The best times of the year to shop online for big savings
Shopping online has revolutionized how consumers find deals, but knowing the best times of the year to score significant savings can make all the difference. Different periods throughout the year offer substantial discounts, tied to holidays, end-of-season sales, and other special events. Understanding these key times can help you plan your purchases and maximize your savings.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, is one of the most anticipated shopping days of the year. Retailers offer steep discounts on a wide range of products, both online and in-store. Cyber Monday, which follows Black Friday, focuses on online deals and often extends the shopping frenzy through the weekend.
Many electronics, including laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, see significant price drops during this period. For instance, tech giants like Amazon and Best Buy offer exclusive deals that can save shoppers hundreds of dollars. It's wise to prepare a shopping list in advance and monitor price changes leading up to these days.
Quick Tip: Sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers to get early access to Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
End-of-Season Sales
End-of-season sales are another excellent opportunity to save big. As retailers clear out inventory to make room for new collections, they slash prices on items from the previous season.
- Winter Clearance: Occurs in late January or early February.
- Spring Clearance: Happens around May or June.
- Summer Clearance: Typically found in August or early September.
- Fall Clearance: Starts in November, leading up to Black Friday.
During these sales, you can find substantial discounts on clothing, shoes, outdoor furniture, and seasonal décor. It's an excellent time to buy next year's winter coat or patio set at a fraction of the original cost.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is an exclusive event for Amazon Prime members that usually takes place in July. This two-day event offers deep discounts across various categories, including electronics, home goods, fashion, and more.
| Year | Event Date | Total Sales (in billions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | July 16-17 | $4.2 |
| 2019 | July 15-16 | $7.2 |
| 2020 | October 13-14 | $10.4 |
| 2021 | June 21-22 | $11.2 |
| 2022 | July 12-13 | $12.8 |
The popularity of Amazon Prime Day continues to grow each year. To take full advantage of the deals, consider starting a free trial of Amazon Prime if you’re not already a member. Additionally, using tools like price trackers can help you identify genuine bargains amid the plethora of offers.
Back-to-School Season
The back-to-school season typically starts in late July and runs through August. Retailers offer discounts on school supplies, clothing, electronics like laptops and tablets, and dorm essentials. Even if you’re not a student or parent, this is an ideal time to purchase office supplies or upgrade your tech gadgets at reduced prices.
A study by Deloitte revealed that back-to-school spending reached $28 billion in 2021. This period presents numerous opportunities for savings across various categories that extend beyond educational needs (source: Deloitte.com).
Holiday Promotions and Post-Holiday Sales
The holiday season brings numerous sales events beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday:
- Pre-Christmas Sales: Retailers offer significant markdowns as Christmas approaches to attract last-minute shoppers.
- Post-Christmas Sales: Starting December 26th, these sales help stores clear out holiday inventory with deep discounts on decorations, gift sets, and more.
- New Year’s Sales: Retailers provide deals on fitness equipment and organizational products as people embrace New Year's resolutions.
An interesting trend noted by RetailMeNot is that post-holiday sales often feature better deals than pre-holiday ones (source: RetailMeNot.com). It’s wise to hold off on some purchases until after Christmas if you can wait.
The best times to shop online for big savings revolve around key events throughout the year such as Black Friday/Cyber Monday, end-of-season clearances, Amazon Prime Day, back-to-school season, and various holiday promotions. By planning your purchases around these periods and keeping an eye on price trends through reputable sources like RetailMeNot.com or using price tracking tools can lead to substantial savings while ensuring you get the best possible deals.
