Every major bargain event worth knowing about, from Prime Day to Singles Day to Diwali. Dates, regions, and what actually gets discounted.
Global — all 15 Amazon stores
Amazon's biggest members-only sale of the year. Prime-members only.
Our tip: Start the 30-day free trial the week before so you're eligible, then cancel if you don't want to keep it. Biggest discounts are on Amazon's own devices (Echo, Kindle, Fire TV) and the top-selling electronics.
Global — strongest in US, UK, DE, CA, AU
The biggest shopping event on Earth. Every major retailer discounts.
Our tip: Many retailers start 'early Black Friday' sales from November 1st. Watch price-tracking tools because 'was-prices' get inflated in the weeks before. If you miss Friday, Cyber Monday is usually better for electronics and software.
UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
The post-Christmas clearance. UK retailers use it to clear Q4 inventory.
Our tip: Fashion and home goods see the biggest drops. Apple, John Lewis, Selfridges, and Harrods all run Boxing Day promotions. Some US brands mirror the event as 'End of Year Sale.'
China, Southeast Asia, increasingly global
Alibaba's invented shopping holiday, now the single biggest sales day in history.
Our tip: AliExpress, Shopee, and Lazada run huge promotions. Some Western retailers now participate. Shipping from China is slower during November — order early.
India, plus global Indian diaspora
India's largest shopping event. Amazon.in, Flipkart, Myntra, and Croma all discount heavily.
Our tip: Best time of year to buy Indian fashion, jewellery, and tech on Amazon.in and Flipkart. Many brands now extend Diwali sales to their UK/US sites.
China, SE Asia, Chinatowns worldwide
Post-CNY inventory clearance across Asian e-commerce.
Our tip: AliExpress, Shopee, and Taobao clear out pre-CNY stock. Shipping pauses during the holiday itself (~1 week), so either order 2 weeks before or wait until after.
Middle East, North Africa, Muslim-majority markets globally
Ramadan and the pre-Eid shopping rush. Noon, Amazon.ae/sa, Namshi all run sales.
Our tip: Best time of year for fashion and home goods across MENA. Gift cards and cosmetics discount heavily in the week before Eid.
Global — major in US, UK, DE, JP
Electronics, stationery, dorm essentials, and clothing hit lows.
Our tip: The best deals are on laptops (Apple's back-to-school promo includes a free accessory), backpacks, and Microsoft Office / 365 subscriptions.
Global
Amazon's spring event — not as big as Prime Day but real discounts.
Our tip: No Prime required. Same rotating deal structure as Prime Day. Particularly strong on outdoor gear and spring fashion.
United States
Mattresses, appliances, and furniture hit their lowest prices of the year.
Our tip: If you need a mattress or major appliance in North America, Labor Day usually beats Black Friday for these categories.
United States
Summer kickoff for US retailers.
Our tip: Best for outdoor furniture, grills, luggage, and summer apparel.
Global
Everything red, pink, and chocolate-coated gets 50-80% off.
Our tip: Underrated for jewellery, perfume, and chocolate. Stock up on Lindt and Godiva.
European Union
Legally-regulated clearance period in several EU countries.
Our tip: Soldes in France, Saldi in Italy, Rebajas in Spain. All European designer brands discount to clear seasonal stock. Best for luxury fashion and leather goods.
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