Winter holidays come and go quickly, even though many Christmas displays are up when stores are still discounting fake fangs and pint-sized chocolate bars. When the after-Christmas discounts, known as Boxing Day deals in many countries, arrive, many people find their credit cards empty and some purchases deeply regretted. Shopping for a large group of people makes it difficult to resist picking up a few things for oneself.
However, you may save significant money by waiting until after the Christmas shopping rush has died down. We polled three expert shoppers for their opinions on what gifts may wait until after the holidays to save the most money.
ALSO READ: Buffets Finance Review- For Traders Who Want Seamless Access to Financial Markets
The Value of Advance Preparation
Although you may have to wait longer for some items if you shop after the holidays, your savings will be well worth the extra patience. With the retail industry’s annual inventory turnover occurring in January, you can expect steep discounts on various items.
To take advantage of the discounts offered after the holidays, prepare in advance. If you plan your big purchases for the sales after Christmas, you can save a lot of money.
The editor of SavingsAngel.com, Josh Elledge, recommends that consumers “buy with the full next year in mind” if they have the means to do so and sufficient storage space. Everything from electronics to clothing to jewellery may be found at deeply discounted prices.
Here are six things to put off buying until after the holidays.
Outerwear for the Cold
New winter gear typically debuts at the upper end of the price spectrum and only gradually decreases as winter approaches. According to Carrie Rocha, creator of Pocket Your Dollars, the best way to save money on winter apparel is to plan an entire year. When the new season rolls along, stores often replace their stock twice a year, first in January and again in July. That’s why January is the best time to stock up on winter apparel for you and the kids to wear next year.
Little Presents and Playthings
After the holidays are passed, many stores are stuck with an unsold stock of cosmetic sets, toys, spa gift baskets, and other holiday merchandise. Items in this category are swiftly relocated to the clearance section to make way for the new stock.
According to Rocha, “I watch for toy clearances at 70% off or more,” and then she purchases gifts for her children’s birthdays and to have on hand for the birthdays of cousins and school friends. For the same reason, I stock up on presents for adults to have on hand for any last-minute events. You can’t go wrong with a spa set when it comes to saying “hello” to new neighbours, “thank you,” or “returning the favour.”
Adornments
Similar to the pricing of winter wear, Christmas decorations and other holiday knickknacks tend to remain relatively unchanged right up until the holiday itself. Within a few weeks following Christmas, you may expect to find great discounts of 50% to 75% on Christmas trees, lights, decor, wrapping paper, and more, “according to Crystal Paine of Money Saving Mom. “You may save a tonne of money by stocking up for next year.
Health and Fitness Aids
It goes against the fitness industry’s logic to charge more at peak demand. That’s because the after-Christmas market for fitness supplies is so vulnerable, as it depends on just one customer.
Paine argues that most people resolve to reduce weight and exercise more in the new year. The shops and gyms are aware of this, offering discounts on exercise machines, video exercises, and memberships shortly after the new year begins.
Everything from exercise balls to treadmills is on sale for the new year, but the used market has even better bargains. Wait a few months, says Paine, and you can find great prices on nearly new fitness equipment on Craigslist and garage sales that people bought at the beginning of the year but never used.
Food
While there is always a need for food, the types of foods that are popular after the holidays tend to shift. According to Elledge, the week or two after Christmas is the best time to stock up on groceries at steep discounts.
He says there may soon be a shortage of baking ingredients, wine, cheese, and seasonal product flavours. “In January, grocery stores eliminate a lot of the leftover Christmas food to make room for the healthy foods everyone seems to want.”
Sixth, the Consumer Electronics Industry
Even though Black Friday may have some superior technology deals, following the New Year, you can discover sales that are just as good, if not better, “Elledge comments. “Every year in January, the latest and greatest consumer electronics are unveiled during the International Consumer Electronics Show. With the impending release of new models, stores are eager to clear out their inventory of the previous year’s versions.
Where Can I Find After-Christmas Deals?
Sales of winter apparel, gadgets, decorations, fitness equipment, and toys are expected after the holidays. Food items like seasonal treats and baked goodies are also on sale.
After Christmas, when do sales often begin?
The day after Christmas or the day before is often the beginning of the deals that follow the holiday season. After the holidays, deals frequently continue through the new year.
Does It Make Sense to Shop After Christmas?
You can save a lot of money by putting off Christmas shopping for a few select things. The most efficient tactic is to prepare by making a list of the things you need but would like to purchase at a discount.
ALSO READ: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MANAGE FINANCES?