After the festive period, the January sales start; this is the time when discounts become the main attraction. It is a specific period of the year, linked to the end of the festivities and the return to the daily routine.
Beyond the lower prices, the sales also give us a decision to make. Do we make the most of them without thinking or use them as an opportunity to think properly about what we buy. At Ecoalf we believe that this period can be experienced from that second position, combining discounts with more conscious consumption.
Here's when the January sales start, how long they usually last, and how to make the most of them.
When do the January sales start?
The January sales start after Three Kings’ Day. This is the time when physical and online shops start their discount campaigns.
They may have one-off promotions before this date but for most people the real start of the sales is when the Christmas lights come down and they return to their routine.
When do the January sales end?
There is no set end date. The duration of the January sales depends on each shop but they usually last until February.
Discounts usually change during this period. Initially, they are more moderate and prices come down as the period progresses. But the availability of styles and sizes also decreases.
Therefore, if there is something you really need, don’t wait until the last minute. Buying with intention from the start helps you to make the most of the sales and avoid impulsive decisions.
The January sales can also be sustainable
For years, the January sales have been associated with excess and rapid consumption. Buying because it is cheap and even if you don’t need it. But this doesn’t have to be the focus.
The sales can also be experienced from a more conscious position. Choosing sustainable clothing designed to last and created using sustainable materials is a way to make the most of the discounts without losing sight of the impact of your purchases on the planet.
How to buy sustainably during the January sales
The January sales focus many purchasing decisions in a short period of time. Therefore, it is a good idea to approach this period calmly and consider what you really need before buying. Here are some tips for buying consciously.
Stop and think before buying
Before diving into the offers, consider your wardrobe calmly. What do you actually use, what do you need and what can you still make the most of. Buying with intention avoids filling your wardrobe with clothes you won’t wear.
Choose items that won’t go out of fashion
Trends come and go, but well-made basics last. Choose sustainable clothing with neutral colours, simple cuts and durable materials that work winter after winter and mean that the purchase is more meaningful in the long term.
Consider the materials
During the sales, our focus is drawn to the discount but it is a good idea to look a little further. Knowing the materials used in a garment makes the difference.
Choosing based on conviction not impulse
Just because something is discounted it doesn’t mean you need it. Buying because you know you will use it, because it suits you and because it represents how you want to consume is what turns a purchase into a responsible and sustainable decision.
The January sales as part of the change
The January sales don’t have to follow the model of buying more for less without thinking. They can also be a time for choosing quality and well-made clothing designed to last.
Ultimately, it isn’t about simply buying in the sales but what decisions are made with each purchase. Even during this period, choosing consciously forms part of the change towards a more sustainable economy.