January’s Red-Hot Deals

Whether you have gift exchanges to make, gift cards to spend or are simply ready for some retail therapy after a hectic holiday season, you’ll find discounted pricing across a variety of products in the first month of the year.

Retailers are eager to move any merchandise that didn’t sell during the holidays, as they’re already starting to think about spring. There may be a few Valentine’s Day offers toward the end of the month and a rare Presidents Day sale preview, but for the most part, January sales are new year events not tied to a specific day or weekend, says Julie Ramhold, a senior staff writer and consumer analyst at DealNews.

Here’s a look at some of the categories where, according to shopping experts, you’ll find sales this time of year, as well as where to shop and how much you could save:

Televisions

Though you’ve missed the Black Friday deals on televisions, which tend to be the best of the year, you can still find some great prices on 2023 television models. That’s because retailers are making room for the models introduced every January by the consumer electronics industry at the CES tech trade event — and taking advantage of increased interest from shoppers planning to host Super Bowl parties in a few weeks. 

“The selections won’t be as large as what we see around Black Friday, but we should still see name-brand sets with significant discounts,” Ramhold says.

Where to find deals: Newegg, Costco, Sam’s Club

Potential savings: 35 percent or more

Children’s playthings

Target typically leads the way in this category, traditionally hosting the first of its semiannual toy sales in January. Other retailers follow suit, both to compete with Target and to move any leftover toys or games that holiday shoppers didn’t snap up. Discounts may be particularly good, after toymakers reported weaker-than-expected sales in 2023.  

“There were already steep discounts, even before Christmas,” toy expert Joel McGee says.

Where to find deals: Target, Kohl’s, toy stores

Potential savings: 40 percent to 50 percent

Open-box electronics

Some retailers offer additional discounts on “open box” devices that consumers have opened but returned unused.

“Not everyone loves tech gifts, so there are bound to be some returns of these items, which should bolster the open-box sections of retailers that offer them regularly,” Ramhold says.

Although the selection may be limited, it’s worth checking for discounts on tablets, smartwatches and smart home tech.

Where to find deals: Best Buy Outlets, Amazon, Walmart

Potential savings: 50 percent to 60 percent

Small kitchen equipment

Expect sales at department stores, as well as at home goods stores and discount retailers on smaller kitchen machines such as blenders, air fryers or microwaves.

“It won’t be a good time for major appliances — wait until Presidents Day for those — but it should be a good time to look for small kitchen appliances,” Ramhold says.

Where to find deals: Woot!, Wayfair, Macy’s

Potential savings: 20 percent or more