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The Best Deals of the Year: What to Buy in January and February

January and February are excellent months to score fantastic deals and stock up on essentials, thanks to post-holiday clearances and seasonal trends. Retailers offer discounts to attract shoppers during the slower months, making it an ideal time to plan your purchases strategically. Here’s a guide to the best items to buy in January and February, covering everything from electronics to travel deals.

January: Post-Holiday Sales Bonanza

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Looking for January deals? Check these out:

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1. Fitness Equipment and Gym Memberships

woman and man lifting weights. Dumbells.
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With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, many retailers offer significant discounts on fitness equipment like treadmills, dumbbells, and yoga mats. Gyms often waive initiation fees or provide discounted memberships to attract new customers.

2. Holiday Decorations and Gift Wrap

gift paper. Wrapping paper.
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Stores slash prices on leftover holiday decorations, wrapping paper, and cards. Stock up now to save money for next year’s festivities.

3. Winter Clothing

winter driving.
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Retailers start clearing out winter apparel to make room for spring collections. You can find great deals on coats, boots, hats, and gloves. Shop early for the best selection.

4. Electronics and Tech Gadgets

small electronic device.
Nick Beer via Shutterstock.

January is prime time for scoring deals on electronics, including TVs, laptops, and smart home devices. Many retailers offer discounts to capitalize on the post-holiday lull and clear out inventory before new models are released.

5. Bedding and Linens

Panting dog. Bed.
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January marks the annual “white sales” event, where bedding, towels, and linens are heavily discounted. This tradition dates back to the 19th century and remains a great opportunity to refresh your home essentials.

6. Fitness Apparel

women in exercise clothes.
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Alongside equipment, activewear often goes on sale. Look for discounts on items like leggings, sports bras, and running shoes.

7. Furniture

Gorgeous living room.
Image credit BM_27 via Shutterstock.

New furniture collections typically arrive in February, so January is an excellent time to buy floor models or discontinued styles at discounted prices. Retailers are eager to clear space for incoming stock.

8. Holiday Returns

return present. bad present.
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Many retailers discount open-box or returned items that are still in excellent condition. You can find deals on electronics, kitchen gadgets, and more. Amazon has a “pre-owned” section too!

9. Financial Products

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January is also a good time to evaluate financial services. Banks often promote savings accounts, credit cards, and loans with attractive terms to start the year.

February: Preparing for Spring

February calendar.
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It might still be winter, but Spring deals appear in February.

1. TVs and Home Entertainment

Netflix.
Image credit DIA TV via Shutterstock.

Leading up to the Super Bowl, retailers heavily discount TVs and home entertainment systems. It’s one of the best times of the year to upgrade your viewing experience.

2. Winter Sports Gear

skiing.
Zoom Team via Shutterstock.

As ski season winds down, retailers start discounting winter sports equipment like skis, snowboards, and boots. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, February is the perfect time to snag a deal.

3. Jewelry

Trying on rings.
ROMSVETNIK via Shutterstock.

Retailers often have sales on jewelry leading up to Valentine’s Day. This makes February a great time to purchase a gift for your significant other or treat yourself to a piece of fine jewelry.

4. Mattresses

trying mattresses.
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Presidents’ Day sales in February bring significant discounts on mattresses and bedding. Many retailers also bundle promotions, offering free delivery or financing options.

5. Tax Software and Services

Online accounting.
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As tax season approaches, discounts on tax preparation software and services are common. Early birds often get the best deals and avoid the last-minute rush.

6. Winter Apparel Clearance

Woman in hat, coat and gloves.
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February often sees even deeper discounts on winter clothing as retailers try to clear out remaining inventory. It’s a good time to buy next year’s winter wardrobe at a fraction of the cost.

7. Automobiles

renting car. Cars parked.
Dmitry Kalinovsky via Shutterstock.

Dealerships often offer incentives to boost sales during the slow winter months. With year-end inventory still available, you can negotiate favorable terms on a new or used car.

8. Home Goods and Appliances

woman making smoothie. Overflowing blender.
Image credit Maridav via Shutterstock.

Small appliances like blenders, coffee makers, and air fryers are often discounted in February. These sales coincide with Valentine’s Day and other seasonal promotions.

9. Broadway Tickets and Entertainment

woman in theater.
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January and February are considered off-peak seasons for Broadway and other entertainment venues, leading to reduced ticket prices. It’s an excellent time to enjoy a show without breaking the bank.

Year-Round Smart Shopping Tips

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  • Compare Prices: Use apps and websites to compare prices and track discounts. Tools like Honey, Rakuten, and CamelCamelCamel can alert you to price drops.
  • Check Clearance Sections: Retailers often have hidden gems in their clearance sections. Take your time browsing for deals.
  • Shop Off-Season: Purchasing items out of season, like swimsuits in winter or snow gear in summer, can save you a considerable amount.
  • Use Loyalty Programs: Many stores offer loyalty points or rewards programs. Sign up to maximize your savings on future purchases.

Conclusion

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Image credit Nomad_Soul via Shutterstock.

January and February present unique opportunities for savvy shoppers. From fitness equipment to winter apparel, these months offer a chance to score big savings on a wide range of items. By planning your purchases and keeping an eye on seasonal sales, you can make the most of these months while staying within your budget. Whether you’re upgrading your TV for the Super Bowl or stocking up on next year’s holiday decorations, smart shopping strategies will ensure you get the best value for your money.

10 Affordable Ways to Winterize Your House When Funds Are Tight

woman in sweater in home in winter.
Tanya Dvoretskaya via Shutterstock.

As winter approaches, many homeowners in older houses face the challenge of keeping warm without breaking the bank. I’ve researched and compiled the most cost-effective ways to winterize an old home when funds are tight. These practical tips will help you stay cozy while keeping your energy bills in check.

READ: 10 Affordable Ways to Winterize Your House When Funds Are Tight

9 Of The Most Regretted Purchases People Still Regularly Make

Buyers remorse.
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Many people regret trying to keep up with the latest trends, whether it’s buying expensive fashion items, fancy gadgets, or luxury cars; the initial excitement often fades quickly, leaving behind feelings of disappointment. It’s essential to focus on what truly brings long-term satisfaction rather than chasing fleeting trends. Let’s take a look at a few trends and costly items that are best avoided.

READ: 9 Of The Most Regretted Purchases People Still Regularly Make

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Author

  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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