Everyone knows you can get pretty good deals after the holidays have come and gone. Sadly, lots of last year’s selection is pretty picked over.
Historically though, this is a great time of year to shop for certain items that are on major sales — sometimes up to 70 percent off.
The first category is home appliances. The box stores that cater to home improvement are a great place to find appliances on sale. The savings are even better when you buy packages like washer and dryer combos.
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The next category is furniture. Furniture follows fashion. Retailers are trying to get rid of last year’s styles to make way for newer models in the spring, just like winter fashion is making way for “Resort” collections.
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Flooring is another category that goes on major discount this time of year. (Do you see a pattern here?) Did too much entertaining ruin your carpet or laminate flooring over the holidays? This is the perfect time of year to update flooring — and maybe it’ll even inspire you to start your spring cleaning early!
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White sales are also HUGE in January. The first “White Sale” dates back to the 1800′s, where a Philadelphia retailer started offering sheets, towels, bedding and other linens at deep discounts. So peel off your flannel sheets and make room for crisp new colors for spring.
(credit: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / © 2012 Houston Chronicle)
Next up is office equipment. What better way to get organized or get motivated to build your home office? Office equipment including furniture, copiers, printers, and more also have price tags that are heavily slashed.
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Not surprisingly, sports equipment is also discounted this time of year. Retailers are banking that many people have kicked off the new year with some healthier resolutions. If you’re one of those people, or if you are already so dedicated to fitness that your current equipment needs updating, the time is now!
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Snow shoes, skis, kayaks, tents and more are on sale. Were you waiting until after the holidays to treat yourself to some new high-performance skis? Now is your chance to get great equipment on sale and in time for Spring Break to roll around.
If you’re like me, I’m still catching up from overspending at Christmas. But if you stuck to your budget and have some “cabbage” to spare, January is the ideal time of the year to update your home, office, sporting equipment and of course, your body!
Amy Grace is married with two children. You can read her every Friday on momaha.
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