When Does Walmart Christmas Merchandise Go 75% Off? Unveiling the Secrets of After-Christmas Clearance

Pinpointing the exact date when Walmart slashes Christmas merchandise to 75% off is a bit of a treasure hunt, but generally, you’re looking at the window of December 26th to January 7th. However, the deepest discounts of 75% off usually emerge a few days after Christmas, typically starting around December 28th and extending into the first week of January. Keep in mind, this can vary by location, so it’s always best to check your local Walmart store. This is when the real bargains are to be found, transforming post-holiday shopping into a strategic game of festive frugality!

The Thrill of the After-Christmas Hunt: Navigating Walmart Clearance

The day after Christmas at Walmart is not for the faint of heart. It’s a carefully orchestrated dance between eager shoppers and rapidly dwindling inventory. To master the art of after-Christmas clearance shopping at Walmart, you need a strategy, a bit of luck, and a healthy dose of patience.

Understanding Walmart’s Clearance Schedule

While there’s no official, publicly released schedule, Walmart tends to follow a predictable pattern. Here’s a breakdown:

December 26th: Expect initial markdowns, typically ranging from 25% to 50% off. This is a good time to snag popular items that might sell out quickly, even at a lower discount.
December 27th – 28th: This is where things get interesting. Many items will be marked down further, often reaching the 50% to 75% off range. Keep an eye out for those red clearance tags!
December 29th – January 7th: The sweet spot! This is your prime window for 75% off deals. However, selection becomes limited as popular items disappear quickly. The deeper you go into January, the closer you get to 90% off, but you’ll be scraping the bottom of the barrel at this point.
After January 7th: Anything remaining is usually marked down to 90% off or consolidated and possibly donated. The remaining products are minimal.

Strategies for Scoring the Best Deals

Scout Early: Visit your local Walmart in the days leading up to Christmas. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the Christmas section’s layout and identify items you want to target during the clearance.
The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Arrive early on December 26th (or even better, the 27th or 28th) to beat the crowds and get the first pick of the best merchandise.
Look for the Red Tags: These are your best friends. Red clearance tags indicate the current discount. Make sure to double-check the price at the register, as sometimes the tags aren’t updated.
Use the Walmart App: Scan items with the Walmart app to verify the price and check if it’s lower online. You might even find clearance deals that aren’t advertised in-store.
Be Patient and Persistent: Clearance shopping requires patience. Be prepared to sift through piles of merchandise and check multiple locations within the store.
Don’t Hesitate: If you find something you want at a great price, don’t wait too long to buy it. Clearance items sell out quickly, especially the most popular ones.
Check Multiple Walmarts: If your local Walmart is picked over, consider visiting other Walmart stores in your area. Inventory can vary significantly between locations.
Think Ahead: Buy items you can use for next year’s Christmas celebrations, but also consider items that can be repurposed for other holidays or occasions.
Inspect Carefully: Before you buy, carefully inspect items for damage. Clearance items are often sold as-is, and you may not be able to return them.
Embrace the Chaos: After-Christmas clearance shopping can be chaotic. Try to stay positive, be courteous to other shoppers, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!

What to Expect to Find on Clearance

The types of items you’ll find on clearance will vary, but generally, you can expect to see discounts on:

Christmas Decorations: Ornaments, lights, trees, wreaths, garlands, and other decorative items.
Christmas Gift Wrap and Supplies: Wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, ribbons, and tags.
Christmas Candy and Food Items: Holiday-themed chocolates, cookies, and other treats. (Check expiration dates!)
Christmas Clothing and Accessories: Holiday sweaters, pajamas, hats, and scarves.
Christmas Toys and Gifts: Toys, games, and other gift items that didn’t sell before Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Walmart’s Christmas Clearance

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the after-Christmas clearance sales at Walmart like a pro:

1. Does Walmart Have a Post-Christmas Sale?

Absolutely! Walmart’s post-Christmas sale is a major event, offering deep discounts on a wide variety of holiday merchandise. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on decorations for next year or find discounted gifts.

2. What Percentage Off is Walmart’s After-Christmas Sale?

The discounts vary, but you can expect to see markdowns ranging from 25% to 90% off. The deepest discounts (75% to 90% off) typically occur a few days after Christmas and continue into the first week of January.

3. Can I Use Coupons on Clearance Items at Walmart?

Yes, you can often use coupons on clearance items at Walmart, provided the coupon is valid for the specific item and hasn’t expired. Check the fine print of the coupon for any restrictions.

4. What Happens to Unsold Christmas Merchandise at Walmart?

Unsold Christmas merchandise is typically marked down to increasingly lower prices until it’s cleared out. Anything that doesn’t sell is sometimes consolidated and either donated to charity or liquidated.

5. Can I Return Clearance Items at Walmart?

Walmart’s return policy on clearance items is generally the same as their standard return policy, but it’s always a good idea to check the specific return policy at your local store. Some clearance items may be marked as final sale, meaning they cannot be returned.

6. Does Walmart Offer Price Matching on Clearance Items?

Walmart’s price matching policy can be complex, and it may not apply to all clearance items. Check with your local store to see if price matching is available on the items you’re interested in.

7. How Often Does Walmart Restock Clearance Items?

Walmart rarely restocks clearance items. Once an item is gone, it’s usually gone for good. This is why it’s important to shop early and be prepared to buy items when you see them.

8. Is it Better to Shop Online or In-Store for Walmart’s After-Christmas Sale?

Both online and in-store shopping have their advantages. In-store shopping allows you to see and touch the items before you buy them. Online shopping can offer a wider selection and potentially lower prices. It depends on your personal preference and what you’re looking for.

9. Does Walmart Have a Separate Section for Clearance Items After Christmas?

Yes, Walmart typically creates a designated clearance section (or multiple sections) for Christmas merchandise after the holiday. Look for signs indicating the clearance area.

10. Can I Use My Walmart Credit Card to Purchase Clearance Items?

Yes, you can use your Walmart credit card to purchase clearance items. You’ll earn rewards on your purchases just like you would with regular-priced items.

11. What’s the Best Time of Day to Shop Walmart’s After-Christmas Sale?

The best time of day to shop is early in the morning, as soon as the store opens. This gives you the best chance of finding the items you want before they sell out.

12. How Can I Stay Updated on Walmart’s After-Christmas Clearance Deals?

Check the Walmart website and app regularly.
Follow Walmart on social media.
Sign up for Walmart’s email list.
Visit your local Walmart store frequently.

Mastering the after-Christmas clearance at Walmart takes a bit of planning and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Happy hunting!