MAIN Home Life Shopping January White Sales

The gifts have been bought and opened. The Christmas tree has been packed away, and here comes January - without a special event in sight?

Look no further than your nearest department store (or better yet, online), where plans are afoot to lure shoppers with exciting sales and money-saving bargains at annual January white sales.

Originated by 19th century retailers to help drum up business during a normally quiet January, department stores today continue the tradition with great success by offering deep discounts on sheets and bed covers, pillows and pillow cases, towels and more.

January white sales - it ain't just linens

Come January, look for major department stores like JCPenney, Macy's, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and others to publish circulars. Read consumer reports in local newspapers, or watch for local TV shopping tips to learn where and when the best January white sales will begin in your area.

As always, for the best bargains watch for online January white sales that often come with free shipping. Also so don't forget to surf your favorite online comparison shopping site or hunt around for online codes & coupons for additional savings.

Besides linens, sheets and towels, also look for a whopping 30 to 60% off everything from furniture and window treatments, to housewares and luggage. They, too, are often included under the "January White Sale" banner.

While you're shopping the white sales, also look for other January bargains to be had. That includes the last of the after Christmas sales on gift wrap, holiday cards, toys and electronics along with inventory clearances of winter clothes, shoes and boots

As brides-to-be already know, December/January is also bridal season featuring the best buys of the year on wedding dresses.

Planning ahead for January white sales

After browsing the circulars, make the most of January white sales by preparing a detailed list of what you need to buy or replace. Create your list by taking a household inventory, and then make a separate list for friends and loved ones to plan ahead for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions.

For example, if you know anybody who is getting engaged, planning a wedding, going off to college, or moving to a new home - use January white sales to buy impressive gift sets of sheets, towels, curtains, and other household items they made need.

If you have enough closet space, you can even have the gifts beautifully wrapped and stored away ahead of time so you're ready when the big event arrives.

Happy shopping!

More information about January white sales around the Web:

January White Sales - About.com guide with detailed tips and advice on how to buy sheets, linens and towels, with related shopping tips and feature stories.

Best January White Sales - Mahalo guide with a quick overview of the best deals to be had in January including related resources, blog posts, news reports.

BEST BUYS OF WINTER (December, January, February) - Archived Kiplinger consumer report on sales and bargains to look for, with related guides to shopping by season.

also see -> Black Friday sales | Presidents Day sales | Easter sales