Seasonal sales are the perfect opportunity to stock up on essentials, grab gifts, and treat yourself without breaking the bank. Events like Black Friday, back-to-school sales, and holiday clearances can offer deep discounts—if you know how to shop smart. Here are the secrets to scoring the best deals during these sales events.
1. Plan Ahead for Big Sales
The key to successful seasonal shopping is preparation. Keep a running list of items you need or want, and prioritize them based on urgency and budget. Knowing what you’re shopping for helps you avoid impulse buys and focus on real deals.
2. Research Sale Dates
Familiarize yourself with major sales dates, such as:
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Electronics, appliances, and apparel.
• Back-to-School Sales: Office supplies, tech, and clothing.
• End-of-Season Sales: Winter gear in spring, summer apparel in fall.
• Holiday Clearance: Decorations, gifts, and seasonal items post-holiday.
3. Sign Up for Retailer Alerts
Retailers often announce deals through email newsletters or mobile apps. Signing up ensures you’re the first to know about exclusive promotions, flash sales, and early access deals.
4. Compare Prices Before You Buy
Not every sale is a true bargain. Use price comparison tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to verify if a deal is worth it. This is especially important during events like Black Friday, where inflated “original prices” can make discounts seem better than they are.
5. Shop Early for High-Demand Items
Hot-ticket items, such as electronics and trendy apparel, sell out quickly during sales. For these products, shop as early as possible, especially during doorbuster deals.
6. Wait for Deeper Discounts on Non-Essentials
For less urgent purchases, patience pays off. Many seasonal sales offer deeper discounts as the event progresses, particularly during holiday clearance sales.
7. Utilize Cashback and Rewards Programs
Maximize your savings by stacking discounts with cashback apps like Fluz, Ibotta, Rakuten, or Fetch Rewards. Many credit cards also offer increased rewards for shopping during promotional periods.
8. Use Coupon Codes
Combine sale prices with coupon codes for additional savings. Websites like RetailMeNot and store apps often feature promo codes specific to seasonal sales.
9. Take Advantage of Price Matching
Many retailers offer price-matching policies during sales events. If you find a better deal elsewhere, some stores will match the price, saving you the hassle of shopping around.
10. Don’t Overlook Clearance Sections
Seasonal sales often include markdowns on clearance items. These sections can be treasure troves for heavily discounted merchandise, especially for clothing, home goods, and décor.
Timing Tips for Popular Seasonal Sales
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Shop early for tech and home appliances, but wait for Cyber Monday for online-exclusive deals.
• Back-to-School Sales: Peak deals occur mid-July through early September, especially on tech and supplies.
• Post-Holiday Clearance: Stock up on holiday décor, wrapping paper, and winter clothing in January.
• End-of-Summer Sales: Outdoor furniture and grills are significantly discounted as retailers clear space for fall merchandise.
