January holiday sales

The Ultimate Guide to US Holiday Sales

Although sometimes it feels like in the United States, there is always something on sale, there are a handful of important dates through the year you surely must know. Sure, some shopping strategies will help you to get a better price just about any time. But there is nothing better than shopping on particular dates known for fat discounts. That's when the holiday sales come in.

Some holidays have a firm date, and Americans observe them every year on that date, regardless of the week's day. For instance, Independence Day is always celebrated on July 4, no matter if it's Sunday or Wednesday. Other holidays are observed on a particular day of the week, regardless of the date. One example might be President's Day, which is always celebrated on the 3rd Monday of February. One year, the date is February 15, while another year 2020, it might be February 21.

Here we compiled the list of most important dates you must know to get the biggest bang for your buck, month by month:

January

Those sweet first weeks of January, virtually everything that was not sold before Christmas goes on sale. Apart from that, on January 16, there is a Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Although a federal holiday, it's not known as a big significant sale event. Nevertheless, it's January! The month after Christmas. As said, most stores want to get rid-off last year's merchandise to attract shoppers with sales for the whole month. Some say that the best shopping deal is to be made the weekend before January 15. However, we think that during the latter half of January, retailers are eager to unload their stock of winter merchandise even more. Expect discounts of 50 percent off or more on all winter clothing, mainly coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, and boots. What else to buy in January? Sporting gear. For retailers, winter is over. They already think about Eastern. For you, well, you have maybe three more months of cold weather for skiing and other winter sports. Weirdly enough, the fitness and wellness gear are on sale in January as well. Perhaps something to do with the New Year's resolutions enthusiasm?

One less known fact: Since the 1800s, in the United States, January has been historically known as the month of "White Sales," when all types of linens are discounted. Why they still call it "white"? Well, there used to be times when all linens had only one color, white. Even today, you can head to online department stores for deep discounts on sheets, comforters, bedding, towels, and other linens. In all colors and designs, you can imagine, of course. It could be an excellent time to upgrade your bathrooms or kitchen.

February

There are two important dates this month - Valentine's Day on February 14 and President's Day on February 20. The winter is almost over, so you can buy all winter gear and apparel at a discount now. And thanks to heavy competition among jewelers, you can expect discounts across all types of fine jewelry a few weeks before Valentine's Day. Since this day is about love and emotions, lingerie retailers like Victoria's Secret try to take advantage of it by offering discounts, too. Time for sexy.

March

Although there are St. Patrick's Day and Easter in March, none is the event of a classic sale in retail. Nevertheless, winter is almost gone. That means that you can get huge discounts on all winter stuff still unsold, including skis, boots, boards, winter clothing, and all winter sports accessories. Luggage and all kinds of bags and backpacks are on sale in March, too.

April

The Japanese fiscal year ends in March. That means all Japanese goods, like televisions, stereos, digital cameras, and other electronics,s are on sale as they try to get rid of old stock. April is also a good month for beauty products, as the spring makeup lines are coming out this month. Make sure to check sites offering coupons.

May

There are two essential Dates in May, Mother's Day on May 8 and Memorial Day on May 15. Both stores and Americans are getting ready for the summer season and looking for spring clothing and camping gear. You will get the best deals during Memorial Day weekend.

June

After Mother's Day, there is Father's Day in the United States on June 19. Perfect time to shop for all kinds of men's fashion. Think neckties as a traditional gift. Other goods on sale are men's "toys," here think all sorts of gadgets and tools.

July

July 4, Independence Day. You know, the day Americans kicked the British butts, won the war for Independence, and got free from the terrible British oppression. Whether the British were so awful or even occupants is a matter of opinion, we won't go into it here and now. What we all can agree, Independence Day is now one of the most important American holidays. If you were here in the United States, you would see more trucks with an American flag than any other time a year. The truth is, nowadays, it's mainly about beer and barbeque. And shopping, of course!

Apart from barbeque and beer, Americans also love camping. Usually, they do all three together. But what that means for you? Sale on camping gear and everything connected to camping, tents, canopies, hunting, and fishing gear (do not forget that we must not ship anything related to firearms, though). One of the best stores you can think of is Cabela's. The good news is, there is more in July. Notably, a Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale, Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale, and Amazon's Prime Day. You will get deep discounts on a wide variety of Amazon products.

