January shopping deals: Look for big sales in these 4 categories

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - If your credit cards have recovered from all of that holiday shopping or you still have holiday returns to do, you'll find some really good sales in the month of January.

Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert with Slickdeals, says you should bring back holiday returns as soon as possible and in as pristine condition as possible to maximize your refund.

1. FITNESS APPAREL AND EQUIPMENT

"New Year, New You" may be an annoying cliché, but it's a big sale category this month. Trae says you'll see good deals on fitness apparel at big names like Adidas and Nike.

If you like to work out at home, look for discounts on fitness equipment. Walmart and Academy Sports & Outdoors both have weights and home gym equipment on sale.

2. TELEVISIONS

If you're not ready to get off the couch just yet, this is a great time to shop for televisions.

Look for good discounts ahead of the Super Bowl, which is Feb. 3. Trae says the deals won't be as fabulous as they were on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but if you missed those sales, these deals are a close second. She is already seeing $70 to $350 off televisions at Walmart, Sam's Club and Costco.

3. LINENS, BEDDING, TOWELS

January is probably best known for its white sales, which have been happening since the 1800s. Trae says this is a great month to take advantage of those sales on linens, bedding, and towels. She is seeing deals at Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Macy's, and JCPenney. Trae says these sales will mostly be in the 20 percent range, with fewer clearance level sales, but they are substantial enough that it's a great time to stock up.

4. MEN'S CLOTHING

This month also has great clothing deals for the guys. Joseph A. Bank has 20 percent off. Men's Wearhouse has $20 off a purchase of $100.

Trae says Topman and Destination XL have clearance-level deals up to 70 percent off, so look for substantial sales in that category.

She also says look for the sales and discounts to deepen on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, which is Jan. 19–21.

WHAT TO AVOID

What should you avoid in January? Trae says wait till February for mattresses. Presidents Day is known for great mattress discounts. Also hold off on toys, which aren't on sale right after the holidays.

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