January Clearance Secrets: Where to Find 90% Off Deals Right Now
Hey there, deal hunters! 🎉 Can you believe we're already deep into January? While everyone else is nursing holiday hangovers (financial ones, that is!), us savvy shoppers know this is actually the BEST time of year to score incredible deals.
I just got back from what I like to call my "January clearance crawl," and oh my goodness, the deals I found! I'm talking 90% off, friends. Not kidding. I snagged Christmas pajamas for next year at Target for $2.48 (originally $24.99), and don't even get me started on the holiday décor I found at HomeGoods...
So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let me spill all my clearance secrets that have saved my family thousands over the years.
Why January is Clearance Gold Mine Season
Here's the thing most people don't realize – January isn't just about getting rid of Christmas stuff. Retailers are making room for spring inventory, Valentine's Day items, and trying to hit quarterly numbers. This creates a perfect storm of markdowns that go way beyond just holiday merchandise.
I learned this the hard way about five years ago when I was struggling to stretch our budget after an unexpected car repair. A veteran deal-hunting mom at my son's soccer practice told me, "Jessica, if you're only shopping January clearance for Christmas stuff, you're missing out on 80% of the good deals." She was SO right!
The Secret Timing Most People Miss
Okay, here's insider tip number one: The best clearance happens in waves. Most people hit the stores December 26th, but that's actually just the beginning. Here's my proven timeline:
- Week 1 (Dec 26-Jan 2): 25-50% off holiday items
- Week 2-3 (Jan 3-17): 70-75% off, plus winter clothing markdowns begin
- Week 4+ (Jan 18+): 90% off holiday items, major winter clearance, early Valentine's prep markdowns
I always plan my biggest clearance hauls for that third week of January. That's when stores are getting desperate to move inventory, and you'll find those jaw-dropping prices that make your heart skip a beat!
Where to Find the Best 90% Off Deals Right Now
Target (My Personal Favorite!)
Target's clearance game is unmatched, and I've been shopping there long enough to know their patterns. Right now, you should be finding:
- Holiday décor and lights at 90% off
- Christmas pajamas and clothing at 70-90% off
- Winter boots and coats starting their markdown cycle
- Toys from their holiday section at incredible prices
Pro tip: Download the Target app and scan items in-store. Sometimes the app shows lower clearance prices before the shelf tags are updated!
Walmart
Walmart's clearance is hit-or-miss, but when you hit, you HIT. I found LED string lights for $0.50 last week (originally $12.97). Check these sections:
- Seasonal aisle (obvious, but still great)
- Clothing clearance racks (they're clearing winter now)
- Home goods section
- Electronics (holiday gaming accessories)
CVS and Walgreens
Don't sleep on drugstore clearance! I picked up premium hand lotions and gift sets at CVS for 75% off just yesterday. Plus, you can often stack manufacturer coupons on clearance items.
HomeGoods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls
These stores don't do traditional "seasonal clearance," but January is when they get overstock from other retailers' holiday returns. I've found amazing home décor pieces that aren't necessarily Christmas-themed but got marked down because they were in holiday displays.
Local Grocery Stores
Here's a secret most people overlook: grocery store clearance sections in January are goldmines for pantry staples, baking supplies, and gourmet holiday items. I stocked up on vanilla extract, fancy chocolate chips, and specialty flours at 60-80% off last week.
What to Actually Buy (And What to Skip)
Definitely Buy:
- Next year's Christmas items (wrapping paper, lights, ornaments)
- Winter clothing in larger sizes for kids
- Non-perishable baking supplies
- Quality home décor items (neutral colors work year-round)
- Gift bags, boxes, and wrapping supplies
Maybe Skip:
- Trendy holiday items that might look dated next year
- Electronics that might have better sales later
- Perishable holiday foods (unless you'll use them soon)
My Best Clearance Shopping Strategies
1. Shop with a list, but stay flexible. I always know what I'm looking for (next year's Christmas cards, winter boots for the kids), but I stay open to unexpected finds.
2. Bring measurements and photos. Found amazing curtains at 85% off last year, but they didn't fit my windows. Learn from my mistake!
3. Check multiple locations. Clearance inventory varies wildly between stores, even in the same chain. The Target near my kids' school had completely different clearance than the one by my gym.
4. Be prepared to dig. The best deals are often hiding behind other merchandise or in less obvious spots.
Storage Solutions for Clearance Hauls
Let's be real – buying Christmas stuff in January means you need somewhere to put it for 11 months! I learned this lesson when I went overboard my first year and had holiday bins taking over our guest room.
Now I have a designated "clearance closet" (okay, it's half of our coat closet), and I use clear bins labeled by holiday/season. It sounds obsessive, but when December rolls around and I'm pulling out beautiful $2 wreaths instead of buying $25 ones, it feels pretty genius.
Ready to Start Your Own Clearance Adventure?
I hope I've convinced you to grab your reusable shopping bags and start hunting! January clearance shopping has honestly transformed how I manage our family budget, and I know it can do the same for you.
Have you found any amazing clearance deals this month? I'd love to hear about your wins! Drop a comment below and share your best finds – we deal hunters need to stick together! And if you score something amazing using these tips, tag me on Instagram @jessicasavvyshopping. I seriously get giddy over good clearance finds! 💕
Happy deal hunting, friends!