August

There is no holiday in August, but there is still plenty of items where August is a good month to shop. Summer is almost over, so you can snap up some summer clothing. There may not be many hot and sunny swimming days left, but that's precisely why swimsuit clearance sales will give you the best prices in the whole year. So, buy new swimsuits now to stock up for next year or winter vacation somewhere warm. It's also back-to-school season. Even if you're not shopping for school, it's an excellent time to buy, for your home office perhaps. Pick up cheap items like binders, pens, highlighters, and other office stuff, plus laptops and computer accessories. Coupons are usually plentiful.

September

Labor Day - another important American public holiday, celebrated on the first Monday of September. With summer officially over in September, just about everything summer-ish goes on sale. Outdoor and patio items, camping gear, tents, and sleeping bags last for years, so why not buy them when one in September? And of course, summer clothing and shoes are on sale, too. There are also specific Labor Day sales, like Macy's Super Weekend.

October

Columbus Day remembers Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is observed on the second Monday of October. This long weekend in October is falling out of fashion, and sales will be modest compared to other three-day weekends. However, you'll still find deals on clothing and home goods. And there is also Halloween on the last day of October. If you celebrate Halloween or just like to buy a dress cheaper, now when summer is definitely and entirely over is the right time. There is one particular item to shop for in October, however - iPhones. New iPhone models are usually announced in September and ship to stores in November. That means sellers typically mark down previous-generation iPhone models in October.

November

November is packed with important dates when it comes to shopping. November 11 - Veteran's Day. There are some sales on Veteran's Day but hold off. Wait for the most significant sale event of the year, Black Friday. Note that there is also Cyber Monday just after that.

Thanksgiving Day - the most important of all US holidays. It's always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Right after the feast, the very next day - Black Friday. The biggest sale event of the year! What you may not know, Black Friday is meant for shopping in person, in brick-and-mortar stores. You will find many items with a massive discount on the Internet, and we suggest looking for the deals. There are even websites that make searching for Black Friday's deals easier. Check out Bfads.net, BlackFriday.com, TheBlackFriday.com, or SlickDeals.net. Nevertheless, choose carefully. For many things, you will get better deals on another occasion. Toys, bedding, outdoor and fitness stuff, winter clothing, jewelry, or tools are examples of goods you will get better deals on at another time.

For online shopping, there is Cyber Monday! Right after Black Friday, sort of its online rival. As Black Friday is mainly about big retail companies, Cyber Monday allows smaller stores to compete with larger ones. Cyber Monday is mostly about technologies. So, where are the best deals on Cyber Monday?

All kinds of gadgets, devices, and appliances. Tech stuff such as phones, earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, or cameras. You'll find generous discounts on these items, as well as countertop items such as food processors, slow cookers, and espresso machines. Cyber Monday is known for "doorbuster" deals on electronics - TVs, laptops, computers, gaming consoles, printers, and other electronics. Do your research, Google what you want, compare prices, and don't rush. Do not jump on a deal that seems too good to be true. Take the time to read reviews. And feel lucky you shop on the Internet, whenever in the world you are, because retail shopping in the USA is just CRAZY!

December

Yes, Christmas, one of the most beautiful times of the year. But also a shopping frenzy, sometimes pretty stressful. You may want to unload yourself a little bit by shopping online. Merchants are trying to move product in the last weeks before Christmas and right after Christmas. Everything that was on sale and was not sold is on sale in December, too. Pretty much everything is being sold with a discount in December.

Toys are among the usual suspects. Only popular toys, those who are "in" right now, might be the exception, as retailers try to make money riding the wave.

Don't forget about the days after Christmas: Many retailers run after-Christmas sales between December 26 and January 1. And then all start over again…

Travel Deals, Sales and Bargains to Look Out For Now

Photograph: Lucky Team Studio / Shutterstock.

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From flights, trains and hotels to package holidays, these are the best travel deals right now

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‘Tis the season to be jolly. That’s right, it’s travel sales season – and you could get huge discounts off trips for 2023 and beyond. Cheaper flights, trains, cruises, hotels, rentals, packages and more are all ripe for the taking.

Prime travel sale season lasts from Black Friday all the way through to the January sales. From flights and accommodation to package trips, below are all the travel deals to know about right now.

Packages

easyJet Holidays

easyJet’s package holiday arm is offering up to £300 ($361) off trips lasting all the way up to October 2024. Find out more here. Ends January 31.

