Not all months are created equal when it comes to smart shopping. In fact, if you get nothing else from this list, get this — you must shop in January and July.
Why? Because semi-annual sales are most common during these months and they tend to offer the best discounts of the year.
Also, you’ll get the most benefit from this list if you read the whole thing so you know when sales that overlap months actually begin.
January
ULTA Jumbo Love Liter Sale
This is the No. 1 sale you need in your life when it comes to shampoo and conditioner savings. Get up to 72% off brands like Matrix, Big Sexy Hair, TIGI and more — no coupons needed! This sale happens again in June.
Macy’s Semi-Annual Sale
Macy’s Semi-Annual Sales happen in January and July. Get 20-75% off clearance prices using a promo code that’s different every time.
Macy’s Winter Clearance
Macy’s offers seasonal clearance sooner than competitors like JCPenney. Shop in January for winter clearance.
T.J.Maxx Seasonal Sale
T.J.Maxx transitions seasonal items in January and July. You’ll find more yellow clearance tags during these times.
Home Depot’s Kitchen & Bath Event
Home Depot’s Kitchen and Bath Event runs from mid-January to mid-March. Find up to 40% off everything you need to redo these spaces.
Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale
Stock up on hand soap, wallflower refills, lotion and candles during (surprise!) January and July.
If you want the best selection, shop at the beginning of the sale and you’ll score up to 75% off. If you’re not picky on scent, wait until the end of the event and look for up to 90% off.
Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale
In January we see a continuation of December’s Semi-Annual Sale at Victoria’s Secret. Look for online sales to begin a week before in-store sales. But note that while selection will be better online, prices are often better in store because you don’t have to pay for shipping.
If you miss this sale, look for it again in the summertime — usually overlapping at the end of June/beginning of July.
Victoria’s Secret Fragrance Clearance
It can be a challenge to find a good deal on Victoria’s Secret fragrance. But January is the best time to shop because holiday gift sets are up to 75% off.
Hobby Lobby Home Accents Clearance Sale
Twice a year (after Christmas through January, and again in early summer), Hobby Lobby discounts their home accents department.
Savings start at 50-66% off and go down from there until items are gone.
Michaels frames, home decor, floral, storage sale
In January, stock up on picture frames when they hit up to 65% off. Look for 50%-off home decor and personal planners marked at least 50% off. Spring floral is discounted 40% — this sale runs into February.
Williams-Sonoma Semi-Annual Sale
Shop Williams-Sonoma in January and June. And the last three days of these month-long clearance events are the best days to shop because you’ll save an extra 20% on clearance markdowns already hitting up to 75% off.
Learn the secrets to help you afford Williams-Sonoma kitchenware.
Target Semi-Annual Toy Sale
During mid-January and mid-July, Target has a Semi-Annual Toy Sale. First, you’ll notice 30% off toys. The sale then goes to 50% off and quickly to 70% off.
Toys go fast, so if there’s something you really want, it’s best to get it at the 50% markdown. The good stuff is gone once it hits 70%.
Bed Bath & Beyond Semi-Annual Clearance Event
Twice a year, Bed Bath & Beyond offers a Semi-Annual Clearance Event in January and September. During these sales, online prices only reach up to 50% off, but in-store sales hit 75% off. Bring your 20%-off coupon to use on top of sale prices!
World Market Wine Case Sale
At World Market in January or February and June or July, World Market hosts a case sale where members can get 30% off select cases of 12 wines or more.
It’s free to become a World Market Rewards member — you’ll need to be one in order to jump on the sale.
Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Sale
The Semi-Annual Sale at Yankee Candle starts in December and runs into January.
Candles are marked down during this time, and there are a variety of BOGO Free promos, so aim to save 75% on your total.
February
Nike Friends & Family Sale
Download the Nike app to get access to a coupon for 30% off your entire purchase during the Friends & Family Sale in February.
Shop Nike like a pro with these proven tips and tricks.
REI Winter Clearance
Look for markdowns on outerwear, boots and cold weather accessories in February at REI. Honestly, if you can get even 30% savings during this time, it’s a good deal for REI.
