Every savvy shopper knows the secret to saving big isn’t just about what you buy—it’s when you buy it. Department stores like Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney follow predictable markdown patterns throughout the year, offering deep discounts at the end of seasons, before new inventory arrives, and during major retail events. If you want to plan your shopping for maximum savings, here’s when to buy.
January – Winter Clearance and White Sales
The post-holiday period in January is perfect for scoring discounts on cold-weather clothing, holiday décor, and bedding. Macy’s runs its annual White Sale with markdowns on sheets, towels, and comforters. Kohl’s and JCPenney also clear out coats, boots, and sweaters to make room for spring lines.
March – End of Winter Apparel & Pre-Easter Deals
March brings final clearance on winter apparel and early promotions for Easter. Look for 60–70% off racks and stackable coupons on leftover seasonal items. Kohl’s Friends & Family event often appears in late March, adding 20%–30% off entire purchases.
May – Memorial Day Sales & Early Summer Stock
Memorial Day weekend is a major retail holiday with storewide savings. Expect deals on clothing, kitchen appliances, and outdoor home goods. JCPenney and Macy’s typically run doorbuster-style discounts on apparel and home décor.
July – Mid-Year Clearance & Fourth of July Sales
July is a strong month for clearance events. Macy’s and Kohl’s discount spring/summer inventory before fall items arrive. Macy’s One-Day Sales are common during this time, and JCPenney offers layered savings like coupons and instant rebates.
August – Back-to-School Promotions
August marks the return of school savings. You’ll find markdowns on kids’ clothing, shoes, backpacks, and uniforms. Kohl’s offers bonuses, and JCPenney frequently runs buy-one-get-one promotions on uniforms and basics.
September – Labor Day Blowouts
Labor Day weekend brings major discounts on summer clearance and a preview of fall markdowns. You’ll see combined promo code deals and reward point boosters from loyalty programs like Macy’s Star Rewards.
November – Black Friday and Pre-Holiday Sales
November is dominated by Black Friday and Cyber Week, but the real savings start earlier in the month. Look for “Black Friday Preview” events that allow you to shop deals without the rush. Kohl’s frequently offers bonus rewards and earnings on gift cards through platforms like Fluz, especially when buying large holiday bundles.
December – Last-Minute Deals and Holiday Closeouts
In December, focus on last-minute savings and after-Christmas clearance. JCPenney runs flash sales and extra coupons almost daily in the lead-up to Christmas. After the 25th, department stores begin marking down holiday décor, gift sets, and winter apparel.
Pro Tip: Stack With Cashback Offers
To squeeze even more out of these deals, consider stacking sales with gift card cashback platforms. You can earn cashback with a Macy’s gift card or get rewards with a JCPenney gift card when purchasing through Fluz. It’s a fast way to save, even on already-discounted items. If you’re new, download Fluz here to get started.