Lastminute.com

Lastminute.com is offering flight/hotel package deals with discounts of up to £300 ($361) and reduced deposits. Destinations include the Maldives, Crete, Rome and Edinburgh – see more here. Ends January 31.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic Holidays – that’s the airline’s package holiday branch – is offering discounted trips to USA and Caribbean destinations such as New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Jamaica and St Lucia. Check out all the deals here.

Thomas Cook

All-inclusive holidays are heavily discounted by Thomas Cook, with hundreds of pounds off trips to destinations such as Mexico, Barbados, the Canary Islands and Egypt. Find out more here. Ends January 31.

loveholidays

Online travel agent loveholidays is offering up to 15 percent off selected hotels in destinations such as Corfu, Majorca, the Canary Islands and the Algarve. Find all hotel deals here. Ends January 31.

G Adventures

Adventure travel company G Adventures has up to 25 percent off trips throughout 2023. Cuba, Vietnam, Ecuador and New Zealand are just a few of the destinations featured – find out more here. Ends January 31.

Trains

Eurostar

Cross-channel high-speed rail operator Eurostar has one-way tickets from London to Paris, Lille, Brussels or Rotterdam for just £39 ($47). Included travel dates are between January 23 and March 24, and the deal is live until January 16. Find out more here.

Flights

British Airways

BA is offering a variety of discounts on both long- and short-haul trips to destinations around the world. Find a full range of discounts on the website here. Ends January 31.

easyJet

Budget airline easyJet has up to 20 percent off flights between the UK and Europe up for grabs, for travel between January 18 and September 30 2023. All the details are here. 700,000 seats are up for grabs in total – when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Ryanair

Ryanair has a bunch of getaways throughout next summer available for just £29. 99 ($36). Venice, Porto, Barcelona and Ibiza are just a few of the destinations included in the sale, which you can find out more about here.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s new year sale has flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Auckland going for just $1,175 (£975), with other options from Honolulu, Chicago and Houston. Find out more here. Ends January 16.

Cathay Pacific

Looking for long-haul bargains? Cathay Pacific has huge discounts on flights between the UK and destinations such as Thailand, Australia, Japan and Vietnam. Travel dates range from February 1 to June 30 2023 and you can find out more here. Ends January 31.

Accommodation

Hilton

Save up to 20 percent on Hilton hotels throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East by booking here. Expires January 31.

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Many people have faced the situation when shopping trips or shopping on the Internet during the New Year holidays turn into unplanned purchases against the backdrop of record discounts. 78.ru figured out whether discounts help Petersburgers save money or vice versa.

For many years, preparations for the New Year holidays have started in Russia almost in mid-October. Retailers announce in advance grandiose sales of delicacies, durable products for the New Year's table, non-food items for gifts. Chains specializing in home and repair goods are not far behind. But the real avalanche of purchases falls on the pre- and holiday days of January.

Experts warn that chasing crazy discounts and rushing to grab everything that comes to hand is not the smartest idea. Discounts on products have long been a constant story. And with regard to non-food products, as soon as the holidays pass, a wave of attempts to return purchases begins, the quality of which leaves much to be desired. But this becomes clear only later. At the same time, many do not fit into the 14-day period allotted by law for a return.

According to the press service of X5 Retail Group (Pyaterochka, Perekrestok and Karusel chains), the traditional New Year's set - tangerines, sparkling wine, caviar and sweets - remains unchanged in the baskets of citizens. Sales of citrus fruits almost double during New Year's Eve. Sales of champagne increase more than 4.5 times, and vodka - only 1.5 times. Sales of caviar in the region almost doubled in the last week of the year.

In Pyaterochka, citizens most often buy sweets (sweets, muffins and rolls) before the holidays, as well as canned vegetables. At Perekrestok, the list already includes sparkling wine, liquor and vodka products, and at Karusel they stock up on creams, beauty products, and New Year goods (Christmas decorations, electric garlands, pyrotechnics).

— On the other hand, sales of waffles, milk and dairy products, pies, cereals and pasta are falling before the holidays, — the retailer's press service noted.

According to the experience of previous years, in December the number of customers in the stores of the network increases by 10% compared to the average annual indicator, and the main customer flow falls on the last week of the year.

- It is the last week of the year that brings the company a third of December revenue, - they stated.

According to the co-owner of Real Group of Companies Alexander Myshinsky, in December there is an increase in purchases by 4-5% compared to November. But the biggest increase is observed on the last two days of the year, when everything is bought in bulk. The volume of purchases increases by 40%. After that, in the first week of January, a fall is already noted. For food products, it is 30-40%.

