As December draws to a close, and Happy New Year, retailers are rolling out their most compelling clearance deals, transforming post-holiday inventory into golden opportunities for savvy shoppers. From travel essentials to cutting-edge technology, these end-of-year sales offer substantial savings on quality products. Let’s explore how you can make the most of these strategic shopping moments, starting with must-have travel gear and premium smartphones at unprecedented discounts.
#1 Flagship Smartphones: Premium Tech at Clearance Prices
The iPhone 15 lineup, while not the latest iteration, presents an exceptional value proposition during this clearance period. Major retailers are offering discounts of up to 40% off original prices, making premium technology more accessible than ever. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target leading with significant markdowns, while UK retailers like Amazon Currys (Currys Ireland), John Lewis, Argos, and Very are matching these competitive prices. Australian shoppers can find similar deals through JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Amazon AU, and Kogan, with prices slashed considerably from their launch figures.
Samsung’s flagship models follow a similar trend, with the Galaxy S23 series seeing substantial discounts. These devices, featuring industry-leading cameras and powerful processors, are now available at prices comparable to mid-range phones. Major retailers offering competitive deals include Amazon, Samsung.com, Best Buy, B&H Photo (US), Argos, Carphone Warehouse, AO.com (UK), and JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, and Dick Smith (Australia).
The timing is perfect for tech enthusiasts looking to upgrade – these models offer nearly all the features of current flagships at a fraction of the cost. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, originally priced at $1,199, now starts at $799 across multiple retailers, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has dropped from $1,299 to as low as $899.
#2 Travel Gear: Holiday Travels Winding
Travel gear tops the list of clearance items this season, and for good reason. With holiday travels winding down and spring break still months away, retailers are eager to clear their shelves of last season’s luggage, travel accessories, and outdoor equipment. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next adventure, now is the perfect time to upgrade your travel essentials.
Let me tell you why this timing is spot-on for savvy shoppers. Picture this – you’re browsing online, and that premium hardside luggage set you’ve been eyeing since summer suddenly has a jaw-dropping discount. We’re talking about high-end brands slashing prices on everything from compact carry-ons to spacious checked bags. Those sleek packing cubes that keep your suitcase organized? They’re practically begging to be bought.
The deals extend beyond just luggage. Think travel pillows that make those long-haul flights bearable, TSA-approved toiletry kits that streamline your security check, and those clever luggage scales that save you from overweight baggage fees. Even those premium travel adapters with multiple USB ports are hitting rock-bottom prices.
I spotted a $200 carry-on from a top brand marked down to $89 just yesterday – perfect for those weekend getaways or business trips. And those compression packing cubes that usually run $45? They’re sitting at a cozy $19.99. Smart travelers know this is the time to stock up on essentials before prices bounce back for the spring break rush.
Whether you’re gearing up for future adventures or simply need to replace worn-out travel accessories, these end-of-year clearance sales offer the perfect opportunity to grab high-quality travel gear without breaking the bank. Plus, with retailers making space for new inventory, you’ll find deals on last season’s colors and styles that are still perfectly functional for your travel needs.
#3 Toy Clearance: Post-Holiday Deals
The days following the holiday season transform toy aisles into treasure troves of savings. Retailers face a unique challenge: shelves packed with excess holiday inventory while spring toy lines await their debut. This timing creates an unprecedented opportunity for shoppers to secure premium toys at fraction of their original prices.
Remember the LEGO Super Mario craze of 2020? Initial sets priced at $59.99 dropped to $19.99 during January clearance sales. Target, Walmart, and Amazon slashed prices by up to 75% on Nintendo-themed LEGO sets as they cleared space for the incoming Super Mario 3D World collection. Similarly, when L.O.L Surprise! Winter Disco Series needed clearing for spring launches, prices plummeted from $29.99 to $7.99 across major retailers.
Today’s clearance mirrors these patterns. Premium action figures, building sets, and educational toys see dramatic markdowns. Hot Wheels tracks priced at $49.99 now sport $19.99 tags. Barbie Dreamhouse accessories packages drop from $39.99 to $14.99. Even gaming-related toys like Nintendo plush collections see 60-70% reductions.
Smart shoppers capitalize on this timing to:
- Stock up for birthdays
- Grab collectibles at lowest prices
- Secure educational toys for summer activities
- Build gift closets for year-round occasions
The best deals typically emerge between December 26 and January 15, when retailers most urgently need shelf space for incoming spring merchandise.
The holiday shopping frenzy saw parents paying full price for must-have toys, but now those same toys sit on shelves at deep discounts. Major retailers ordered big for Christmas, and their leftover stock means serious savings for smart shoppers. That robot pet that cost $89.99 last month? It’s now sitting at $29.99. Premium board games that flew off shelves at $49.99 are now marked at $15.99.
Think ahead – birthdays don’t stop after December, and kids’ parties run all year round. Having a stash of premium toys bought at clearance prices makes you ready for any celebration. Plus, these aren’t old or outdated toys – they’re the same ones people paid full price for just weeks ago. The only difference? The timing of your purchase.
#4 CBD Gummies: Post-Holiday Price Drops and Smart Shopping Tips
End-of-year clearance brings exceptional savings on CBD wellness products, particularly gummies. As manufacturers prep for new year formulations and updated packaging designs, current stock sees significant markdowns. Major CBD retailers and wellness stores are offering steep discounts on premium CBD gummies or discounts on THC gummies collection, with some prices dropping 40-60% below typical rates.
These markdowns come at a perfect time. After holiday stress and winter blues, many people look to CBD products for relaxation and wellness support. Premium CBD gummy brands that typically price at $49.99-$69.99 per bottle now offer the same quality at $24.99-$34.99. Full-spectrum CBD gummies from trusted manufacturers see even deeper discounts as retailers make space for new inventory.
The timing makes sense from a business perspective too. CBD companies typically launch new formulations and packaging in spring, pushing them to clear current inventory. This means shoppers can find high-quality, lab-tested CBD gummies from reputable brands at their lowest prices of the year. Look for deals on broad-spectrum options, which maintain effectiveness while being THC-free.
Quick tip: Pay attention to manufacture dates and verify lab reports, which good brands always provide. Many premium CBD gummies have a shelf life of one year or more when stored properly, making these clearance deals even more valuable. Whether you’re restocking your wellness cabinet or trying CBD for the first time, end-of-year sales offer the best value on quality products.
#5 Beauty Bargains: Why End-of-Year Clearance Beats Black Friday
Post-holiday cosmetic sales offer deals that even Black Friday can’t match. Here’s why: beauty retailers must clear inventory before their expiration dates, and new spring collections are already on the way. High-end brands like MAC, Too Faced, and Urban Decay often slash prices 50-70% deeper than Black Friday deals.
Real examples show the savings:
- Sephora’s holiday gift sets: Originally $89, now $29
- MAC limited edition palettes: From $65 to $19.99
- Urban Decay full-size foundations: $39 marked to $15
- Too Faced Christmas collections: 70% off original prices
Smart shopping tip: Check expiration dates and focus on powder products, which last longer than liquid formulas. Major beauty retailers like Ulta, Sephora, and department store cosmetic counters compete to clear holiday stock, often beating each other’s prices daily.
Premium skincare sets see the biggest drops – those gift-ready packages that were $200 in December now go for $69-89. Brands like Clinique, Estée Lauder, and Lancôme offer their biggest discounts now, not during Black Friday.
