Everyone loves a good shopping deal, whether you're hunting for that perfect gadget, upgrading your wardrobe, or buying gifts for the holidays. Finding these deals, though, isn’t just about luck—it’s about knowing when to shop. Certain times of the year offer better discounts than others, and understanding the patterns behind these deals can help you make the most of your shopping budget. Here’s a breakdown of the best days and times to score major shopping deals.

When it comes to the best shopping deals of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday stand out as the ultimate sales events. Though originally a one-day affair, these events have grown into a weekend of massive discounts. Black Friday, held the Day after Thanksgiving, kicks off the holiday shopping season. It's traditionally known for offering huge markdowns, particularly in electronics, home appliances, and clothing. Many retailers now offer "early access" deals in the days leading up to Black Friday, so it's wise to keep an eye on these sales well in advance.

Cyber Monday, which follows Black Friday, is specifically geared toward online shopping. In 2024, you'll find some of the best e-commerce deals during this Day. Tech products, fashion, and even services like subscriptions and memberships are often discounted.

Both of these events are excellent opportunities to snag significant savings, particularly on big-ticket items like laptops, televisions, and kitchen appliances.

Amazon Prime Day is another highlight in the shopping calendar, taking place every summer, typically in July. While it's a sales event targeted mainly at Amazon Prime members, it's an event that offers steep discounts across a variety of categories, from electronics to toys and home goods. In 2024, Prime Day will be a prime opportunity to grab discounts on Amazon's products, like Echo devices, Fire tablets, and Kindle e-readers. Beyond Amazon, many brands and retailers follow suit with their sales, making this a good time to shop for a wide range of products.

For savvy shoppers, this is one of the best times of year to grab deals on tech and gadgets, with many companies launching discounts on their products in sync with Prime Day.

When the seasons change, retailers often clear out old inventory to make room for new products. These end-of-season sales can offer fantastic deals, especially for clothing, furniture, and home goods. For example, after the winter holidays, you can find big discounts on winter clothes and outdoor gear, while summer sales may have markdowns on air conditioners and outdoor furniture. The best days to find these sales are usually in the week or two after the season ends—think early January for winter gear or late August for summer items.

The end of each season also tends to bring heavy discounts on travel-related items, such as luggage, beach accessories, and outdoor sports gear. You can often find reduced prices on holiday-themed products after the season, too.

Labor Day weekend, which falls in the first week of September, has become a significant shopping period for everything from home appliances to furniture and clothing. Many retailers tie their promotions to this long weekend, offering deep discounts to clear out summer inventory and make space for fall merchandise. In 2024, it’s expected that Labor Day sales will focus on home goods and technology, but you may also find discounts on apparel and outdoor equipment.

President's Day, observed on the third Monday in February, may not have the same reputation as Black Friday. Still, it is another great time to find deals, particularly on furniture, mattresses, and home appliances. Since President's Day sales are often a way for retailers to mark the end of the winter season and offer discounts on last season's products, shoppers can take advantage of significant savings.

You may also find deep discounts on tech products, clothing, and shoes during this holiday. In 2024, expect many retailers to feature President's Day sales that last throughout the weekend.

Memorial Day weekend, typically held at the end of May, is another prime time for shopping. Like Labor Day, Memorial Day marks the start of the summer season, so retailers push big sales on items like outdoor furniture, grilling equipment, and home improvement products. This weekend is also ideal for buying mattresses, major appliances, and even tech gadgets. In 2024, Memorial Day deals are expected to focus heavily on home-related items, including appliances and outdoor gear.

Though Valentine's Day (February 14th) may not seem like a major shopping day, it offers discounts on many items, particularly in the categories of jewelry, flowers, and chocolates. Many retailers offer sales in the lead-up to the Day, making it a good time to shop for these products if you're looking to save a little money. Jewelry sales are particularly notable, with discounts on rings, necklaces, and bracelets. In 2024, expect these promotions to run from early February and possibly even include deals on gadgets like smartwatches and fitness trackers, which can serve as great gifts.

Travel Deals Around Major Holidays

Though they’re not always on the radar for most shoppers, major holidays often bring discounts on travel and vacation packages. Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and spring break are prime times for discounted flights and hotel stays. Travel-focused websites and airlines tend to offer their best prices right around the holidays. In 2024, this pattern is expected to continue, with flights and accommodations being more affordable if booked around key shopping holidays.

Similarly, Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t just for gadgets and clothing. Many travel companies and airlines offer Black Friday travel deals, making it a great time to book a vacation or get a better price on last-minute flights.

Flash sales are temporary, limited-time offers, often announced with little warning. Many retailers offer flash sales throughout the year, sometimes tied to specific events or in response to excess inventory. While not tied to a specific day, these sales can happen on unexpected dates, such as in the middle of the week or over a weekend. In 2024, more retailers are expected to implement flash sales through email or social media, where limited quantities of products are offered at significantly discounted prices. These sales can be a bit of a gamble since you’ll need to act fast to secure the deal, but they often bring the best bargains, particularly on high-demand items.

Timing and preparation are key when hunting for the best shopping deals. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the shopping calendar:

Make a Shopping List: Having a clear list of what you need can help you avoid impulse purchases and focus on what’s actually on sale during key shopping periods.

Sign Up for Deal Alerts: Many retailers offer email or text alerts for sales and exclusive offers. Signing up for these can give you a heads-up on upcoming discounts and promotions.

Use Price Tracking Tools: Websites and apps that track price history can help you determine whether a deal is truly a good one. This can be especially helpful during major sales events, where discounts can sometimes be misleading.

Shop Early: The best deals often sell out quickly, so be prepared to make your purchase as soon as the sale starts. Many sales, like Black Friday and Prime Day, offer “early bird” discounts that can be grabbed before the main event begins.

Check Return Policies: Before making a purchase, especially on large-ticket items, check the store’s return policy. Some stores have strict return windows during sale periods, so understanding the terms can save you hassle later.

Finding the best shopping deals requires a combination of patience, timing, and strategy. Major sale days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day offer some of the best discounts. Still, it's also worth considering seasonal sales, flash sales, and holiday-specific promotions throughout the year. In 2024, keeping an eye on the sales calendars for Labor Day, Memorial Day, and President's Day can also help you secure great savings. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can shop smart and make your money go further all year long.