White Winter Sale Stockups

The Winter White Sale is a phrase most people have heard, but rare is the person who truly understands it. Linens appear on sale throughout the year, but January often touts the label of White Sale month. Why?

The concept started in 1878 with John Wannamaker, Philadelphia department store mogul. It was a plan to keep the linen industry working in a time of layoffs. The term then took life, and more often than not it refers to a sale on items which are not selling well at the present time - thus the need for the sale to "move" the items. January may have laid claim to this sale due to its coincidental timing with the stores' ridding of soon to be discontinued items. Regardless of its intentions of meaning, January is a great time to stock up while these sales are invading the Sunday circulars.

Linens

Now is the perfect time to get your new bed sheets. Blankets and other accessories are usually on sale at this time and popular packages such as Bed in a Bag sets can be found for 50% off, often making them a better deal than a regular set of sheets. This is a great time to purchase upcoming gifts for this year's weddings and graduations.

Towels

Under the category of white sale fall towels. Do some planning. Do your washcloths usually need replaced before towels? Purchase extra while they're on sale and put them away until they're needed. If you change your décor for the winter/summer months, plan ahead there as well. Purchase replacements for all of your decorating seasons.

Winter Clothes

Now is the time to purchase winter clothes. Just after the holiday rush, stores start to empty out their winter clothing and stock up on their spring gear. It seems ridiculous to the buyer, but instead of questioning them, join them! It's a great bargain! Kids' turtlenecks and even coats can be marked down as much as 75% off, and we still have several months of wear in them left in most states. If you can, purchase for next year. This works well with adults and grown children who are easier to plan for size-wise.

Décor

While much of the country is inside for the winter, redecorating becomes a popular activity. Many stores have picked up on this trend and include in their white sales items such as bathroom décor and window treatments. Even if you're not going to get to the project now, plan ahead. Have you always planned to replace those dining room curtains? If so, shop at stores now and put it away until later. It may be on its way out to make room for "spring" fashions, so shopping now gives you the ability to check current and future sales until you find the right option.

Canned Goods

Grocery stores like to join the sale fun of January, and many run canned good item sales during this month. Check out your pantry and see what you can load up on while it's cheap. Remember to look at expiration dates so you know what you can really stock up on and what you should hold back on for the time being.

December might have been the month to shop for gifts, but January is the month to shop for yourself (and future gifts.)

Editor's Note: Feel free to share your winter bargain ideas below!