While the winter holidays feel like a distant memory, retailers are already anxious to clear out inventory to make room for spring arrivals. Presidents’ Day — falling on Monday, Feb. 16, this year — is your best opportunity to score deep discounts on specific categories, provided you know where to look.
The trick with February sales is understanding the retail lifecycle.
This isn’t a free-for-all like Black Friday. It is a targeted clearance event where winter stock must go, and specific home goods hit their traditional low prices.
If you go in looking for patio furniture or the newest spring fashion, you will likely overpay. If you are in the market for a new mattress or a winter coat, however, the timing couldn’t be better.
Here’s what else you should consider buying during this year’s sales, followed by what you might want to skip for now.
1. Mattresses
If you have been sleeping on a lumpy bed, this is the weekend to upgrade. The mattress industry has effectively claimed Presidents’ Day as its own Black Friday. You can expect to see aggressive competition between online-only retailers (like Nectar, Casper and Saatva) and traditional brick-and-mortar stores (like Mattress Firm).
The Deal: Look for discounts ranging from 40% to 60% off.
The Strategy: Don’t just look at the price tag. Look for the “value adds” that retailers throw in to sweeten the deal, such as free adjustable bases, pillows or extended trial periods.
2. Major appliances
Manufacturers typically release their new 2026 appliance models in the spring. That means the 2025 floor models need to leave the warehouse ASAP. Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy will all likely have significant markdowns on refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers.
The Deal: Expect savings of 30% to 40% on major appliances.
The Strategy: If you are buying a suite of appliances (e.g., a full kitchen refresh), bundle them. Retailers often offer additional rebates when you buy three or more items from the same brand.
3. Winter clothing
February is the last call for winter apparel. Retailers are desperate to clear the racks for swimsuits and sundresses (yes, even in February). While the selection might be picked over regarding sizes, the prices are often at rock bottom.
What to target: Heavy coats, cashmere sweaters, boots and thermal wear.
The Strategy: Stick to classic styles that won’t look dated when you pull them out of storage next November. A high-quality wool coat bought at 70% off today is a smart investment for 2027.
4. Previous-generation tech
Following the Consumer Electronics Show in January, tech companies are preparing to ship their latest gadgets. This puts older models — often released just late last year — on the discount block.
Laptops: You will find strong deals on 2025 laptops as stores make room for machines featuring the newest chips.
TVs: While the absolute best TV prices usually happen before the Super Bowl (which was last week), many of those sales hangover into Presidents’ Day weekend to clear out remaining stock.
5. Tax software
With the April deadline looming, tax software companies like TurboTax and H&R Block often run promotions in February to capture the early filers. If you haven’t filed yet, you can usually save a decent percentage by downloading the software now rather than waiting until April 14.
What to skip (for now)
Not every red tag represents a good deal. Retailers will slap a sale sticker on almost anything this weekend, but savvy shoppers should avoid these categories until later in the year.
1. Spring clothing
You will see fresh spring collections front and center in every department store. They will look tempting after months of gray skies, but they will also be full price. Unless you have an immediate need, wait until roughly May to buy these items.
2. Outdoor furniture
It feels counterintuitive, but buying patio furniture in February is generally a mistake. Retailers know you are dreaming of warmer weather, and they price these new arrivals accordingly. The deep discounts on outdoor living sets traditionally happen during Memorial Day sales (late May) or Labor Day sales (September).
3. Spring decor
Just like clothing, home decor follows a strict seasonal calendar. The pastel throw pillows and floral wreaths you see right now are brand-new inventory. You are paying a premium for the novelty.
4. Jewelry and flowers
Coming off Valentine’s Day, you might find some leftover chocolates on clearance, but the jewelry market is often still recovering from the mid-February spike. It is rarely the time to find a genuine bargain on high-end jewelry.
Your shopping plan
The best approach for Presidents’ Day 2026 is to be surgical. Check your home for the big-ticket items that actually need replacing — specifically, your mattress or your washing machine. If those are fine, scan the winter clearance racks for next year’s coat. For everything else, keep your credit card in your wallet and wait for the spring sales cycle to truly kick in.
