When Are White Sales?

When Are White Sales Happening?

White sales are mostly held in January. Once in a while, you'll see one during the summer or another time of year, so keep an eye out.

What Is a White Sale, Anyway?

White sales offer discounts on household linens, especially bed and bath items. They date back to January 1878, when department store pioneer John Wanamaker held the first one as a way to sell excess bedding stock during a normally slow time of year.

Why did Wanamaker call his event a "White Sale"? All the linens were only sold in a basic shade of white!

That's not to say white sales are never called anything else. You may also see them referred to as "bedding and bath sales," or the linens deals could be part of a larger home sale. Whatever their name, here are the types of items you'll likely see at white sales:

• Sheets
• Bedspreads
• Duvets
• Towels
• Home decor
• Furniture

Those last two items may seem like they don't fit, but various home products do pop up at white sales, including lighting and kitchen supplies.

What Stores Have White Sales?

If a store offers home items, check to see if it has a white sale. Both brick-and-mortar and online-only retailers host white sales, and department stores are prime candidates. Here are some retailers that hold white sales:

• Groupon
• JCPenney
• Kohl's
• Macy's
• Nordstrom Rack
• Overstock.com
• Target
• Bloomingdale's

What Discounts Can You Expect?

White sales encompass a wide range of discounts. On the lower end, retailers may feature a selection of items at 20% or 25% off; on the higher end, you'll see discounts of up to 75% off. That's what Nordstrom Rack offered during its January and July 2018 white sales. Stores often offer from up to 40% off to up to 70% off select bedding, bath, and other items during a white sale.

SEE ALSO: 9 Things to Buy in January (and 3 Things to Wait On)

Look for additional savings opportunities, too. Use available coupon codes, and you may get an extra 15% to 25% off certain items, or your order as a whole. And with some coupons, you can get dollars or some percentage off if you spend a minimum amount.

Readers, which stores do you think have the best white sales? What are the best deals you've snagged during these events? Let us know in the comments below!