- It is difficult to single out any "hits" of sales. Everything is different from year to year,” he admitted, using the example of PRISMA representatives, about the multiple growth in sales of electric garlands in St. Petersburg this year.

According to the press service of IKEA RUSSIA, demand is increasing for goods needed on the eve of the New Year celebration. These are tables, chairs, home textiles, lighting, utensils for cooking and serving.

- The fall in demand for any category is not particularly highlighted. In many respects, this is also due to the fact that Russians receive bonuses at the end of the year and the desire to invest in the renovation of the house during the New Year holidays, they explained.

As experts unanimously note, every year New Year's discounts are increasingly losing popularity among the population. The fact is that sales due to a six-year drop in real incomes among Russians have become a constant thing.

Igor Berezin, President and Chairman of the Council of the Guild of Marketers, is sure that sane people have long stopped buying for the future, as the story with shares has become permanent, unless there is some "hype story with a rise in the price of buckwheat."

— Before the New Year there is a great marketing ploy "Black Friday" in November, then "Cyber Monday", and after the holidays - the Old New Year, then February 23, March 8, then the spring sale, then May and so on ad infinitum, - says the expert .

In his opinion, the sell-off story is a natural move for trading. Discounts are given for things that are not taken apart at the originally declared price after some time. Suppose no one takes the goods of such and such a firm at such and such a price. And if it is halved, then there will be more applicants. But the product has already been on sale for a certain time. For some goods, this is not fatal, but food is another matter.

Finding out whether the price of a product is really discounted, and not just crossed out to attract attention, costs nothing for young people - there are corresponding applications in mobile phones for this. And the elderly, who are forced to save money because of small pensions, already know the "red price" very well.

- Whether buyers benefit from discounts, and whether the price of sales really falls, you need to look in each specific case if a person aims to save money. For example, this year sugar has fallen in price by 40% by now, but this is not the most important New Year's product. Coffee during purchases has risen in price by 20%, but the price on the shelves as part of the New Year's promotions has so far remained the same. Is it a discount or? asked Alexander Myshinsky.

Candidate of Economic Sciences, member of the Marketing Guild Elena Ponomareva says that discounts are good for buyers when it comes to New Year's paraphernalia, Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, toys, gifts. That is, on the so-called emotional goods that are able to sincerely please a person or his loved ones, and are needed precisely “here and now”.

- However, there is one caveat with the same artificial Christmas trees and decorations. It happens that the buyer really wants to buy an expensive spruce, but he does not have enough money. So for such a product in the first days of January there will be a larger discount than in December. Since it is clear that no one will need further Christmas trees. It is logical to wait with the purchase, especially if there is little money, the expert emphasizes.

Quite often, the list of "emotional" purchases includes gifts for children, the same "tablets", which then become cheaper in January. Many parents break down and buy just to please their child. But you can also agree on a "deferred gift" with him.

- If we are talking about everyday products, shampoos, three jars of green peas for salad instead of the necessary one, then you need to stop yourself. The fact is that in the networks after the New Year, in the first days, there is a lull, and that's when the real sales begin, ”explains Elena Ponomareva.

According to her, stopping is not easy, but quite real.

- It is worth asking the question of how realistic it will be to eat everything purchased and meet the storage deadlines. One more question: "do you really need all this for the New Year?" And if the answer “no” flashes through your head first, in no case should you make a purchase. It is good to recall the experience of last year, when on January 5-6, the revision begins in the refrigerator, and the products are sent to the trash. And no matter how trite it may sound, but, nevertheless, everyone constantly forgets about it, you should never go to grocery chains hungry and without a preliminary list, the marketer advises.

Tatyana Suetova, head of the expert service of the Society of Consumers of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, notes that complaints about goods begin to come to their organization after the end of the New Year holidays. There are few applications in December.

- Just during the holidays, people discover that what they bought in a hurry and on the run turned out to be defective or not suitable due to some other reason. There was no time to check everything qualitatively because of the New Year's fuss. It is not uncommon for someone to receive two identical items for the New Year. And with such defective or "double" goods, people are in no hurry and wait until the last, and as a result they do not fit into the 14 days allotted by law for a return. And nothing can be done, and the money is wasted,” the expert gives examples.

