Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
If you’re not hitting after Christmas sales and clearance – you’re paying DOUBLE what you could pay for 2016 gifts. Considering the average birthday gift costs about $20, calculate the savings if you could cut it to $10, or even $5. Remember, not only are store prices slashed, but you can pair clearance with additional savings, such as manufacturer’s coupons, store coupons, and additional incentives to get goods up to 90% off.
Now multiply the savings by the number of times a year you need any kind of gift: birthdays, holidays, weddings, graduations, baby gifts… hitting the after Christmas sales and clearance could literally save you hundreds.
It’s easy to see the financial benefits, but if you still aren’t sure if this is for you, flip your mindset on these after Christmas clearance hang-ups:
– “Everything will be Christmas or holiday themed.” This assumption isn’t true. Not only are many things not in holiday packaging, even if it is – does it really matter when you’re getting a minimum of half off? You’ll probably wrap the items for gift giving anyway, so you could remove the original packaging if it bothers you.
– “I won’t need anything.” Don’t overlook gatherings happening after Christmas. Due to busy schedules, most people have at least one event scheduled sometime after December 25th. At minimum, you likely have something going on for New Year’s Eve. If you need gifts, dishes to pass, candy, tableware, and so forth, plan to hit the after Christmas clearance sales.
– “I can’t go, by then I’ll already have spent so much this month.” This is a valid concern, but flip your mindset with me. First of all, I highly recommend saving some of your December budget specifically for after Christmas clearance sales. The net savings it will provide you over 2016 is worth it. And secondly, when we’re talking clearance, it doesn’t take a lot of cash to get several things. So a modest amount will still serve you well.
– “I’ll be all shopped-out by then. I probably won’t feel like going.” Personally, I find getting bargains invigorating. And I know I’m not alone in that. In fact, some families save most, if not all, their gift shopping until after Christmas. They love the thrill of the bargains and seeing what they can find. Then they have their “Christmas morning” a day or two later. And if you really don’t feel like getting out, do some online after Christmas clearance shopping.
What can we expect to find?
Christmas items and wrapping supplies – It’s the cheapest time of year to get new items to replace broken or worn pieces. Look for neutral wrapping supplies that could be used for multiple occasions.
Clothing – Not all clothing will be directly Christmas or holiday themed. Excess warm winter wear, too, just in time for the heaviest snow and coldest stretch of winter.
Health and beauty – Perfume, cologne, grooming kits, make-up sets, lip balms, bath sets, and much more. Name-brand items in special gift packs are typically a bargain over normal individual prices.
Seasonal inventory items – Retailers get special items they only carry during the holiday season. Anything that doesn’t fit their 2016 shelf stocking schematics must leave.
Candy, food, beverages, and tableware – Themed packages appear “outdated”, but actually still have a long shelf life. Nuts, candy, baking supplies, paper goods, cereal, and more can be found.
Linens – Towels, washcloths, kitchen towels, hot pads, sheet sets, and similar items.
Toys – Fun holiday-themed toys abound, plus excess inventory on regular toys will be marked down.
