What Are White Sales, And When Can You Expect Them?

What Exactly Are White Sales?

The retailer's approach to kicking off the New Year for their customers is through white sales. There are discounts on all kinds of household linens and bedding, such as blankets, sheets, towels, comforters, and pillows. These sales are often held in January, as has been the case since the 1800s. The term was officially coined in 1978, right after the holidays, when John Wanamaker, a well-known department store owner, wanted to increase his company's performance.

John's strategy involved lowering the cost of his merchandise, which was limited to white linens, so he dubbed his event a "White Sale." To this day, store owners employ John's white sale approach and characteristics. It does not, however, imply that all white sales use the same name and solely sell white linens. Some establishments employ names like 'bed and bath events,' 'bedding and bath specials,' or one of the many other magnetic titles. Some retailers additionally vary the things available during their white discounts by incorporating deals on home decor and furniture, cooking supplies, and lighting.

When Can I Expect To See White Sales?

At the start of each year, white sales allow people to spruce up their bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. The majority of retailers hold white sales in the first half of January. However, some begin as early as late December. On rare occasions, some merchants extend the sales into February, while others hold them during other unusual months and seasons, particularly the summer. Some dealers may even incorporate white deals into broader discounts held at different times of the year. Customers must keep an eye out for any time online or in-store offers on duvets, sheets, bedspreads, towels, and other similar items, regardless of the time of year. 

What Stores Typically Have These Sales?

White sales are held by many retailers specializing in household linen items, both online and offline, and are advertised on their chosen media. However, department stores are usually the most reliable and predictable, so anyone looking for great deals should start there. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom Rack, JCPenney, Home Depot, Dillard's, Overstock.com, Kohl's, Target, and Macy's are among the companies known to hold white sales on a regular basis.

In 2023, the bulk of these and other well-known online retailers held white discounts in January, and the same is expected in 2024. Because of the increased competition among online businesses, the forthcoming bargains may be bigger and better. It's a good idea to keep an eye out for offers that will help you get more comfy things for less money. In 2022, for example, Macy's gave a significant discount on a variety of items, including bedding, bath, and other white clearance items. In an attempt to draw customers away from its rivals, the department store concurrently offered steep discounts on clearance items.

Discounts To Expect

During their white sales, many stores offer various types and levels of discounts. Most discounts, however, vary between 20% and 60%. In some situations, the savings can be even greater, reaching up to or exceeding 80%.

The deals often save buyers between $7 and $60. Sheets and home décor products are reasonably priced. Therefore, their discounts are likewise reasonably priced. The same is true for duvet cover sets and other high-priced linens.

Shoppers should look for white sales in late December and January since the discounts are more significant when competition for white sales customers is high. If consumers miss the January specials, they might look for discounts at specific stores that are known to give amazing deals at other times of the year. JCPenney, Nordstrom Rack, Overstock.com, Macy's, Kohl's, Home Depot, and Dillard's are among the finest stores for non-January sales.

Final Word

White sales events are frequently held after the end-of-year holidays when most consumers do not anticipate finding excellent deals. But it's a good idea to remember they exist and to make the most of them whenever businesses provide them. Most significantly, those looking for white sale discounts should keep up to date on the latest offerings to give their living spaces an inspiring new appearance each year.