With the wallet-draining month of December behind us, you may not be in the mood to spend money anytime soon. But for certain products, January is a good time to find great sales and deep discounts.
Unsurprisingly, retail sales drop off after the holiday rush, according to data from the U.S. Census Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services report. But that drop in demand doesn’t stop retailers from offering deals on everything from cozy linens to television sets to exercise equipment.
If you’re planning to shop for one of the following items in the near future, keep an eye out for enticing discounts over the next few weeks.
Bedding Bargains
Long known as the “white sale,” sales on sheet sets are a January tradition. Take advantage of deep discounts this month to invest in quality linens that will last. Choosing the right sheet set can save you money and prevent headaches in the long run, but prices alone do not indicate quality. Consumer Reports' sheet tests showed that most sets left a lot to be desired.
There's more to great sheets than thread count. Our tests have confirmed that higher thread count doesn't guarantee better sheets. In fact, the top-scoring percale sheets in our last test, which had a claimed thread count of only 280, were strong, shrank very little, and easily fit mattresses up to 17 inches high, even after we washed and dried them five times.
To be safe, make sure you know the return policy before heading to the cash register.
TVs on Sale
If you didn't score a new TV on Black Friday, the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl are also a great time to find deep discounts. It pays to do your research before heading to the store to make sure you're getting the best TV for your money. Display televisions are set to look great under fluorescent lights but may not look quite as vibrant in your home.
Consider the size. Budget and room size permitting, we believe most consumers would be best served by at least a 40- to 42-inch screen for a primary television. A 46- or 50-inch set is often preferable in rooms where you'll be sitting 8 to 10 feet or so from the screen. Consider an even bigger set for spacious family rooms.
Our TV buying guide will help you get the most bang for your buck, no matter how much or how little you want to spend. Subscribers should consult our TV ratings to make sure you get a set that performed well in our lab tests.
Price Cuts on Fitness Products
If your New Year’s resolution is to create a home gym in your garage or basement, you’re in luck. Treadmills and ellipticals go on sale this time of year, so you’ll be able to get more for your money. Track your progress toward your fitness goals by picking up a digital scale on sale as well.