By Caleb MorganAfter Christmas sales at Macy’s are one of the most predictable clearance windows of the year, and they reward shoppers who know how the markdown cycle works. This guide explains when the reductions usually begin, how Macy’s typically layers its discounts, and the steps you can take to find the items worth buying before the best sizes disappear. By the end, you will have a simple plan for shopping the post-holiday period without grabbing things you do not need.
What After Christmas Sales at Macy’s Usually Look Like
The period between December 26 and the end of January is when retailers move holiday merchandise that did not sell at full price. Department stores like Macy’s use this window to clear winter apparel, seasonal home goods, fragrance sets, small electronics, and gift-packaged items. The sales are not one single event. They tend to roll out in stages, with early reductions on slower categories and deeper cuts later in the month as inventory thins out.
Because stock is what drives the timing, the exact dates and depth of cuts change from year to year. Past seasons have followed a similar pattern, which is why shoppers often compare the post-holiday period across multiple years instead of relying on a single calendar date. Articles such as Holiday Sales Calendar: When the Big Sales Events Happen explain how these clearance windows fit into the larger retail year.
Why Stock Levels Matter More Than Dates
Markdowns are tied to what is left on the shelves and in the warehouse. A store that sold through its winter coats in early December will have little reason to discount them heavily after Christmas. A store that overbought a particular sweater or gift set may cut it sharply in the first week of the new year. This is why the strongest deals often appear on odd items, sizes at the ends of a range, and merchandise tied to a specific gift category.
Online Versus In-Store Clearance
Macy’s clearance activity appears both online and in physical stores, but the selection is rarely identical. Online listings can show a wider range of sizes because they draw from more locations, while in-store racks often hold the freshest markdowns on the floor. Checking both channels before you buy saves time and helps you spot items that have been marked down twice.
How to Plan Your Post-Christmas Shopping
Good post-holiday shopping starts before the sales begin. A short list, a rough sense of what you actually need, and a few reference points for normal prices will protect you from impulse buys that only look like bargains. The steps below build that routine.
Step 1: Make a Needs List Before December Ends
Write down the clothing, bedding, kitchen items, and other household goods you expect to replace in the next six months. Include sizes, colors, and any brand preferences. If you are shopping for a family, add names and ages so you can check quickly whether a markdown fits a real need. Articles like After-Christmas Sales: What Is Worth Buying offer a useful starting framework for separating practical buys from clutter.
Step 2: Check Your Holiday Receipts and Gift Returns
Gift cards, store credit, and returns can stretch your budget considerably. Gather any Macy’s receipts, gift cards, or pending exchanges before you visit. Knowing exactly what you have available lets you use a markdown without overspending, and it helps you avoid buying duplicates of gifts you already received.
Step 3: Set a Ceiling for Each Category
Decide in advance how much you will spend on apparel, home goods, and any other categories. If you are unsure how to approach this, How to Set a Christmas Gift Budget walks through a method that also works for post-holiday purchases. A category ceiling keeps you focused when the racks are full of tempting items.
Step 4: Track Markdowns Across Several Days
Do not assume the best item will still be there after a single visit. Many shoppers check the site or store on several days across the first two weeks of January, noting which items have dropped again. Keep a simple note with item name, original tag, and the date you saw it. Patterns usually emerge within a few days.
Step-by-Step Checklist for Shopping the Sale
- Confirm your needs list and category budgets.
- Gather receipts, gift cards, and any store credit.
- Browse the online clearance section and note sizes and colors.
- Visit a store in person if you want to inspect fabric, fit, or packaging.
- Compare the current tag with the item’s original listed value.
- Check return and exchange terms before you check out.
- Save receipts and tags until you are satisfied with the purchase.
- Recheck the sale in a few days if the item is not urgent.
When Each Category Tends to Move
Different categories clear at different speeds. The table below is a general guide to how post-holiday merchandise often behaves. Actual timing varies by season and by store.
| Category | Typical Clearance Pattern | Best Time to Look |
|---|---|---|
| Winter outerwear | Early cuts on slow sizes, deeper cuts later | Late December through January |
| Holiday-themed home decor | Fast reductions once the season ends | Immediately after December 25 |
| Fragrance and gift sets | Layered markdowns on overstocked sets | Mid-January, when stock is thinner |
| Bedding and towels | Steady cuts across colors and sizes | Early to mid January |
| Small electronics | Sporadic markdowns tied to model changes | Watch for several weeks |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying because it is marked down. A reduced tag is only a deal if you would have bought the item at full price.
- Ignoring sizing and return rules. Clearance items are sometimes final sale or have shorter return windows. Read the terms first.
- Shopping only one channel. Online and in-store inventories differ, and each can hold items the other does not.
- Waiting too long on popular sizes. Common sizes in popular colors often disappear within days.
- Forgetting to compare with other sales. Your post-holiday purchase may be better timed alongside other events on the Holiday Sales Calendar: When the Big Sales Events Happen.
Tips for Getting the Most From Post-Holiday Shopping
Start with the categories you need most, not the ones with the biggest visual appeal. Keep a running list on your phone with item photos, tags, and dates. If you are buying for a specific occasion later in the year, consider the timing carefully. For example, a planner such as Valentine’s Day Shopping: Planning Ahead Without Overspending can help you spread purchases across the calendar rather than concentrating them in January. Shoppers who plan household needs at the same time often find it easier to avoid duplicates, and the Christmas Season Household Shopping List (Beyond Gifts) is a helpful reference for that.
Recommended gear
A few simple tools make post-holiday shopping easier to track and manage.
- A pocket receipt organizer helps you keep gift receipts, tags, and return slips in one place so nothing gets lost before the return window closes. View on Amazon
- A small tape measure lets you check dimensions of bedding, curtains, and décor before you commit to a markdown. View on Amazon
- A notebook or price-tracking app gives you a simple record of markdowns across several days so you can spot patterns. View on Amazon
FAQ
When do after Christmas sales at Macy’s usually start?
Reductions often begin the day after Christmas and continue through January. The timing and depth change each year depending on how much stock remains.
Are after Christmas sales at Macy’s better online or in stores?
Neither is consistently better. Online listings often show more sizes, while in-store racks may carry the most recent markdowns. Checking both is the most reliable approach.
How do the 2022 and 2019 post-holiday sales compare?
Both followed the general pattern of early clearance on slower items and deeper cuts later in the month. Exact dates and categories differed, so use past seasons as a guide rather than a precise schedule.
Can I return an item bought during the after Christmas sales?
Return policies vary by item. Some clearance merchandise may be final sale or carry a shorter window, so check the terms before you buy.
Should I buy gifts during the post-holiday period?
It can work well for next year’s gifts, particularly for items that are not seasonal. Keep a list and store items safely until you need them.
Is it worth waiting for deeper markdowns?
Sometimes. Waiting can pay off on less popular items, but popular sizes and colors may sell out. Decide based on how much you need the item.
Do after Christmas sales at Macy’s include electronics?
Small electronics sometimes appear, usually tied to model changes or limited stock. Markdowns are less predictable in this category.
How can I avoid overspending during the post-holiday sale?
Use a needs list, set category ceilings, and give yourself a few days before buying anything you did not plan to purchase. Consult a financial advisor if you need help building a broader spending plan.
Conclusion
After Christmas sales at Macy’s can produce useful savings when you approach them with a plan. Build a needs list, gather your receipts and gift cards, and track markdowns across several days rather than buying on the first visit. Use past seasons as a general guide, but expect the details to shift each year. With a clear routine, you can shop the clearance window confidently and leave the impulse buys on the rack.
Ready to choose one?
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our holiday shopping calendar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
