Even if Black Friday is one of the most expected sales events, it is not the only one running towards the end of the year. Boxing Day sales have also become a favorite among shoppers, given the significant discounts they bring, and this year’s edition is just around the corner. So here’s a guide to help you make the most of it.
What and When Is Boxing Day?
The origin of the term Boxing Day dates back to the 1800s. One explanation is that it stems from the custom where masters boxed up gifts for their servants, who would bring them home to their families on the day after Christmas. Another theory suggests that the term relates to churches collecting donations, storing the funds in a box, and distributing them to the needy on the day following Christmas.
Boxing Day is traditionally held on December 26th. The Boxing Day sale used to be a one-day shopping bonanza after Christmas. In the U.S., it has grown into a major sales event, similar to Black Friday. Originally, stores cleared out their remaining inventory in a single day, but now, U.S. retailers start early, offering discounts well into January.
When Do Boxing Day Sales start, and How Long Do They Last?
The Boxing Day sales kick off on the morning of December 26th. However, it has become increasingly common, especially in recent years, for retailers to run these promotional events much earlier. In the last few years, major retailers have launched their Boxing Day sales online as early as Christmas Eve.
The timing can vary from one retailer to another. Many stores are expected to run extended ‘December’ or ‘Winter’ sales that begin well in advance and extend into January. Some retailers might unveil their offers on Boxing Day, while others may continue promotions from their previous Black Friday deals in November. The specific approach depends on the retailer.
It’s a chance for people to use any holiday cash and enjoy great deals on electronics, clothes, and more, making it a key post-Christmas shopping spree. It is thus best to keep an eye out for your favorite retailers’ offers even before Boxing Day if you don’t want to miss out on major price drops.
How Much Can You Save With Boxing Day Deals?
Boxing Day has become so popular among bargain hunters for a reason. The sale usually brings significant price drops on various products, with some of them being up to 70% off. How much you can save varies from one retailer to another, but you can find discounts ranging from 10% to 70% on products from several categories, as we will see shortly.
Boxing Day: Top Product Categories on Sale
One of the things we like about Boxing Day is not only the fact that we can score major savings on selected merchandise, but we can do so in several categories. Based on what happened in previous years, here are some of the top product categories that usually go on sale during Boxing Day sales:
- Fashion Items
Boxing Day sales are a good time to refresh your wardrobe, as fashion items are among the ones that get significantly discounted during this time of the year. Some of the retailers that usually run Boxing Day deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories include, but are not limited to, PrettyLittleThing, Boohoo, Sears, J. Crew, Macy’s, and Asos. The discounts featured vary from one store to another, but chances are that select items will be available for up to 75% off.
- Electronics & Appliances
If you missed out on Black Friday deals on electronics, Boxing Day may offer another chance to score savings on this product category. Keeping an eye out for retailers selling electronics is thus the thing to do, as washing machines, TVs, headphones, and audio systems are typically among the items that get discounted on Boxing Day. Best Buy, HP, JBL, and Samsung are just some of the stores that usually participate in Boxing Day sales; therefore, they are worth visiting when the sale goes live.
- Home & Kitchen Items
Whether you want to spruce up your old place or you have gotten a new one, Boxing Day deals can help you save on your home decor update. Stores and brands such as HelloFresh, The Home Depot, Keurig, KitchenAid, Lowe’s, Overstock, Sur La Table, and Wayfair offered Boxing Day deals in the last few years, with some of them running savings of up to 60%.
- Lifestyle Products
Whether you need new products for pets or you want to update your outdoor gear, you might want to check the Boxing Day sales at the following retailers: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Backcountry, Chewy, Petco, and REI. These stores offered discounts of up to 50% on selected merchandise in the last few years, and chances are that this year’s edition will bring something similar.
- Bedding
Retailers selling bedding and sleep-related products are also worth a visit when Boxing Day sales start. In the last few years, several stores offered major discounts on this product category. Brooklinen, Brooklyn Bedding, Casper, Leesa, and Tuft & Needle are among the stores that usually run promotions on Boxing Day.
In the last few years, this sale brought up to 40% off select mattresses, sheets, pillows, and more, as well as “buy more, save more” deals on this product category.
How to Enjoy the Best Boxing Day Bargains?
Boxing Day sales mark a major shopping extravaganza, with retailers cutting prices on various items. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of the deals:
- Subscribe to newsletters: Sign up for your favorite retailers’ newsletters to receive exclusive updates and early access to their Boxing Day sales.
- Follow on social media: Keep an eye on retailers’ social media for announcements, flash sales, and extra discounts during Boxing Day.
- Shop online early: If you prefer online shopping, explore early Boxing Day sales that may kick off on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Some retailers may roll out discounts in advance.