Rumor has it that the following shopping categories are often discounted during January and February.
1. Gym memberships
Getting in shape is usually a top New Year’s resolution. Many gyms and health clubs take full advantage, offering deep discounts in January to catch some of this business. DealNews recommends waiting until the end of the month. During this time, sales associates may be more inclined to offer better rates or additional perks to meet membership quotas.
Those who prefer to workout at home may find great deals on fitness equipment and wellness products. At the time of this writing, NordicTrack and Peloton are both showcasing reduced prices for the new year.
2. Furniture
If indoor furniture is on your shopping list, January may be the ideal time to find a bargain. According to The Spruce, you may find prices slashed as much as 10% to 60% in the beginning of the year. This is because most furniture stores begin rotating in their new styles in January and July. You can also take advantage of holiday sales. Check in with your local retailers to see if they have any Presidents’ Day promotions. This could translate to a weekend of savings in February.
3. Holiday-themed items
Retailers are usually itching to offload holiday-themed décor and gift sets come January. Walmart is known to cut prices immediately after Christmas. By late December, a variety of decorations were already 50% off. Macy’s and JCPenney were offering similar discounts.
Those on the hunt for beauty products should know that Ulta has historically offered significant discounts on holiday gift sets well into January. According to the Krazy Coupon Lady, you may be able to stack additional post-holiday coupons to save even more.
4. Winter clothing
You might not expect winter gear to be cheaper during the colder months, but winter clothes are often on sale in January and February. Kohl’s usually showcases a winter boot sale with discounts as steep as 40% off, according to the Krazy Coupon Lady. Nordstrom Rack is also known for its beginning-of-the-year clothing and accessories sale.
Last February, the Presidents’ Day events at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom reduced prices by as much as 80%, according to Slickdeals. The Gap, Anthropologie and Old Navy also boasted February markdowns as high as 50% off.
5. Bedding
Discounts tend to pop up for sheets, blankets and other bedding items in January. Long known as “white sales,” these promotional events help retailers clear out old inventory and make space for new items. NerdWallet reports that consumers can expect discounts to the tune of 60% to 70% off, though you could save even more if you find a promotion that coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Consumer Reports adds that February is also an ideal time to buy a new mattress, thanks to Presidents’ Day. The next major sales event here usually happens during Memorial Day weekend.
6. Televisions
The Super Bowl is a major home entertainment event. As such, many retailers reduce prices on TVs. According to Good Housekeeping, there’s another factor at play. TV manufacturers typically debut their newest models in March. Ahead of that, many retailers will put older TVs on discount to help clean out inventory before the latest collections arrive. You might be able to save hundreds of dollars purchasing an older model during the beginning of the year. If you can save more with a Presidents’ Day sale, all the better.
7. Handheld tech
You might score savings on tablets and smartphones when Presidents’ Day rolls around in February. Consumer Reports says it’s a particularly good month for deals on the most recent Samsung models. Apple iPhones, on the other hand, are usually cheaper during the holiday shopping season.
Computers may also be less expensive than normal in February. According to DealNews, you can expect markdowns as high as 70% off on a variety of desktops and laptops.
8. Valentine’s Day essentials
Valentine’s Day goodies like flowers and chocolates don’t have a very long shelf life, but some items are built to last. Slickdeals reports that Valentine’s Day 2021 brought discounts on everything from fine jewelry to beauty products to designer handbags. It might be worthwhile to see if your local spa is offering any discounted packages as well. Last year, Massage Envy was throwing in a free $25 promo card for those who bought $100 worth of gift cards.
Understanding how retail cycles work can give you a leg up as a consumer. The end goal is saving money and helping your paycheck go further. DailyPay is right behind you, allowing you to access your earned pay whenever you need it.
