It's not like Christmas is over, but the sales aren't over either. The after-Christmas sales aren't as buzzed as Black Friday, but they offer up some killer deals, especially since some of the items are discounted because retailers are trying to clear out old stock or overflow, not to mention dealing with returned items instead of getting you on the hook with a doorbuster deal.
Sometimes, these sales, which start after Christmas but start in January and last until February, are even better than Black Friday. Despite the fewer discounts on newer hot-ticket items, you'll find lots of exciting price drops on all kinds of stuff, especially vacuums, coffee makers, power tools, etc.
If you're just going in blind, you'll be able to find these after-Christmas sales. Read on for some tips on how to shop the after-Christmas sales. We'll also talk about tools you can use to compare prices, so you know if you're getting a good deal.
Are the after-Christmas sales worth it?
Undoubtedly, after-Christmas sales are a popular shopping tradition, but are they worth it?
To clear out inventory, retailers mark down stuff. It's a great time to snag deals on popular items. Discounts can range from 30% to even 70% off. Many shoppers use these sales to exchange or return items, so a wider selection of stuff is available at low prices. After the holidays, stores clear out seasonal stock, including decorations, winter apparel, and holiday-specific items, so it's a great time to stock up.
With enticing discounts, buying items you don’t need is easy. Stick to your shopping list to avoid overspending. Some discounted items might not be of the best quality. Make sure the deal is worth it or if it's on sale for a reason. Almost everything gets heavily discounted after Christmas, but if you wait longer, you'll get better deals, especially on things retailers want to move away from.
What to shop for during After Christmas Sales
While your shopping should revolve around your own needs and whatever Santa might've missed on your list, certain items are more likely to get sales after Christmas. As retailers prepare for the Super Bowl, TVs tend to see big discounts. If you're not too picky, you can get a great deal since older models get a lot cheaper.
As retailers try to clear out older models, you'll see something similar happen with major appliances. Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, and everyone else have to make room for whatever space-age versions of household appliances are launching in the next year, so you won't be getting the most cutting-edge washing machines. Retailers have plenty of reason to make space for CES, which takes place every January.
In addition, you should think about those affected by New Year's resolutions related to health. After all, it's not uncommon for people to resolve to eat out less and cook more when the New Year comes around. Retailers are sure to take advantage by offering deals on fitness equipment and small kitchen appliances like air fryers.
Of course, winter clothes, linen, and anything Christmas-related will also be heavily discounted. However, since these sales are as much about retailers making space as they are about consumers getting a good deal, don't expect everything to be on sale like it was around Black Friday.
Where to shop for the best after Christmas sales
Everyone outside of maybe an Apple store gets hit with post-Christmas sales. Many retailers have a lot of stock just for the holidays, even if it's not holiday-themed, so they'll want to get rid of it to make room for whatever's coming up next. There's always new stuff on the way.
With that in mind, Amazon is always a good place to look, whether you're in the market for a bean-to-cup coffee machine or an air purifier. First, Amazon always offers the lowest prices. Second, the retailer has a great return policy, so there will be plenty of refurbished items available in January and February.
Walmart occupies a similar space. If there's a sale, Walmart will have something at a discount. And, like Amazon, Walmart has almost everything, so you'll find deals on both yard tools and kitchen appliances.
When it comes to power tools and yard tools, Home Depot and Lowe's are always good bets. However, the latter seems to have more deals on appliances.
How to shop for the best after Christmas Sales
A good sale isn't just about knowing what to look for and where to get it. It's also about the show. That might seem pedantic but deals sometimes look better than they are. It's not uncommon for online retailers or third-party shops on those retailers to inflate an item's MSRP to make sure the discounted price stands out more. However, if you research, you'll discover you're not saving anything.
First, we recommend reading reviews for everything you buy, especially bigger-ticket items. It's essential to do your homework. After trying so many items, we know which are the best air fryers and which are the best dishwashers.
While we don't cover everything, plenty of users love to leave feedback, so reviews posted on Amazon and similar sites are beneficial. However, you have to read the reviews and not just go by the aggregate score. There are plenty of fake reviews out there (check out brushing scams, for example). By reading the reviews, you'll know which are honest and what the consensus is.
Price comparisons are always a good idea when researching your potential purchase. It's not just that retailers offer different sales; some sites like Honey can give you a pricing history to know if you're getting a good deal. If you're an Amazon shopper, you should know about CamelCamelCamel, which shows pricing history since a listing went live on the site and differentiates between first- and third-party prices.
