After Christmas sales.

[wdwfan16]

We usually don't go out after Christmas, but we are planning on it this year.

1) What do you need to buy at store opening on 12/26, as it sells out.

2) When is the best time to get toys? Am I right in guessing later in January.

3) When do certain stores open on 12/26?

4) What stores are not good for after Christmas sales? I think Walmart would be one.

5) Anything else?

TIA

 

[LoriNSC]

I usually do hit walmart but only for wrapping paper, gift bags, ornaments, etc. I love when the next christmas rolls around & I already have all that stuff. It's usually like 50-75% off.

I usually go to CVS & Walgreen. They had pretty good deals last year on perfumes, makeup, gift sets, christmas related items.

I definately don't do the malls the day after christmas-too many people returning items & spending their gift cards.

 

[eliza61]

1) I haven't really heard of stuff "selling out" on after christmas sales. I will say most retailers are not restocking. First, if it's clothing retailers are looking to get rid of their winter merchandise. So if you are a common size (like womens 10 & 12) you may have a hard time finding your size.

3) Stores in NJ are open early anywhere from 8:00 (target) to 9:00 am for the malls. They try to lure in all the folks with gift cards since they cannot report that as sales until the card is actually used.

4) Depends on what type of shopping experience you want. I hate Walmart (too dirty and crowded for me) and since I don't like pushy crowds and frazzled clerks, I totally avoid the black friday type shopping in the first place. I hate messy fitting rooms and clothes flung all over the place.

 

[Schmoodle]

It also depends on what you're looking for. I usually do a lot of shopping after Christmas, but I wait a few weeks. Stuff that will be 50 - 75% off the day after will be 75 - 90% off in a few weeks. I always buy the kids' winter clothes in January. And you will still be able to get Christmas-themed stuff for a while. It pops up online a lot.
It works if you're just shopping for bargains. But if you have your eye on specific things, they may not last, so you'd better jump. I also get the impression that retailers did not order as much stock the last couple of years, and that this year's shopping season was better than expected, so it may be slim pickings. The thrill of the hunt!

 

[TallyTutter]

One rule I have for my husband when we do a BF or after Christmas sale, if you EVEN THINK one of you might want it put it in the buggy (or hang on to it) you can always put it back but it will never be there if you go back for it.

 

[tommya60]

I usually go to Target first...I buy stocking stuffer type items, small games things I can use as gift extras for DD and cousins. If I need to replenish the stock of gift tags I buy those, too. Paper plates, ziploc bags, glad ware containes (I have no issue with using Christmas/Winter print products anytime I need them). If I need it I buy gift wrap when it is about 75% off, I'm not too picky about giftwrap. Last year I bought some stripped giftwrap that was not particularly "holiday", I use that for birthdays. Plain red is good for birthdays, too.
I don't care for the mall the day after Christmas, but DD might want to go with her friends. If so, I'll take the girls and get tea while I browse.

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

If any LED lights would be left this would be a good item. Also, the paper towel, ziploc bags, kleenex, dish liquid type items do run out. Perhaps this is what the OP ment.

 

[JB2K]

We usually don't go out after Christmas, but we are planning on it this year.

1) What do you need to buy at store opening on 12/26, as it sells out.

2) When is the best time to get toys? Am I right in guessing later in January.

3) When do certain stores open on 12/26?

4) What stores are not good for after Christmas sales? I think Walmart would be one.

5) Anything else?

TIA

1) Anything Christmas-related -- particularly, the Sterilite plastic tubs, as they are deeply discounted and fly off the shelves.

2) I would normally say after the first of the year -- however, if my local Target is an indicator, there's not going to be a heckuva lot of toys to "clearance out" from the 2009 holiday season (as many retailers did not place a lot of advance toy orders because of the threat of a stinky economy). Many shelves at my local store are already bare (and key "must haves" such as Zhu Zhu Pets, Spike the Ultra Dinosaur, and Mindflex simply aren't anywhere to be found on Target shelves).

3) I just read an article -- JCPenney is taking the unprecendented step of opening at 5:00 a.m. on 12/26, while all Target stores nationwide will open at 7:00 a.m. (currently, in response to the ugly weather in the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Target announced stores in those states will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. through Wednesday).

4) Unless you are looking for clearanced hoiday decor/toys, I would avoid the mass merchandisers (Walmart/Target/Kmart).

5) As people are more "deals-oriented" this year, best to go to the stores with a Black Friday mindset, but avoid the service desk (exchanges/refunds), if all possible!