CLEARANCE STUFF!
THAT’S WHERE THE BEST BUYS ARE IN JANUARY
CHRISTMAS CLEARANCE –
You’ll find deep discounts on trees and lights, ornaments, Christmas gift wrap, ribbons, and all manner of Christmas decor, holiday dinnerware and table linens AND CHOCOLATE! – did I say CHOCOLATE?
While you WILL find discounts in the early part of January of as much as 60-70%, keep your eyes open for extra percentage off coupon discounts in newspaper ads as well as on the individual retail websites, and expect to find deep discounts on the remnants of what is available later in the month.
CLEARANCE ON COLD WEATHER CLOTHING AND BEDDING
You’ll find great discounts on jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, fleece, blankets, flannel and fleece bedding and throws.
This is a great time to guess what sized winter coats your kiddos will be needing next year and pick up new ones for as much as 70% off. Again be aware of extra percentage off discount coupons in newspaper ads and on individual retail websites. The longer you wait into January, the deeper the discounts, but you’ll have less inventory to choose from.
ELECTRONICS CLEARANCE-
New high end electronics come out in January, so retailers will be discounting the big TVs still on the shelves. Last year Best Buy cut their big TV prices by 25%. But you’ll also find some good deals on those NEW TVs. For the best prices on both, wait until the last two weeks before the super bowl, which will be played on February 7, 2016.
The first week of January is the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas NV. They’ll be showing all kinds of new electronic gadgets, which retailers will want on their shelves, and in order to make room for them, they’ll be cutting prices on other electronics. If you’re looking for a new laptop, you’re in luck. Laptop sales have been slow lately, so they are likely to be discounted in January.
CLOTHING CLEARANCE-
Winter clothing will be discounted to make way for the spring lines. It is a great time to stock up on the clothing your children will be needing next Fall and Winter, as well as warm clothing for the rest of the Winter.
BOOTS CLEARANCE-
I told you to wait, and – FINALLY – January is here with the best time to get great deals on boots. I’m already on the lookout for a new pair of boots. We’ve had about a foot of snow for almost a month at our Central Washington State home, and my suede boot are not doing a very good job of keeping the snow out.
You’ll find clearance prices on boots both in retail stores and online. Be on the lookout for coupons and coupon codes to get additional discounts.
CLEARANCE FURNITURE –
Because most furniture companies put out their new products in February and August, retailers will be making room in their showrooms for the new lines of furniture, so if you are in the market for some new furnishings, this is a good time to look. Your very best prices of the year will be in July, but you’ll still find great discounts in January. Keep in mind that there will likely be big sales over the MLK holiday weekend.
CARPETING –
Lots of people put in new carpeting for the holidays, but rolls of carpeting remain in the flooring stores and home improvement centers. Those carpets will be discounted, so if you are in the market for new carpeting, now is a great time to look.
FOOD –
January is also a good time to buy Kiwi fruit. Winter is a great time to buy citrus fruits. We keep Satsumas or Clementines in our fruit bowl throughout the winter. Bananas, pears, apples and avocado prices are good all year round. The best available vegetables in January, include carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, kale, cabbage and spinach. Potato prices are generally good all winter long. To find the freshest produce for your area, check out this interactive map from Epicurious.
Because people are so health conscious at the first of the year, you are likely to see some really good deals on organics or “health foods.”
Prices on eggs, beef and chicken appear to be remaining steady, though high, but prices for milk and milk products are likely to rise slightly this month.
ORGANIZATIONAL AND STORAGE –
Because many people work to reorganize their homes and businesses during the first part of the year, you’ll find all kinds of bins, baskets, totes, shelving and other organizational containers for home or office on sale this month.
“WHITE SALES”
January is white sale time. White sales traditionally include all kinds of linens, bedding, table linens, place mats, blankets, towels, sheets, kitchen towels and pot holders. Now is the time to stock up on these items for your home as well as for wedding or bridal shower gifts later in the year.
ACTIVE WEAR –
Fitness wear and training shoes as well as active wear for the entire family are on sale in January. You won’t find the absolutely best prices of the year on them until about June. There will be sales on workout equipment in January – of up to 25% off, but if you are wanting to get the best prices of the year, hang on until this summer for the best prices on work out clothing and equipment.
APPLIANCES-
Though you’ll likely find the best deals or selections on last years appliances in September or October – when the new lines of appliances come out, January is a good time to buy, since dealers are trying to cut their inventory. For the best time to buy in January look to the MLK weekend for good deals or wait until President’s day in February. For good deals just about any time, check online. You may find some coupon code deals as well as free shipping and /or installation.
MOTORCYCLES –
I recently read that January is the best time to buy a motorcycle, because throughout much of the US, it is too icy to ride one, so they don’t get sold. If you are in the market to buy one, get your best deal and park it until Spring.
Thanks for a really informative post. I love a good bargain!
Thank you Adele – I notice from your address that you are from the UK. I’m quite curious to know if these shopping tips are relevant to you folks in Great Britain as well?
We’ve found some great clothing on clearance in the past week. I don’t care what season they have on sale. If it’s winter and they have summer on sale, then I’ll buy if the price is right and pull it out when it’s time. Some people can’t stand doing that, but I have a system that seems to work. 🙂
I am so impressed with those mamas who are able to buy the on sale clothing at the end of a season AND keep good track of it – so that they have it readily available when it is needed. I really applaud you. My family is grown now, so if I buy it for them, I’ll generally put it in my gift drawer which I DO keep track of!
These are all great ways to save. I have friends that hit the New Year’s Day sale at Dillard’s every year. The store has 50% off all their clearance items and you can save a lot of money. The only problem is the stores are PACKED. I think it’s worse that Black Friday, so I seldom go,
I’m a little anti-crowd myself. I’ve found that there are a lot of great clearance deals ALL the month of January. I keep checking for great clothing deals whenever I’m out and about.
I love shopping the clearance racks, thanks for the great tips!
You are so welcome. This is one of the most awesome times of the year to get clearance buys too.
I love your tips on what is best to buy right now! I can’t wait to get to the mall!
This really is encouraging. I have had doubts about the value of putting out these “what to buy” posts. Comments like yours make me want to keep doing it. Thank you so much.
I so much miss the days I lived in the States and one of the things I miss the most are the clearance days!
What ways do they clear the shelves of non seasonal products (such as Christmas items)? Since I’ve lived in several countries, the differences in commerce fascinate me.
It seems to odd to me that the winter gear is marked down in the dead of winter! I loved finding bargains. Thanks for a great list. 🙂
You know, Michelle, that never made sense to me either. The explanation I find is that they need space to put out the spring lines of clothing. Seems a little premature to me as well.
Awesome list! Loving all the clearance sales in our town.
Thanks Nicole. Appreciate the encouragement. I was shocked to see yesterday that our local Walmart had completely clearanced away ALL the Christmas stuff. When I went looking, they had replaced it with home and garden. Not sure who is going to need weed and feed on our frozen tundra, currently covered with snow.
Thank you for the informative post! I love a clearance sale?
It is my honor. I really do enjoy the research – which helps my family as well!