Tatyana Suetova also reminds me that there are some goods that, in principle, cannot be returned. These are all complex electronics, underwear, jewelry, cosmetics, books, medical devices, medicines, mobile phones, fabrics, dishes, building materials, perfumes, etc. They must be checked especially carefully.

Customers also complain about goods purchased in regular stores and on the Internet. The ratio here is about 50 to 50%. Due to the activation of scammers, it is not worth taking risks on New Year's Eve and during holidays with non-Petersburg online stores, which cannot be "reached with your feet". It is not uncommon for people to return damaged goods to out-of-town online stores, but in the end they do not receive money in return.

Sometimes sellers refuse to accept goods that were damaged before purchase, referring to the fact that they were purchased at a discount. If the price tag does not indicate the reason for the price reduction, they do not have the right to do so. But then you often have to figure it out in the courts.

when, date, participants of the action

You don't need to be an avid shopaholic to know that November is the best time for shopping. At the end of autumn, Black Friday takes place all over the world - a promotion when stores arrange a sale and offer their goods at the lowest prices.

Black Friday in Russia in 2023 will last three days and cover both retail and online stores. Those who like to save money will be able to purchase everything they need - from groceries to real estate - with decent discounts.

What date is Black Friday in Russia in 2023

The Black Friday promotion in Russia in 2023 will last three days.

Start : November 23, 2023 at 00:00 Moscow time.
End of : November 26, 2023 at 23:59 Moscow time.

It happens that retailers announce a promotion on other dates - some earlier, some later. Therefore, when planning purchases, study the conditions in the store you are interested in in advance.

Some retailers refer to any of their sales as "Black Friday" sales, taking advantage of brand awareness. This is not prohibited by law, but they have nothing to do with the international Black Friday. Therefore, if you want to choose goods at a discount among a large number of stores, be guided by generally accepted dates.

Best Discounted Items

Black Friday 2023: Where to Find the Biggest Discounts

Black Friday discounts are offered by both offline stores and online retailers. In the first case, you yourself will have to go to the mall, hunting for the right product. In the second, it is easier to use aggregator sites, where all the offers of online stores are collected on one site.

This is just a part of Black Friday partners. The full list is on the website blackfridaysale.ru

History of "Black Friday"

Black Friday was invented, as expected, in the country of prosperous capitalism - in the USA. Pre-Christmas sales were held there back in the 19th century, but in their modern form they took shape much later - in the middle of the 20th century. Black Friday in the United States falls on the day after Thanksgiving and opens the Christmas sales season.

There are two versions of the origin of the share name.

The first says that the term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia, where residents were unhappy with the accumulation of cars outside the stores, arranging sales. The streets became literally "black" and hopeless due to such traffic jams.

The second version has a more positive meaning and refers to the idiom "in the black", which means "positive balance", that is, high profit.

The fashion for Black Friday came to Russia in the 2010s, in the early years the action was held on other dates. However, soon the sellers in our country synchronized with the rest of the world, and Black Friday in Russia in 2023 will be held simultaneously with other countries - at the end of November.

Useful tips

To save your nerves and money during the general sale fever, without spending your entire salary on unnecessary, but cheap things, use our tips.

1. Make a list

Everyone knows the rule: if you don't want to buy too much in a store, come to it with a shopping list. This tip applies to sales as well, because it's so easy to lose your head surrounded by "up to 90% off" signs. A list of what you plan to buy will become an anchor in a sea of shopping hype and help you stop in time and not buy what you really do not need.

2. Get Ready

Planning months in advance is a great help during the November sale. At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, make your wish list of goods that you would like to buy on Black Friday, and return to it from time to time to track price fluctuations. So you can easily notice if the seller artificially inflates the price on the eve of the stock. Various programs and applications for a computer or phone will help in this matter, which will track the cost of selected goods for you.

3. Check delivery terms

If you prefer to shop online, check out how the store delivers in advance. Each online retailer sets its own rules for free and paid shipping. Be sure to check this point before paying so that it doesn't cost you more to receive the product than to buy it.

4. Be careful

Shopping is a gamble, it's easy to get carried away and lose your guard. However, no matter how much you are in a hurry to the checkout, stop to see if you have taken a defective product. Inspect it from all sides, check whether it turns on or not, look at the expiration dates. Some dishonest sellers take advantage of sales to sell stale or low-quality goods.

5. Use cards with cashback

If you know for sure that you will spend a lot of money on the sale, do not be too lazy to get a debit or credit card with cashback. Paying for purchases from it, you will receive a percentage of the money spent back.