Home Depot’s Kitchen & Bath Event (continued from January)
Michaels frames, home decor, floral, storage sale (continued from January)
World Market Wine Case Sale (continued from January)
RELATED: 27 Michaels Store Hacks You Need to Know
March
Gap Friends & Family Event
You can save up to 40% on everything in the store at Gap during their twice-a-year Friends & Family Events. These happen in March and November.
Look for the deepest savings when you buy clearance items, because you’ll get 40% off the clearance markdown price.
The Children’s Place Spring Sale
Look for 50% off regular-price clothes at TCP and 60-80% savings on off-season (already discounted) clothing in March.
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale
In March and September, Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale offers one item for up to 50% off for one day only, and there’s a new item featured every day for 21 days.
Dick’s Spring Outerwear Sale
Look for 40-50%-off sale prices on Columbia and North Face brand outerwear in March at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Sign up to be a Scorecard member in order to earn points for every dollar you spend too!
Home Depot’s Kitchen & Bath Event (continued from January)
April
Sephora Beauty Insiders Semi-Annual Sale
Twice a year Sephora holds its weeklong Semi-Annual Sale for Beauty Insiders.
In mid-April, expect to see 10% off for Beauty Insiders (Sephora’s free loyalty program), and 15% off for VIBs (VIBs are customers who spend at least $350 per year at Sephora). In early-mid November, look for 10-20% off.
Macy’s Friends & Family Sale
You can get 30% off all regular price and sale items during this sale. For online shopping, there will be a promo code you can use (in the past it’s been “FRIEND”).
This sale comes around again in December in case you miss it in April.
Macy’s Spring Clearance
Similar to Macy’s Winter Clearance in January, shop early to get discounts on Spring Clearance. April is when you should begin watching for savings on windbreakers, rain gear, sweatshirts and jeans.
Home Depot Spring Black Friday
Spring Black Friday is a great time to load up on everything you’ll need for your garden and home through the summer.
The sale usually kicks off in April, so look for deals like five bags of mulch for $10, packs of annuals for $1, and gas grills for under $200.
Plus, you can be the queen of your own Pinterest world when you know these Home Depot savings hacks.
Nike Earn Like an MVP Event
For two weeks in April and December, you can earn a $25 gift card for every $100 you spend. This event lasts two weeks and it’s a great time to hoard Nike gift cards to spend when there’s not a sale in sight.
Big Lots VIP Sale
Sign up for BIG Rewards so you can get access to the twice-a-year (April and November) 20%-off sale at Big Lots.
Williams-Sonoma Spring Cookware Event
Save up to 55% during this once-a-year event on cookware brands like Le Creuset and Calphalon.
World Market Friends & Family Sale
You can save up to 30% on everything except food and beverage items during the twice-a-year Friends & Family Sale at World Market in April (also in November). No coupons needed.
Target Car Seat Trade-In
In April and September, Target offers a coupon for 20% off a new car seat, booster seat or travel system to each customer who trades in their old car seat.
RELATED: Stop Shopping Target Unless You Know These 31 Ways to Save
May
Lululemon Warehouse Sale
Once a year in May, Lululemon picks a city to host a single Warehouse Sale. You can save up to 50%, which is unheard of for a retailer with markdowns that usually don’t exceed 25% off.
Cross your fingers and hope that the sale is near you at least once in your life and then stock up! (Maximum purchase amount is 25 items.)
ULTA Gorgeous Hair Event
Only shop the Gorgeous Hair Event at Ulta if you run out of shampoo and conditioner before July, because this sale isn’t as good as the January and July Jumbo Love Liter Sale.
With the Gorgeous Hair Event, you’ll save up to 50% instead of the 72% you can save during the Jumbo Love Sale.
REI Anniversary Sale
If you’re an REI member, you’ll get a coupon for 20% off a full-priced item and another for 20% off one item from the REI Garage during the Anniversary Sale.
June
Old Navy Annual Flip-Flop Sale
Get flip-flops for $1 per pair (limit 10 pair) during this once-a-year Old Navy sale. No coupons needed!
Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale
Look for 75-90% savings on hand soap, wallflower refills, lotion and candles — the same sale runs in January.
Learn the keys to saving this much at Bath & Body Works.
Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale
Just like in December/January, look for online sales to begin a week before in-store sales. But note that while selection will be better online, prices are often better in stores because you don’t have to pay for shipping.
Hobby Lobby Home Accents Clearance Sale
Just like in January, save 50-66% on seasonal home decor.
J.Crew Teacher and Student Discount Sale
Students and teachers always get 15% off at J.Crew, but in June, watch for a promotional event where students and teachers get 20% off instead.
The Body Shop Summer Sale
This is a semi-annual sale (the other sale date is in December). You can get body butter, scrubs, soap and more for up to 75% off.
Williams-Sonoma Semi-Annual Sale
Like January, the last three days of June’s month-long clearance event are the best days to shop, because you’ll save an extra 20% on clearance markdowns already hitting up to 75% off.
World Market Wine Case Sale
These twice-a-year events happen in either January or February and June or July. Get 30% off select cases of 12 wines or more.
REI Summer Clearance
Just like in winter, REI offers a summer clearance sale. Look for markdowns on swimwear, camping gear, warm weather accessories and more. Target 30% savings.
Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Sale
Candle prices are marked down similar to what we see in December/January, and there are a variety of BOGO Free promos, so aim to save 75% on your total.
RELATED: 28 Proven Cost Plus World Market Shopping Tips
July
ULTA Jumbo Love Liter Sale
Rinse and repeat January’s process. Save up to 72% on shampoo and conditioner brands. I usually buy enough to last me six months — I only buy during the Jumbo Love sales in January and July.
Macy’s Semi-Annual Sale
Like January, in July you can get 20-75% off clearance prices using a current promo code.
Macy’s Summer Clearance
Even though it’s mid-summer still, it’s the time to look for steep markdowns on swimwear, shorts, tank tops and sandals at Macy’s.
T.J.Maxx Seasonal Sale
Like Macy’s, T.J.Maxx discounts seasonal items in the midst of that season. So you’ll find the best summer clearance in July.
Learn the trick to saving even more money at T.J.Maxx.
Lowe’s Patio Furniture Clearance
Starting in July and going through August, Lowe’s marks patio furniture down to 50% off (yes, in the middle of summer!).
If you want deeper discounts though, wait until September when they mark it down 75%.
Nike Friends & Family Sale
Download the Nike app to get access to a coupon for 30% off your entire purchase during the Friends & Family Sale in July.
Target Semi-Annual Toy Sale
Just like in January, when Target’s toy sale hits in July, first you’ll notice 30% off toys. The sale then goes to 50% off and quickly to 70% off.
Remember, toys go fast so buy at the 50% markdown if you want something specific.
Amazon Prime Day
When the third week in July rolls around, Amazon runs killer deals for 30 hours straight. For example, you can get Amazon devices (Alexa) for up to 50% off, 23andMe DNA kits for 67% off, and Graco car seats and Dyson vacuums for 30% off. That’s really just the beginning.
Download the KCL app and we will tell you when all the best Amazon Prime Day deals show up.
Macy’s, JCPenney, Best Buy, and Kohl’s Black Friday in July
These retailers offer up to 70% savings on home, small appliances and electronics in order to compete with Amazon Prime Day.
The Children’s Place Summer Sale
Look for 50% off regular-price clothes at TCP and 60-80% savings on off-season (already discounted) clothing during July.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Biking Sale
Watch for up to 50% off bikes and biking gear over the Fourth of July weekend.
World Market Wine Case Sale (continued from June)
Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale (continued from June)
REI Summer Clearance (continued from June)
August
Victoria’s Secret Swimwear Sale
End of summer and into early September is the time to shop for swimwear at Victoria’s Secret. If you aren’t picky about style, wait until suits reach $9.99 per piece — that’s the lowest price we see.
Find out how to shop VS and spend less than your friends.
Walmart, Target, Staples and Office Depot Back-to-School Sales
Stock up on everything your kids need for the whole school year — notebooks, pencils, pens, paper, glue, etc. But also stock up on anything you need for your office. Stores like Staples often run “Penny Deals” where you can get items for one cent if you buy other promotional items.
Follow KCL’s Back-to-School deals page and we’ll tell you when it’s time to shop!
