Let’s break down the biggest sales throughout the year and how you can make the most of them.
January Sales (Post-Christmas Bonanza & New Year Deals)
The holidays may be over, but January is hands down one of the best times to shop. Retailers are desperate to clear out unsold Christmas stock, which means big discounts across all categories.
The January sales often begin immediately after Christmas Day and can last until the end of the month. Shoppers can expect substantial discounts on clothing, electronics, home goods, and more. Many brands offer reductions of up to 70% off, making it an ideal time to purchase items that were previously out of reach.
In addition to the traditional January sales, many stores also introduce New Year deals. These promotions often focus on fitness and wellness products, capitalizing on the common New Year’s resolutions to get fit and healthy. Expect discounts on gym equipment, activewear, and health supplements during this time.
Pro Tip: Prices drop even further as the month goes on, so waiting a week or two might get you an even better deal.
Spring Sales (Mid-Season, Valentine & Easter Promotions)
The end of winter offers a fresh wave of sales prospects for the spring, specifically in February, March, and April, when brands roll out Mid-Season sales to make room for summer collections.
In February, love is in the air and so are the discounts. Valentine’s Day kicks off a wave of promotions, from romantic gifts to dining deals. Expect chocolatiers, florists, and jewelry stores to roll out some sweet offers. Many restaurants jump on board too, offering prix-fixe menus and themed dinners to lure couples in for a special night out.
Another important sales event is Easter, which is celebrated in March and April. Many stores have promotional offers and sales on clothes and toys for young children and for families who are planning the Easter celebrations.
Pro Tip: If you plan a summer break, remember that buying a plane ticket on springtime early is quite reasonable.
Summer Sales (June - August) - Black Friday in July & Back-to-School Deals
While summer isn’t exactly known as a major sale season like January or November, but there are still some sneaky-good deals to be found. One of the biggest is Black Friday in July. It is basically a mid-year version of the November shopping frenzy, with discounts on everything from electronics to fashion. Retailers use this as a way to boost sales during the slower summer months.
Then, as August rolls in, back-to-school sales take center stage. Whether you are shopping for school supplies, clothing, or laptops, this is the time to find some serious bargains. Many stores offer bundle deals, making it easier (and cheaper) for families to stock up before the new school year begins.
Pro Tip: Summer stock starts getting marked down in mid-July, so hold off if you want bigger discounts.
Autumn Sales (Pre-Black Friday & Halloween Specials)
Things quiet down a bit in autumn, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be found. By late October, Pre-Black Friday sales start popping up, giving early shoppers a head starts on holiday gift-buying. These early deals typically focus on electronics, home goods, and seasonal items.
And of course, we can’t forget Halloween. Whether you need costumes, decorations, or party supplies, retailers roll out discounts leading up to the big day. Wait until after October 31st, and you will find steep markdowns on anything spooky - great if you are already planning ahead for next year!
Pro Tip: Buy Halloween costumes early – waiting until the last minute can mean higher prices.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Late November)
Black Friday, which occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, has become a major shopping event in Ireland as well. While it started as an American tradition, Irish retailers have fully embraced it, offering massive discounts on tech, fashion, and more.
The sales usually begin on the Friday itself and can extend through the weekend, culminating in Cyber Monday, which focuses primarily on online shopping.
Pro Tip: Do your research before Black Friday - some “discounts” are just regular prices.
Christmas Sales: December Discounts & St. Stephen’s Day Sales
As December rolls in, the holiday season kicks into full swing, and so do the Christmas sales. Brands start rolling out their festive discounts early on everything from gifts and decorations to all the indulgent holiday treats. The lead-up to Christmas is an excellent time for shoppers to find deals on everything from toys to luxury gifts.
And then comes St. Stephan’s Day on December 26th - the holy grail of post-Christmas sales in Ireland. Retailers offer slashing prices to clear out remaining holiday stock. Expect massive discounts on clothes, home goods, and electronics. But be warned, the crowds are no joke. Shoppers line up early, ready to pounce on the best bargains, turning stores into a frenzy of deal-hunting chaos. If you love a good bargain (and don’t mind a bit of retail madness), this is the day to hit the shops!
Pro Tip: If you don’t need something urgently, wait until St. Stephen’s Day (December 26th) for massive markdowns.
Tips for Shopping Smart During Seasonal Sales
Knowing when to shop is half the battle. The other half is making sure you are actually getting a good deal. Here are some quick tips to shop smarter:
- Compare prices: Just because something is on sale does not mean it’s the cheapest option. Use price comparison websites to double-check.
- Use coupon codes and cashback offers: Websites like almondcoupons.ie and cashback apps can help you save even more.
- Make a list: It’s easy to get carried away, so set up a budget and stick to your list to avoid impulse buys.
- Shop online and in-store: Some discounts are exclusive to one or the other, so check both before making a purchase.
- Follow your favorite brands: Sign up for emails or follow retailers on social media to get early access to sales and discount codes.
