If you want to save big, timing is everything. Throughout the year, there are certain months and holidays that consistently bring deep discounts across a wide range of products. From Black Friday blowouts to back-to-school bargains, here is your guide to the best times of the year to shop for major deals and make your purchases count.
Black Friday (Day After Thanksgiving)
Black Friday is known as the king of shopping holidays in the U.S. After everyone has had their joyful Thanksgiving celebrations, retailers will slash prices on nearly all products they have available. Some flash sales even start as early as midnight or Thanksgiving evening. You’ll easily be able to save hundreds of dollars on big-ticket items. Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season, while also delivering some of the best discounts of the year.
Cyber Monday (Monday After Thanksgiving)
Cyber Monday is an online shopper’s dream, and while it was created to boost e-commerce, it now rivals Black Friday in its popularity. Steep markdowns are mostly made on tech, certain home goods, and subscriptions. Many of these deals are also exclusive to online stores like Best Buy and Amazon, which usually go all out for that time of year.
Amazon Prime Day (Usually in July)
Amazon Prime Day is exclusively for Amazon Prime members and takes place over two days during July. Nearly all product categories on Amazon will have massive deals, from kitchen gadgets and electronics to fashion and personal care. But be warned, limited stock items and lightning deals sell out really fast, so plan ahead to get what you want. You might even see other competing retailers dish up deals of their own, so if you don’t have Amazon Prime, consider giving it a try.
Labor Day Weekend (Early September)
Labor Day sales are usually held over the first weekend of September, mainly focusing on home appliances and furniture. At this time, summer is at its end, opening up the market to clearance pricing so retailers can make room for fall inventory. This is the best time to shop if you’ve been eyeing a patio set, a brand new grill, or some summer clothing.
Memorial Day Weekend (Late May)
Memorial Day brings big discounts to all sorts of American items. Most deals will stick around for the whole weekend, focusing mainly on outdoor and indoor items. Since it also unofficially kicks off summer, you’ll also find some great deals on tools, gardening supplies, and winter clothing. You might even see some in-store and online deals start a few days early.
Back-to-School Season (Late July to Early September)
Starting in late July through early September, back-to-school sales target teachers, families, and students returning from their break. It’s without a doubt the best time to buy any sort of school supplies like laptops, backpacks, dorm essentials, and stationery. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Staples offer many buy-one-get-one deals along with varying bundles. Tech companies also provide some fantastic student discounts on software and computers.
End-of-Season Clearance Sales (Late Winter/Summer)
As the seasons change, retailers will clear out their old inventory to make room for newer stock. Winter apparel, like boots and coats, will usually get marked down around February and March, while summer apparel is discounted in August. Many of these sales will offer up to 70% off, making an ideal opportunity for any bargain hunter who needs a wardrobe upgrade.
After-Christmas Sales (December 26 Onward)
The days that follow Christmas usually come with waves of clearance sales as retailers try to get rid of their excess holiday stock. Products like seasonal items, gift wrapping, and decorations see the best discounts. You might even find some discounts on tech and toys that didn’t sell out before the end of the holidays.
Presidents’ Day Weekend (Mid-February)
Presidents’ Day is celebrated in mid-February, and retailers promote this holiday with their extended weekend events, lasting from Friday to Monday. You’ll find some fantastic deals for home upgrades, as the long weekend is used to clear out inventory and offer limited-time financing offers. You can also expect to see some fashion and electronics discounts.
Tax-Free Holidays (Varies by State)
Some U.S. states have tax-free holidays or weekends that allow shoppers to purchase goods without having to pay sales tax. The time for each of these holidays varies by state, but first, check to see if your state even allows tax-free holidays before you get excited. The savings do depend on your local tax rate, but it’s still a good time to buy higher-priced items like electronics.
Valentine’s Day Clearance (Mid to Late February)
Usually starting on February 15, many chocolates, heart-themed décor, and stuffed animals will go on clearance, sometimes with up to 75% off. This makes for the perfect time to stock up on small gifts and sweets so you can use them in future occasions, but you can also use them for personal enjoyment. You might even see fragrances or jewelry receive markdowns.
Fourth of July Sales (Early July)
The Independence Day sales bring much more than fireworks. Retailers usually take advantage of the summer holidays, putting discounts on lawn furniture, grills, summer apparel, and outdoor gear. These promotions usually last for the holiday weekend, with many bundles and coupon codes also being released. It’s also one of the last sales before back-to-school, making it a smart time to prep for some late-summer enjoyment.
Green Monday (Second Monday in December)
Green Monday was coined by eBay and falls on the second Monday of December, with the day being considered one of the biggest online shopping sprees in the holiday season. It’s also the final chance you have to snag great gifts that have a guaranteed delivery before Christmas. Retailers might also offer free shipping and last-minute holiday markdowns. So if you missed out on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don’t worry, Green Monday is there to save the holidays.
New Year’s Clearance Sales (Early January)
When the new year begins, stores might still have some leftover holiday-themed items, old tech, and winter clothing they want to get rid of. Therefore, discounts on nearly every “old” product will appear, especially those aligned with New Year’s resolutions like workout gear. You’ll also find some good deals on TVs, since the Super Bowl isn’t that far away.
Super Bowl Weekend (Early February)
Even though you might not be a football fan, you have to admit that Super Bowl weekend has some amazing deals on TVs, other home entertainment products, and snacks. There’s nothing better than watching your favorite shows on a massive flat screen, with crisp sound, while you munch away on some essential snacks. While this might not be the biggest sale of the year, it can still offer up some good deals, so keep your eyes peeled.