Lowe’s Patio Furniture Clearance (continued from July)
RELATED: 31 Lowe’s Discount Tips That Would Make Joanna Gaines Proud
September
Bed Bath & Beyond Semi-Annual Clearance Event
Twice a year, Bed Bath & Beyond offers a Semi-Annual Clearance Event in September and January. During these sales, online prices only reach up to 50% off, but in-store sales hit 75% off. Bring your 20%-off coupon to use on top of sale prices.
The Children’s Place Fall Sale
Look for 50% off regular-price clothes at TCP and 60-80% savings on off-season (already discounted) clothing during September.
Get more details about how to get TCP clothes for 80% off.
Target Car Seat Trade-In
Just like in April, when September comes, Target offers a coupon for 20% off a new car seat, booster seat or travel system to each customer who trades in their old car seat.
ULTA 21 Days of Beauty Sale
Ulta’s twice-a-year 21 Days of Beauty Sale offers one item for up to 50% off for one day only, and there’s a new item featured every day for 21 days.
Lowe’s Patio Furniture Clearance (continued from July and August)
Victoria’s Secret Swimwear Sale (continued from August)
October
ULTA Gorgeous Hair Event
Again, don’t bother with the Gorgeous Hair Event at Ulta unless you run out of shampoo and conditioner between July and January, because this sale isn’t as good as the Jumbo Love Liter Sale, where you can save up to 72% (instead of saving only up to 50% during the Gorgeous Hair Event).
Macy’s Fall Clearance
Like the other seasonal sales at Macy’s, fall items like fashion boots and coats, sweaters and scarves will be clearanced sooner than competitors like JCPenney.
Find out how to never pay full price at Macy’s again.
World Market Friends & Family Sale
Save up to 30% on everything except food and beverage items during the twice-a-year Friends & Family Sale at World Market in October (also in April). No coupons needed.
Big Lots VIP Sale
Twice a year (October and April), you can get 20% off at Big Lots.
November
Black Friday sales
Beginning the week before Black Friday, major stores like Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s and more offer Black Friday deals where you can get almost anything on your holiday shopping list for up to 75% off.
Follow KCL’s Black Friday Deals page to be in the know.
Sephora Beauty Insiders Semi-Annual Sale
In early-mid November, look for 10-20% off at Sephora. In mid-April, expect to see 10% off for Beauty Insiders (Sephora’s free loyalty program), and 15% off for VIBs (VIBs are customers who spend at least $350 per year at Sephora).
Gap Friends & Family Event
You can save up to 40% on everything in the store at Gap during their twice-a-year Friends & Family Events in November and March.
Hobby Lobby Christmas Clearance
All holiday decor is marked down at least 50% in November, and it continues to be marked down until after Christmas when it reaches up to 90% off.
Learn how to save at Hobby Lobby (I’m talking beyond the 40%-off coupon).
Michaels Annual Tree Sale
The week before Thanksgiving, get 50-60% off artificial Christmas trees. Plus, free online shipping for trees over 6 feet tall.
Kohl’s Annual Boot Sale
Once a year Kohl’s basically gives boots away. Not really, but when you see 71% off women’s fashion boots it’s definitely time to buy. Get $70 boots for only $19.99 when you use multiple promo codes with a sale price.
December
Macy’s Friends & Family Sale
Get 30% off all regular price and sale items during this sale. For online shopping, there will be a promo code you can use (in the past it’s been “FRIEND”).
This sale comes around again in April if you miss it in December.
Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale
December is the start of Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale. Look for online sales to begin a week before in-store sales. But note that while selection will be better online, prices are often better in stores because you don’t have to pay for shipping.
This sale shows up again in June/July.
Nike Earn Like an MVP Event
For two weeks in December and then again in April, you can earn a $25 gift card for every $100 you spend.
The Body Shop Winter Sale
If you missed this sale in June, you can get body butter, scrubs, soap and more for up to 75% off.
Find out how to shop the Body Shop like you own it.
Target Toy Sale
Leading up to Christmas, Target offers sales in the 40-70%-off range on popular brands like Nerf, Star Wars, American Girl, Melissa & Doug, and more.
The Children’s Place Winter Sale
Look for 50% off regular-price clothes at TCP and 60-80% savings on off-season (already discounted) clothing during December.
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