If you’ve ever bought something full price only to see it marked down a week later, you’re not alone. Major retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, follow predictable sales patterns each year. 

Knowing when these events typically occur can save you money on a new TV, school supplies, or a car seat.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to the biggest sales you can expect every year to plan your purchases.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Target gift card.

January

Retailers waste no time kicking off the year with markdowns.

• Target typically promotes home organization, fitness gear, and wellness products immediately after the New Year.
• At Best Buy, look for discounts on headphones, TVs, and appliances.
• Bath and Body Works Winter Semi-Annual sale will end mid-month. 

Pro tip: January is a good time to buy winter clothing, as stores make room for spring lines.

February

Short month, but still plenty of price drops.

• Amazon typically features Valentine’s Day deals in early to mid-February, with a focus on beauty, gadgets, and gift bundles.
• Walmart and Best Buy run Presidents’ Day weekend sales around the third Monday of February. Expect deals on mattresses, appliances, and home electronics.
• Walmart’s first set of “Baby Days” should hit around mid-month with up to 45% off baby items. 

March

As winter comes to a close, retailers begin to focus on fresh starts and early spring cleaning.

• Amazon typically holds its Big Spring Sale in late March, offering deals on seasonal categories, including cleaning tools, home decor, and fashion.
• Walmart begins phasing in spring items and runs limited-time offers on lawn care and gardening equipment.
• Ulta’s 21 Day of Beauty (spring edition) should hit this month.
• Lowe’s SpringFest Sale typically starts in late March. 

April

Retailers promote early savings as warmer weather arrives.

• Walmart highlights savings on outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and spring cleaning supplies.
• Amazon and Best Buy offer early promotions on air purifiers, fitness gear, and patio accessories.
• Walmart+ Week should hit sometime this month or in early May. 

Pro tip: Target also runs its popular Car Seat Trade-In Event during this month, offering 20% off baby gear for each old car seat turned in.

May

Retailers push into summer mode with major markdowns tied to holidays and gifting.

• Amazon rolls out Mother’s Day deals in early May. Discounts are usually available on kitchenware, electronics, and home goods.
• Walmart and Best Buy highlight graduation gift ideas, especially laptops, tablets, and dorm essentials.
• Memorial Day sales will hit around mid-month including Walmart’s and REI’s. 

Pro tip: Best Buy’s Memorial Day event typically features markdowns on appliances, even MacBooks.

June

Retailers gear up for summer and back-to-school preparations.

• Target runs early summer deals on beachwear, fans, and seasonal decor.
• Amazon offers price drops for Father’s Day, particularly on tools, smart home devices, and shaving kits.
• So-called Fourth of July sales like Home Depot’s will start in late June. 
• Bath and Body Works Summer Semi-Annual sale is likely to start sometime in June.

Deals typically land in the first half of June.

July

One of the busiest sales months of the year.

• Amazon Prime Day has consistently taken place in mid-July, offering sitewide discounts to Prime members.
• Best Buy runs “Black Friday in July,” dropping prices on laptops, TVs, and gaming bundles.

Pro tip: July is the right time to snag tech at steep discounts before back-to-school season begins.

August

Back-to-school sales peak during this month.

• Target and Walmart run school supply sales throughout the month.
• Best Buy promotes college deals, with a focus on mini-fridges, laptops, and headphones.
• Amazon offers late-summer promotions, often labeled “Back to School,” with markdowns on essentials.
• Ulta’s 21 Day of Beauty (fall edition) should hit this month.

Pro-tip: August also brings early clearance on summer inventory.

September

Labor Day marks the start of the fall sales season.

• Target promotes Labor Day deals on home goods, kitchenware, and furniture. 
• Amazon offers general early-fall deals, especially on home essentials, electronics, and fall fashion.
• Walmart’s second set of “Baby Days” should hit sometime this month with up to 45% off baby items. 

Many retailers use September to push leftover back-to-school inventory at even lower prices.

October

Holiday prep officially begins.

• Amazon typically holds Prime Big Deal Days in early October.
• Walmart often has its Holiday Kickoff Sale the same week to compete, offering markdowns on toys, kitchen appliances, and TVs.
• Target offers early Black Friday deals and Halloween sales, often as part of “Deal Days.”
• MyLowe’s Rewards Week usually falls in October. 

Pro tip: Early October now acts as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

November

Biggest shopping month of the year by far.

• Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all kick off Black Friday events in early to mid-November.
• Cyber Monday typically falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving, with a focus on tech and electronics. Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy all participate heavily.

Pro tip: Target gives early access to Black Friday pricing for Target Circle Card holders and loyalty members.

December

Last call for holiday deals and clearance events.

• Amazon runs 12 Days of Deals and last-minute gift promotions through mid-December.
• Walmart pushes holiday decor and gift markdowns.
• Best Buy discounts leftover Black Friday inventory and features year-end deals on TVs, gaming consoles, and appliances.
• Bath and Body Works will hold their Candle Day sale early this month. 

Pro tip: December offers significant savings for flexible shoppers who don’t mind shopping close to the holiday season.

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Big sales don’t happen randomly; retailers follow a pattern. Planning your bigger purchases around these events means spending less and avoiding buyer’s regret. Add a few of these to your calendar now, and you’ll thank yourself later.

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