The Best Time Of Year To Buy Quality Bedding & Bath Towels At Lower Prices

In the United States, special sales make certain times of year ideal for purchasing certain types of merchandise. For example, the best time to buy a new stove is around the end of the year, and the best time to buy a new mattress is when winter transitions into spring. Since these sales follow a predictable cycle, you can plan your shopping to maximize money-saving opportunities. If you're in the market for new bedding or bath towels, you'll want to set aside some time in January.

What makes January the magic month for sheets, pillows, comforters, and towels? The short answer is white sales, which have been around since January 1878 when Wanamaker's Department Store in Philadelphia launched an annual markdown event to encourage linens purchases. Back then, sheets and towels were primarily available in white, and much like today, consumer purchasing tended to dip at the start of the year. It was also the time of year that women took stock of the family linens and mended the ones that were worn. Offering a shopping event filled with discounts was a way for retailers to boost their bottom line, and offering it at this moment capitalized on women's desire to minimize their mending work. Instead of patching up holes in old sheets, they could buy new ones. 

These days, many retailers offer steep discounts on linens at their white sales. Whether you're seeking fresh pillows for your bed or new towels to use after remodeling your bathroom, you can find markdowns of up to 80% off retail prices. The main question is how to find the best deals.

When shopping white sales, determine which retailers offer the best combinations of product quality and cost savings. You're less likely to use scratchy sheets and towels riddled with holes, so buy well-made items you're confident will offer long-term comfort.

If you're new to buying sheets, the main thing to know is that they come in different sizes and materials. Buy the right size for your bed, and consider cotton, which tends to feel nice and hold up in the washing machine. Cotton sheets come in a variety of weaves, from crisp percale to smooth satin. Bed Bath & Beyond often puts luxury cotton bedding on clearance in January, while West Elm cuts prices on its luxurious organic cotton sheets. Don't sleep on Amazon's sheet sales, either. Watch for price drops on items like California Design Den's 100% Cotton Sheets, which are available in seven different sizes, and Bedsure's 100% Cotton Blanket, which comes in more than a dozen colors.

For towels, check department stores such as Macy's and Kohl's, which give bonus discounts via their loyalty programs. Towels by Sonoma Goods for Life, a Kohl's house brand, are large, fluffy, and beloved by reviewers on the retailer's website. Macy's towels are also worth buying, especially the 100% cotton ones, which combine softness and durability. Hotel Collection's Turkish Bath Towel has a ratings average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on the store's website. This brand also offers bath towel sets in 14 colors.