Celebrate holiday today, then sales tomorrow
You shopped. You spent. Now you and your wallet are as worn out as Santa’s weary reindeer after their global jaunt.
Chances are, the last thing you want to do is shop after several frenzied weeks of sales and spending. However, cunning consumers know that the holiday shopping season doesn’t stop when St. Nick kicks up his heels. It merely stalls until stores reopen on Monday for a slew of after-Christmas sales.
Some of the most significant savings of the season — and maybe the entire year — will be available after Christmas Day as retailers look to liquidate leftover seasonal goods and excess inventory.
“If you aren’t completely fatigued from months of savings events, after Christmas sales provide one more chance to scoop up big discounts,” Julie Ramhold, savings expert with DealNews.com, said.
Shoppers can expect deep discounts on seasonal goods, including Christmas decor, trees, ornaments, cards, wrapping paper, bows and tags.
“When people think of the best after Christmas sales, holiday decorations may be the first thing that comes to mind, followed in a close second by seasonal candy,” Ramhold said. ”And with good reason, honestly — the day after a holiday is the best time to pick up items related to said event because of the massive discounts.”
There are discounts that extend well beyond holiday frills. If you’re looking for bargains or have gift cards to cash in, here are some suggestions on what to buy and where to shop.
Best post-Christmas buys
Clothing: In 2021, the savings sleuths at DealNews.com discovered that about a quarter of the post-holiday deals were for clothing and accessories. Major department stores, like Kohl’s, Macy’s and JCPenney are expected to pare down prices on apparel, particularly cold-weather digs.
Video games: Gaming consoles top many kids’ Christmas wish lists and while there were incentives on games throughout the season, sales after Christmas could also be enticing. Stores will compete and offer added incentives and BOGO deals to those looking to beef up their game libraries.
Toys: Clearance sales on toys started before Santa hitched his sleigh, but expect prices to slide even more. It’s a great time to stock up on games and toys that will make great birthday gifts throughout the year.
Personal care products: Retailers are eager to get rid of any remaining gift sets. Prices of pre-packaged sets of bath, shaving, fragrance, oral care and cosmetics will be immediately marked down. Prices on any leftover beauty-themed advent calendars will also be reduced.
Furniture and home decor: You may be a tad tapped out, but the tail-end of the year is a good time to save on furniture and home decor. Wayfair’s end-of-year clearance event is already under way, shaving 75 percent off select products. In the past, Ikea’s year-end sale featured up to 50 percent off select items.
Gift cards: They are consistently the most popular gift to give and receive, according to the National Retail Federation. Along with the perpetual growth in gift card giving has come a slew of exchange websites where you can purchase unwanted gift cards that didn’t quite hit the mark. Sites like Raise.com and CardCash.com offer consumers a secure marketplace to purchase discounted physical and digital cards.
Candles: Seasonal candles will get marked down almost immediately following Christmas. So be on the lookout for anything pineor cranberry-scented, as well as candles decorated with snowflakes and other winter or holiday motifs.
Best post-Christmas pit stops
Amazon: The e-commerce titan’s after-Christmas sale begins Dec. 26 and runs through New Year’s
Eve. It is expected to be packed with thousands of discounts on Amazon devices, electronics, toys and beauty care.
Bath & Body Works: The store’s semi-annual sale kicks off just after Christmas and includes deep discounts on holiday scents, shower gel, body lotion and air fresheners. Prices instore will be reduced by as much as 90 percent. Deals online will be less significant, with discounts on select products topping out around 50 percent.
GameStop: Last year, GameStop offered up to 50 percent off games stacked with a buy one, get one free promotion.
Michaels: The craft store will begin unloading holiday stock immediately. Expect to save as much as 60 percent off initially, but discounts will reach as high as 90 percent off by mid-January.
Nordstrom Rack: In late 2021, Nordstrom Rack hosted its Clear the Rack sale that included goods reduced by as much as 75 percent. Plus, shoppers can take an additional 25 percent off selected red-tag clearance items. Keep your eye out for similar savings this year.
Target: The retailer will start marking down toys and games just after the holiday by 30 to 50 percent. On Dec. 28, the retailer will further reduce goods by 70 percent. Expect price reductions to peak at 90 percent off or more just before the new year. You can also save on holiday merch, including pajamas, as well as beauty and food gift sets.
Uniqlo: Last year, Uniqlo slashed men’s clothing prices by as much as 80 percent, Ramhold said. Prices start at $6 for shirts, $15 for hoodies and $20 for pants.
Ulta Beauty: The beauty store’s popular Jumbo Love sale runs through early January and includes steep savings on liter bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Prices on any leftover stocking stuffers will also be greatly reduced. Be sure to check your email for coupons to stack the savings.
Walmart: Discounts on holiday decor began days before Christmas, but expect seasonal goods to be further reduced. Look beyond the holiday clearance racks because there will be deals throughout the store on toys and tech.