Smart Shopper's Guide: When to Buy Clothes for the Best Deals

By Michael Thornton

March 31, 2025 at 06:29 PM

Shopping for clothes at the right time can lead to significant savings. Here's when and how to get the best deals on clothing:

Best Days and Times

Thursday evenings are ideal for shopping as stores typically:

  • Reorganize racks on weekdays
  • Mark down items for weekend sales
  • Have less crowd compared to weekends

Woman happily holding shopping bags

Woman happily holding shopping bags

Seasonal Shopping Tips

Wait 6-8 weeks into the season for initial markdowns:

  • Allows stores to begin discounting seasonal items
  • Helps avoid impulse purchases
  • May require checking multiple store locations for specific items

End of Season Strategy

Shop end-of-season sales for next year:

  • Winter clothes: January/February
  • Summer items: August
  • Athletic footwear: January and April
  • Jeans: October (after back-to-school rush)

Smart Shopping Methods

Subscribe to store newsletters:

  • Get advance notice of sales
  • Access exclusive online discounts
  • Receive pre-shopping event invitations

Discount Retailers

Consider off-price clothing stores:

  • Buy excess inventory from other retailers
  • Offer significant discounts year-round
  • Best for basic items and staples
  • Requires time and patience to find deals

Shopping Calendar Tips

Avoid shopping:

  • At the start of a new season
  • Close to major holidays
  • During peak gift-buying periods

Best deals often appear:

  • Post-holiday (especially after Christmas)
  • During store clearance events
  • At season transitions

Remember that while following these guidelines helps, good deals can be found year-round with careful shopping and research.

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