Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

If you want to know who is having after Christmas sales, the short answer is that most large general merchandise chains, department stores, electronics retailers and home goods stores run some kind of post-holiday markdown. This guide walks you through which types of stores tend to discount, when those markdowns usually begin, and how to build a simple plan so you can shop efficiently instead of wandering aisles. You will finish with a clear shortlist of retailers to check and a repeatable method for finding the deals that matter to you.

Why Stores Discount After Christmas

Retailers build their inventory around the November and December selling period. Once December 25 passes, seasonal merchandise such as wrapping paper, ornaments, artificial trees, holiday lights and gift sets has little value to them on the shelf. Stores also need space for winter clearance, spring arrivals and returns that flood in during the last week of December. Clearing this stock quickly is the main reason post-holiday markdowns exist.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Who Has the Best Sales After Christmas? 8 Top Picks Compared for 2026.

Not every item is marked down at the same rate. Seasonal goods usually get the deepest cuts, while electronics, appliances and apparel may see smaller or more selective reductions depending on model cycles and inventory levels. Knowing this helps you set realistic expectations before you head out.

Which Types of Stores Usually Run After-Christmas Sales

Several categories of retailers reliably run post-holiday events. The exact timing and depth vary from year to year, so treat the following as a map of where to look rather than a fixed schedule.

Department Stores

Department stores are often the most active. They usually have clearance racks for apparel, home textiles, accessories and gifts, and they may stack store coupons on top of marked-down merchandise. Macy’s and Kohl’s are two examples that run recognizable post-holiday clearance programs, and they tend to publicize them through email and in-store signage.

Off-Price and Discount Chains

Off-price retailers are built around buying surplus inventory, so they are frequent post-holiday shoppers. TJ Maxx and Marshalls rotate fresh stock constantly, which means holiday overstock often appears on the floor within days of Christmas. Big Lots also tends to clear seasonal items quickly.

Electronics Retailers

Best Buy is a common destination for after-Christmas electronics deals, particularly on TVs, headphones, gaming hardware and small appliances. Manufacturers also refresh product lines in the first quarter of the year, so older models may be cleared out. Compare model numbers before you assume a markdown is a good deal.

Home Improvement and Hardware Stores

Home improvement chains frequently reduce outdoor holiday décor, lighting, storage bins and seasonal garden supplies. Menards and Meijer both publish post-holiday promotions in some years, and their regional footprints mean the specific offers can differ by location.

Craft and Hobby Stores

Craft retailers such as Hobby Lobby often markdown holiday-themed decorations, gift wrap and ribbon. These markdowns can be useful if you prepare for next December or want supplies for handmade projects.

How to Find Out Who Is Having Sales Right Now

Finding current post-holiday events takes a little legwork. Follow these steps to avoid wasted trips.

  1. Sign up for retailer email lists in early December. Clearance announcements often arrive in inboxes before they appear on websites.
  2. Check each store’s website and app on December 26 and the days after. Many retailers publish a “clearance” or “post-holiday” section that updates through the first week of January.
  3. Look for in-store signage at the entrance. Local stores sometimes run promotions that do not appear online.
  4. Use store locators to confirm stock. Online listings may show markdowns that are sold out at your nearest location.
  5. Review the return policy before purchasing. Clearance merchandise is sometimes final sale, so read the fine print.

Timing Your Visits

The first two days after Christmas tend to bring the largest crowds and the most restocking gaps. Many shoppers find that the week between December 27 and January 2 offers a better balance of inventory and manageable lines. Later in January, remaining stock may be picked over but can be marked down further.

Factors to Weigh Before You Buy

A markdown only helps if you actually need the item. Before purchasing, consider the following:

  • Whether the product type is a planned purchase. Buying something you already intended to buy is far more useful than buying something because it is discounted.
  • Model currency. For electronics, confirm that the model is still supported and not about to be replaced.
  • Return or exchange terms. Some clearance items cannot be returned.
  • Warranty coverage. Check whether manufacturer warranties apply to clearance or open-box merchandise.
  • Storage space. Bulk purchases of items like storage bins only save money if you have a place for them.

Building a Simple After-Christmas Shopping Plan

A written list keeps impulse buying in check. Use this checklist before heading out:

  • Make a list of planned purchases for the next 12 months, including gifts for upcoming birthdays.
  • Note the size, model or measurement you need for each item.
  • Write down the retailers you plan to visit and the order you will visit them.
  • Bring your receipts from the holiday season so you can compare prices and track returns.
  • Set a total spending limit and stick to it.

Comparing Stores Efficiently

Start with stores that are close together. Keep a note of the item, the store and the condition on your phone so you can compare later. For electronics, check model numbers against the manufacturer’s website to confirm specifications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shoppers often make the same errors during post-holiday sales. Watch for these:

  • Buying items that are not on your list. A markdown on something unnecessary is still an expense.
  • Assuming every item is discounted. Some merchandise remains at regular price, so compare before you celebrate.
  • Ignoring final sale terms. Read the policy before you check out.
  • Overlooking online and in-store differences. Offers and inventory may not match between channels.
  • Waiting too long. Popular sizes and colors can disappear quickly.

A few simple tools make post-holiday shopping easier. Choose whichever fits your routine.

  • A compact label printer or a notes app. Recording model numbers and measurements prevents mistakes at the store. View on Amazon
  • A foldable shopping tote. Carrying purchases in one bag keeps your hands free when you compare items on shelves. View on Amazon
  • A small tape measure. Useful for confirming furniture, appliance and storage bin dimensions before you buy. View on Amazon

FAQ

Which stores have the most after-Christmas sales?

Department stores, off-price chains, electronics retailers and home improvement stores usually run the most visible post-holiday markdowns. Exact events vary by year and location, so check each retailer directly.

When do after-Christmas sales start?

Many begin on December 26, though some retailers start earlier with preview offers. Clearance sections often continue into early January.

Are online after-Christmas sales the same as in-store sales?

Not always. Online and in-store inventory can differ, and some promotions apply only to one channel. Check both before you go.

Are electronics really cheaper after Christmas?

Some electronics are marked down, especially older models or open-box items. Compare the model number and specifications against current versions before deciding.

Can I return clearance items?

Return policies vary. Some clearance merchandise is final sale. Always read the policy at the time of purchase.

Is it worth shopping the week between Christmas and New Year’s?

Many shoppers find this window offers a good mix of stock and manageable crowds. Later in January, selection may shrink but remaining items can be discounted further.

Should I buy gifts after Christmas for next year?

Buying gift wrap, ornaments and seasonal décor at a discount can help with planning. Only purchase items you have room to store and are likely to use.

Conclusion

Department stores, off-price chains, electronics retailers, home improvement stores and craft shops are the usual places to find post-holiday markdowns. Start by signing up for email alerts, check websites and apps on December 26, and build a written list before you go. With a clear plan and attention to return terms, you can shop the after-Christmas period with confidence.

Ready to choose one?

Caleb Morgan

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.