Yes, people still shop in stores. The after-Christmas sales that take place around Brooklyn provide a fantastic opportunity for New Yorkers and visitors to seek out great deals on both small and large ticket items. Sales prices are often applied to various products, including coats, sweaters, hats, and other clothing items, as well as electronics like TVs, DVDs, and laptop computers. Additionally, many household goods become available at significantly reduced prices during this shopping period.
Most major retailers that discount these items—such as Macy’s and Target—have physical locations in various Brooklyn malls, often making them more accessible than the sometimes overcrowded stores in Manhattan.
After-Christmas Shopping Overview
8 Tips for Smart After Christmas Shopping
- Look for coupons and special offers: Shoppers can enhance their after-Christmas savings by taking a moment to locate and utilize store coupons. Always check newspapers, online sources, and in-store for exclusive coupon offers, which can lead to significant savings.
- Buy toys now for gifts next year: Seasonal toys are frequently deeply discounted following Christmas. If there are upcoming children’s birthdays in the new year—assuredly, they would not have received the same toy from Santa—buying toys during post-Christmas sales is a smart way to save considerable money while ensuring a delightful surprise for birthdays.
- Buy Christmas or Hanukkah-decorated foods: Retailers, such as Costco (located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn), often carry large quantities of holiday-themed foods that they need to clear off their shelves quickly. Look for markdowns on items like candy canes and Christmas cakes, but pay close attention to expiration dates.
- Buy discounted returned items: Some retailers offer substantial discounts on perfectly functional merchandise, including electronics that have been returned but remain unopened or undamaged. For example, Best Buy operates three locations in Brooklyn (Atlantic Mall, Gateway Mall, Kings Plaza Mall) that sell “Open Box Items,” which can include floor samples or reconditioned products that range from computers to televisions. These items are typically sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to review the details of the returns policy just in case the item has any issues.
- Head to the malls: Brooklyn boasts a diverse array of middle-priced malls, including Atlantic Center Mall, Kings Plaza, Macy’s, and Fulton Mall, as well as Gateway. Shoppers are likely to discover better discounts immediately after Christmas at these malls compared to the many charming neighborhood stores, which typically don’t implement significant markdowns until later in the winter season.
- Check national brands’ after Christmas sales: Numerous well-known retailers put their products on sale after the holiday season, including:
- Best Buy
- Target
- Macy’s
- Sears
- Staples
- Toys “R” Us
- Babies “R” Us
- Walgreens
- Circuit City
- Costco
- Gap/Gap Kids/Baby Gap
- Lane Bryant
- Lowe’s
- Modells
- Old Navy
- RadioShack
- Rite Aid
- Buy for next year: Adopt a thrift mindset by collecting bargains on Christmas tree ornaments, wrapping supplies, holiday cards, Santa costumes, and other holiday-themed kitchen items. Retailers will aim to clear their shelves entirely, so these goods can be found at great prices. Nevertheless, ensure you have enough storage space at home, as these seasonal items will need to be stored for an entire year.
- Shop local: Supporting local boutiques in Brooklyn is an excellent choice. These small businesses often carry a broad selection of unique items and typically offer substantial discounts after the holiday season. Stroll along Smith Street from Boerum Hill to Carroll Gardens, stopping at the various shops lining this vibrant street, or explore Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. Additionally, Court Street, which extends from Cadman Plaza to Hamilton Avenue, is filled with indie stores and chain stores, including Barnes and Noble, making it a worthwhile shopping destination.
Edited by Alison Lowenstein
