While you’re sitting in a sea of used wrapping paper watching the kids play with their new toys, retailers are preparing to kick off their big post-holiday sales. Because while the holiday shopping season may be built around Christmas, it’s far from over on December 25th.
With so many shoppers rushing out the day after Christmas to take advantage of those sweet after-Christmas deals, December 26th has arguably emerged as its own shopping holiday. It may even surpass Black Friday and Cyber Monday in terms of sales and success this holiday season.
The new Black Friday?
In a survey by American Express, 66% of respondents said they were planning to get in some retail therapy the day after Christmas, outranking Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which pulled in 45% and 47%, respectively.
Whether you’re buying for yourself, using gift cards received from others, or taking advantage of the sales, December 26th is a great time to shop.
Here are seven post-Christmas sales worth taking advantage of:
Future holiday gifts. Keep those beginning-of-the-year holidays in mind. Shopping for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day the day after Christmas can be a great way to save money on tools, jewelry, personalized gifts, and small kitchen appliances. Home Depot, Zales, Shutterfly, and Macy’s are all famous for slashing prices right after Christmas through New Year's Day.
Wedding gifts. Be sure to revisit those save-the-dates on your fridge before heading out to shop. If you know you’ll be attending a wedding next summer, take advantage of after-Christmas sales on small appliances, home decor, dishware, and housewares. Retailers that typically have their best sales of the year include JCPenney, Macy's, Crate & Barrel, and Cost Plus World Market.
Clothing and winter apparel. Clothing is consistently ranked among the top items featured in post-Christmas sales. Nearly half the sales that DealNews posted during last year’s sales were clothing-related. Take advantage of retailers clearing out space for their spring inventory by stocking up on coats, sweaters, and scarves.
Baby gear. Have a friend who is expecting a baby? Stay ahead of the stork by taking advantage of deals offered by retailers like Gymboree, Babies R Us, Hanna Andersson, and Children's Place. They’ll all have amazing deals as they start to clear out older merchandise.
Christmas decor and wrapping paper. Not exactly a little known fact, but holiday merchandise is deeply discounted the day after Christmas. If it’s emblazoned with a Christmas tree, it’s probably on sale. Stores that typically have the best deals include Lowe's, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, and even Pottery Barn.
Fitness equipment. Retailers know all about your New Year’s resolutions — specifically that ‘get in shape’ one. In an effort to entice resolutioners to buy fitness equipment, retailers like Sears, Sports Authority, and Dick's Sporting Goods start offering some pretty attractive incentives and coupons starting December 26th and going right through the New Year.
HDTVs. Prices on overstock TVs get slashed the day after Christmas. Be there when the doors open to ensure you’ll get the most savings. And while there will be some name brand models on sale, look for the best deals from third tier manufacturers like Westinghouse, Element, Insignia, RCA, and Ultra.