With Christmas over and Super Bowl on the horizon, January is a big month to score deals on purchases for the home. Everything from holiday decor and big-screen TVs to sheets, towels and digital scales is on sale this month. Deals on furniture and appliances may also be available.
- Clearance is king. If you’re patient and aren’t particularly fussy about selection, it’s a great time to score deals on Christmas decor, the overstock on small appliances meant for gift-giving and household helpers needed throughout the year such as gift wrap, tape, and scissors. The savings can be as high as 90 percent.
- Super savings. It doesn’t matter who ends up playing in the big game, American retailers have turned the Super Bowl into a sales opportunity. Go ahead and buy the BOGO pizza and snacks, but think big and save even more on items for the home. Big-screen TVs and man-cave-style furniture such as comfy sofas and recliners are always on sale in the weeks leading up to the big game.
- Inventory time. Retailers take stock of what they have in the showroom in January so they’re often willing to cut prices on big-ticket items such as furniture and appliances, especially on last year’s models and styles.
- New Year’s resolutions. Who hasn’t turned over a new leaf with the new year and vowed to lose weight? Retailers are ready, offering up discounts on fitness and exercise equipment for the home such as treadmills and ellipticals. Also discounted in January are digital scales to help you track those weight-loss goals.
- White sales. Stores have been offering “white sales” on sheets, towels, comforters, and other linens every January since the late 1800s, a tradition said to have been started by retailer John Wanamaker. Both brick-and-mortar and online retailers offer deals. It’s a great opportunity to replace old and dingy bedding at a fraction of the cost.
- Air conditioners. Both window and central air conditioning systems are at their cheapest prices in the fall and winter. As the demand for these products drops so do the prices.
- Shop smart. Before making any major purchase, do your homework. Consumer advocacy groups, websites, and magazines such as Consumer Reports, Wise Bread, Nerd Wallet, and Money, regularly publish buying guides and tips.