances, and chocolate prices skyrocket during February due to the demand for the holiday, but right now, you can still find occasion-appropriate gifts at a fraction of the price. There's nothing more romantic than scoring the perfect present at a quarter of the cost... just as long as it's not a Santa Claus charm bracelet.
What are the best deals you've found this month? Leave a comment below!
