When Does Lululemon Have a Sale? Unlocking the Secrets to Scoring Deals

Lululemon, the purveyor of premium athletic apparel, doesn’t operate on a predictable, calendar-driven sales cycle like some retailers. Forget waiting for “President’s Day” or “Memorial Day” – Lululemon plays by its own rules. The best answer to the question of when Lululemon has a sale is: sporadically, but most reliably in its “We Made Too Much” section online and in stores, typically updated every Thursday. However, truly significant price drops on a wider range of items tend to coincide with end-of-season clearances and after major holiday seasons. Knowing how to navigate these nuances is key to getting the best deals.

Deciphering the “We Made Too Much” Section

The Weekly Thursday Drop

The “We Made Too Much” (WMTM) section is your bread and butter for regular Lululemon discounts. Think of it as Lululemon’s permanent sale rack. New items are usually added every Thursday morning, often around 11 AM EST. This is the golden hour – products and sizes are often quickly snagged.

• Pro Tip: Set an alarm and be ready to browse the moment the drop goes live. Don’t hesitate if you see something you like, especially in popular sizes.

Beyond Thursdays: Spotting Flash Sales

While Thursday is the most consistent day, keep an eye out for sporadic additions to the WMTM section throughout the week. These are often unannounced and can include items that didn’t sell well or extra stock from seasonal collections. Diligent browsing is key!

End-of-Season and Holiday Sales: The Big Events

Seasonal Clearances: Summer to Fall, Winter to Spring

Lululemon typically marks down a wider selection of items at the end of each season to make room for new collections. This means looking for sales around August/September (summer to fall transition) and January/February (winter to spring transition). These are excellent opportunities to find deeper discounts on seasonal styles, colors, and sizes that Lululemon wants to clear from inventory.

• Strategic Shopping: Plan ahead. Think about what you’ll need for the upcoming season and try to purchase off-season items during these clearance events.

Post-Holiday Sales: Boxing Day and Beyond

While not explicitly advertised as “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday,” Lululemon participates in the holiday shopping season, often with increased inventory in the WMTM section and occasionally with targeted promotions. Boxing Day (December 26th) is a particularly notable date, often featuring significant markdowns. Keep an eye on their website and app for hints of upcoming promotions in the days leading up to and following major holidays.

Unofficial Sales and Insider Tips

Educator Discounts

If you are a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer, or work in a related field, Lululemon offers a generous discount (often 25%) on in-store and online purchases. This is a significant advantage for those eligible, but requires verification and enrollment in their program.

Employee Appreciation

Sometimes, Lululemon may offer flash sales or exclusive discounts to its employees. This information isn’t generally publicly available, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Outlet Stores

While less common, Lululemon does have a small number of outlet stores in certain locations. These outlets often offer significantly discounted items, including overstock, slightly imperfect products, and discontinued styles. Check if there’s one near you to potentially snag some deals.

Lululemon Sale FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Lululemon sales, answered by your seasoned shopping guide.

1. Does Lululemon ever have Black Friday sales?

While Lululemon doesn’t traditionally advertise a massive “Black Friday” sale, they do participate in the holiday shopping season. Expect increased inventory in the “We Made Too Much” section and potentially some unannounced promotions. It’s worth checking both online and in-store.

2. What is the “We Made Too Much” section?

The “We Made Too Much” (WMTM) section is Lululemon’s permanent sale section. It features items that are being discounted due to overstock, seasonal changes, or simply not performing as well as expected.

3. When does Lululemon update its “We Made Too Much” section?

The WMTM section is typically updated every Thursday morning around 11 AM EST. However, sporadic additions can happen throughout the week, so it’s worth checking regularly.

4. Does Lululemon have Boxing Day sales?

Yes! Boxing Day (December 26th) is a good time to find deals at Lululemon, often with significant markdowns in the WMTM section and potential limited-time promotions.

5. Does Lululemon have student discounts?

No, Lululemon does not offer a general student discount. However, as mentioned before, they do offer a discount to certified fitness professionals.

6. How can I find out about Lululemon sales before they happen?

• Sign up for Lululemon’s email list: This is the most direct way to receive notifications about upcoming sales and promotions.
• Follow Lululemon on social media: Stay updated on their latest news and potential hints about upcoming deals.
• Join online Lululemon communities: These groups often share information and rumors about upcoming sales.

7. Does Lululemon offer free shipping during sales?

Lululemon offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount (currently $75 in the US). This applies to both regular purchases and items purchased from the WMTM section.

8. Are items in the “We Made Too Much” section final sale?

The return policy for WMTM items can vary. Generally, during a period where returns are accepted, items purchased from the WMTM section may be returned, but this is subject to change. Always check the return policy before making a purchase from the WMTM section to avoid any surprises.

9. Can I use a gift card to purchase items on sale?

Yes! You can use Lululemon gift cards to purchase items on sale, including those in the “We Made Too Much” section.

10. Does Lululemon ever have in-store only sales?

Occasionally, Lululemon may offer in-store-only promotions or discounts. This is more common at outlet stores or during special events. Check with your local store to see if they have any current promotions.

11. What’s the best strategy for shopping Lululemon sales?

• Be prepared: Know your sizes and preferred styles.
• Act fast: Popular items sell out quickly, especially in popular sizes.
• Check the return policy: Understand the return policy before making a purchase.
• Don’t be afraid to try different sizes: Lululemon’s sizing can be inconsistent, so it’s worth trying multiple sizes if possible.
• Consider shopping off-season: You’ll often find the best deals on seasonal items at the end of the season.

12. Do Lululemon prices ever go lower than the “We Made Too Much” price?

Yes, sometimes they do. During major end-of-season clearances or special promotions, Lululemon may further reduce prices on items already in the WMTM section. Keep an eye out for these deeper discounts.

By understanding Lululemon’s unique sales patterns and following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to score amazing deals on high-quality athletic apparel. Happy shopping!