Martin Luther King Day sales

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a federal holiday celebrating the legacy of the civil rights leader—it has also become a key date in the retail calendar. Falling on the third Monday of January, this holiday offers shoppers an opportunity to take advantage of incredible sales and clearance events. If you’re looking to score major discounts on everything from electronics to home decor, Martin Luther King Day sales deliver impressive value.

This guide will walk you through the best types of deals typically available during MLK Day sales, how to prepare for the event, and tips to maximize your savings.

Why Shop on Martin Luther King Day?

January is already known as a month of savings, with post-holiday clearance sales in full swing. However, Martin Luther King Day takes those January deals to the next level. Here’s why shopping during this holiday is a great idea:

1. End of Season Clearance

Retailers are eager to clear out remaining winter inventory to make room for spring collections. This means deep discounts on apparel, boots, holiday decorations, and even winter sports gear.

2. Major Discounts on Big-Ticket Items

Traditionally, MLK Day is an excellent time to shop for big-ticket items. Mattress retailers, furniture stores, and appliance outlets often offer some of their steepest discounts ahead of February’s Presidents’ Day sales. If you missed out on Black Friday or end-of-year deals, this holiday gives you another chance to save.

3. Electronics and Tech Specials

Some retailers use Martin Luther King Day as an opportunity to extend their holiday sales on electronics. You’ll often find laptops, TVs, and audio equipment at competitive prices.

What Can You Expect to Be on Sale?

Not all deals are created equal! Here’s a breakdown of what categories typically see the steepest discounts during Martin Luther King Day sales.

Furniture and Mattresses

One of the biggest highlights of MLK Day sales is furniture and mattress discounts. This is one of the rare times of year when leading brands and retailers slash prices on beds, sofas, recliners, and more. Expect discounts of up to 50% or more, along with free delivery or financing specials.

Pro Tip: Look for bundled offers. Many stores offer package discounts, combining furniture sets or mattress purchases with additional savings.

Electronics

If you didn’t pick up a new laptop, television, or headphones during the holidays, this is your chance. Electronics retailers offer a wide variety of specials on older models they need to clear out for new launches later in the year.

Example Deals:

• Up to 30% off on laptops
• Major discounts on 55”, 65”, and even 75” TVs
• Price cuts on smart home devices like speakers and thermostats

Winter Apparel and Sports Gear

With winter still in full swing, this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your wardrobe or stock up on seasonal gear. Many clothing retailers offer up to 70% off winter coats, sweaters, and boots during this time.

If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, snow gear like jackets, gloves, and goggles may also see steep price reductions.

Home Goods and Appliances

Need to refresh your living space? From washers and dryers to small kitchen appliances, MLK Day deals offer significant savings on home essentials. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy often roll out major appliance promotions for this holiday.

Popular Discounts:

• 25%–40% off select refrigerators, washers, and ovens
• Bundle discounts for multiple large appliances
• Cookware and kitchen gadgets for under $50

Cars

January is a slow month for car sales, making it an ideal time to shop for a vehicle. Dealerships often use holidays like Martin Luther King Day to offer promotions such as 0% financing, cashback options, or discounted leases on last year’s models.

Tips for Navigating Martin Luther King Day Sales

1. Do Your Research

Before the sales start, research the items you’re looking for and compare prices across different retailers. Many stores release their deals in advance, so take advantage of this information to plan your purchases.

2. Create a Shopping List

It’s easy to get carried away during sales, so make a list of priorities to stay focused. Whether you’re shopping for a new couch or winter boots, having a plan will save you both time and money.

3. Check Return Policies

Ensure the retailer’s return policy works in your favor, especially for big-ticket items. Many sale items are final sale, so confirm terms before making a commitment.

4. Shop Earlier in the Weekend

While many sales extend through the weekend leading up to MLK Day, it’s a good idea to shop as early as possible. Popular items might sell out quickly, especially online.

5. Use Promo Codes

Doubling up on discounts is key to maximizing savings. Hunt for promo codes and don’t forget to apply them at checkout for additional price cuts or free shipping.

Retailers to Watch for MLK Day Sales

Here are just a few major retailers that typically join in on the Martin Luther King Day sales excitement:

• Best Buy: Electronics and appliance discounts
• Mattress Firm and Tempur-Pedic: Deep discounts on mattresses
• Wayfair: Furniture and home decor specials
• Home Depot and Lowe’s: Home improvement and appliance deals
• Macy’s: Clearance on clothing, handbags, and watches
• REI: Discounts on outdoor gear and winter sports essentials
• Amazon: Wide range of deals, including smart home tech and fashion