Have you thought about the best time to shop online, or have you ever bought something online, only to see the price drop a week later? You are not alone. Timing plays a huge role in how much you spend, and knowing when to shop can help you save hundreds each year.
In 2025, major online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy will continue to follow predictable sales cycles. From New Year clearance to Black Friday blowouts, every month brings unique opportunities to score amazing discounts.
This complete monthly online shopping calendar reveals the best times to buy almost anything – so you can plan smarter, shop strategically, and never pay full price again.
Table of Contents
January — New Year Clearance and Fitness Gear
The first month of the year brings massive clearance sales as retailers clear out last year’s stock. You will find unbeatable prices on clothing, home goods, and especially fitness equipment.
What to buy:
- Workout gear and smartwatches
- Winter clothing and coats
- TVs and tech accessories
- Bedding and home décor
Where to shop: Amazon, Walmart, Nike, Best Buy
Pro Tip: This is the best time to buy fitness tech like smart scales and wearables as brands target new-year resolution shoppers.
February — Valentine’s Day and Tech Refresh Sales
February may be short, but it’s full of romantic and practical deals. From beauty and jewelry to early electronics markdowns, this month is great for both gift shopping and gadget upgrades.
What to buy:
- Perfumes and luxury skincare
- Jewelry and accessories
- Laptops and smart devices
- Chocolates and gift boxes
Where to shop: Sephora, Amazon, Ulta, Apple, Dell
Pro Tip: Check February 14 flash sales — many online stores slash prices for 24 hours only.
March — Spring Cleaning and Home Essentials
March is all about refreshing your home. Retailers run spring cleaning and home organization sales, offering discounts on everything from vacuum cleaners to storage solutions.
What to buy:
- Home organizers and cleaning supplies
- Furniture and décor
- Air purifiers and small appliances
Where to shop: Wayfair, Target, Home Depot, Amazon
Pro Tip: Look for “Buy More, Save More” deals on multi-item home sets or bundles.
April — Beauty, Fashion, and Outdoor Gear
As spring blossoms, beauty and fashion brands launch seasonal collections — and clear out old stock. Outdoor brands also discount last year’s gear before summer arrives.
What to buy:
- Skincare, makeup, and fragrances
- Shoes and spring fashion
- Outdoor equipment like tents or coolers
Where to shop: Sephora, Ulta, REI, Nordstrom Rack
Pro Tip: April is National Stress Awareness Month — wellness products and spa kits often go on sale.
May — Memorial Day and Travel Deals
May kicks off the summer sales season with Memorial Day weekend, one of the biggest online shopping events of the year. You can save big on furniture, electronics, and travel gear.
What to buy:
- Mattresses and outdoor furniture
- Luggage and travel accessories
- Smart TVs and kitchen appliances
Where to shop: Best Buy, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Amazon
Pro Tip: Memorial Day deals usually start a full week early, so shop before the rush.
June — Mid-Year Sales and Graduation Gifts
June brings graduation season and mid-year promotions. Retailers offer discounts on electronics, fashion, and dorm essentials.
What to buy:
- Laptops and tablets
- Smart home devices
- Clothing and shoes
Where to shop: Dell, Lenovo, Target, Walmart
Pro Tip: Sign up for student discounts if you are buying tech or school-related products — many brands offer extra 10–15% off.
July — Amazon Prime Day and Summer Bargains
July is dominated by Amazon Prime Day, one of the biggest online sales events worldwide. Competing stores like Walmart and Best Buy usually run similar “anti-Prime” sales.
What to buy:
- Electronics and smart home gadgets
- Kitchen appliances
- Fashion and beauty bundles
Where to shop: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target
Pro Tip: Prepare by adding items to your wishlist early so you can monitor price drops.
August — Back-to-School Savings
August focuses on school and college shopping — expect discounts on laptops, stationery, and dorm supplies. Fashion brands also clear out summer inventory ahead of fall.
What to buy:
- Backpacks and tech accessories
- Notebooks and school supplies
- Summer apparel and shoes
Where to shop: Staples, Office Depot, Amazon, Target
Pro Tip: Watch for tax-free shopping weekends in your state to save even more.
September — Early Fall Fashion and Appliance Sales
September is an underrated shopping month, offering great deals on home appliances and transitional clothing. Many retailers begin early fall promotions to attract shoppers before the holiday rush.
What to buy:
- Washers, dryers, and kitchen appliances
- Jeans, jackets, and fall shoes
- Fitness and wellness gear
Where to shop: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Amazon
Pro Tip: New smartphone models usually release this month — last year’s versions often get discounted.
October — Pre-Holiday Tech Discounts
October marks the beginning of early holiday promotions. Many retailers launch “pre-Black Friday” sales with real markdowns on electronics and toys.
What to buy:
- Laptops and gaming consoles
- Smart home devices
- Halloween costumes and décor
Where to shop: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
Pro Tip: Sign up for deal alerts — tech discounts are often short-lived and sell out fast.
November — Black Friday and Cyber Monday
November is the ultimate shopping month. Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring massive price drops across every category imaginable.
What to buy:
- Electronics, TVs, laptops, and phones
- Beauty gift sets and clothing
- Kitchenware and smart home devices
Where to shop: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Sephora, Macy’s
Pro Tip: Compare prices on multiple platforms before purchasing — not all “Black Friday” deals are genuine markdowns.
December — Holiday and Year-End Clearance
As the year ends, retailers push final clearance deals to make room for 2026 inventory. Expect deep discounts after Christmas and during New Year sales.
What to buy:
- Winter fashion and coats
- Holiday décor and gifts
- TVs, laptops, and appliances
Where to shop: Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Macy’s
Pro Tip: The last week of December is one of the best times to buy electronics and fashion at their lowest prices.
Smart Shopping Tips for 2025
- Set Price Alerts: Use tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to monitor price drops.
- Shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Studies show these are the best days for online discounts.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Brands often send exclusive promo codes to subscribers.
- Use Cashback Platforms: Rakuten or TopCashback can earn you 2–10% back per purchase.
- Compare Before You Buy: Tools like SnapThePrice let you view real-time prices across multiple stores.
Bonus Tip: Keep a running wishlist. Many websites alert you when an item on your list drops in price.
Explore more shopping guides and money-saving tips:
External Sources
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