THE TUESDAY MORNING RECOVERY: LAST CALL ON MLK WEEKEND DEALS

The long weekend is technically behind us, but if you think the savings disappeared when the clock struck midnight, I have some good news. Today, Tuesday, January 20, is the unofficial final lap of the MLK Day sales cycle. While the holiday itself was yesterday, many of the deepest discounts—the ones retailers use to aggressively clear out winter inventory—are still live for a few more hours.

We saw over 70 major retailers launch massive events this past weekend. If you spent your Monday resting instead of scrolling through checkout screens, you haven't missed the boat. In fact, this Tuesday often serves as a sweet spot where stock is still available but the frantic holiday traffic has died down. I've spent the morning digging through the remaining offers to find out which deals are legitimate and which are just leftover noise.

THE HOME REFRESH: WAYFAIR, TARGET, AND THE WHITE SALE TRADITION

January has always been the month of the White Sale, a retail tradition focusing on linens and home goods that dates back decades. This year is no different, and the MLK Day weekend provided the perfect peak for these discounts. Wayfair is currently leading the pack with their massive 70 percent off clearance event. If you have been living with a set of towels that has seen better days or a duvet cover that no longer matches your vibe, Wayfair is the first place you should look today.

Target is another heavy hitter to watch in these final hours. While they are known for their seasonal transitions, their current focus is on storage and organization. If your New Year’s resolution to declutter has already hit a wall of mismatched plastic bins, Target is offering significant markdowns on home organization systems. It is a practical buy that actually helps you maintain those 2026 goals.

For those looking at larger investments, The Home Depot and Lowe's are still running their appliance events. We are seeing savings of up to 800 dollars on select kitchen suites. This isn't just a minor markdown; it's a strategic move to clear floor space for new 2026 models arriving in early spring. If your refrigerator is making a noise that keeps you up at night, today is the day to pull the trigger on a replacement.

TECH CLEARANCE: SNAGGING LAST YEAR'S BEST FROM BEST BUY AND AMAZON

The tech world moves fast, and by late January, retailers like Best Buy are desperate to move 2025 inventory to make room for the latest gadgets announced at recent trade shows. This is fantastic news for the budget-conscious consumer. You do not always need the flagship phone that was released ten minutes ago.

Best Buy is currently offering several hundred dollars off 2025 laptop models and 4K televisions. These are high-performance machines that were top-of-the-line just months ago and will easily last you for several years. Similarly, Amazon is maintaining its holiday pricing on Echo and Fire TV devices for just a little longer. If you’ve been wanting to build out a smart home ecosystem, these entry-level prices are about as low as they get outside of Prime Day.

One specific tip: look for open-box deals at Best Buy today. Many people receive electronics as gifts over the holidays, try them out for a few weeks, and return them mid-January. These items are often in perfect condition but carry an even steeper discount than the standard sale price.

STRATEGIC GIFTING: WHY YOUR FEBRUARY SELF WILL THANK YOU

We often think of MLK Day sales as a time to buy for ourselves, but the smartest shoppers are looking at the calendar. Valentine’s Day is less than a month away, and Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. Using these final hours of holiday weekend pricing to secure gifts is a pro move that saves both money and stress.

Macy’s is a prime destination for this strategy. They are currently running deep discounts on fine jewelry and designer fragrances as part of their post-holiday wrap-up. Buying a high-quality necklace or a luxury perfume at a 40 percent discount now is a much better experience than paying full price in a panic on February 13.

Additionally, if you have any winter birthdays coming up, look at the apparel clearances at Nordstrom and REI. We are seeing up to 50 percent off premium outdoor gear and winter coats. Brands like The North Face and Patagonia rarely go on sale during the height of the season, but because we are past the midway point of winter, retailers are ready to move them. A high-quality fleece or a durable rain shell makes a fantastic, high-value gift that you can snag for a fraction of its usual cost.

THE CLOSING WINDOW: HOW TO SHOP THE FINAL HOURS WITHOUT REGRET

When you are shopping at the tail end of a major sale event, the pressure can lead to bad decisions. My advice remains the same: a sale is only a deal if it is something you were actually going to buy anyway. Don't let a 60 percent off tag convince you that you need a specialized bread maker that will eventually just collect dust in your pantry.

Before you click buy, do a quick price check. Tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon or simple Google Shopping searches can tell you if that sale price is actually a historic low or just a minor fluctuation. Also, pay attention to shipping times and return policies. Some deep-clearance items might be final sale, which is fine if you know exactly what you want, but risky if you are unsure about sizing or compatibility.

Take a breath, look at your list, and if there is a genuine need for a new mattress from Casper, a laptop from Best Buy, or a set of linens from Wayfair, go for it. These prices are unlikely to return until the Memorial Day sales in May. Use the rest of this Tuesday to wrap up your shopping, and then get back to the routine of the week knowing you made the most of the long weekend's leftovers.

SUMMARY OF TOP 10 RETAILERS TO WATCH TODAY:

Wayfair: Up to 70 percent off bedding, bath, and area rugs.
Best Buy: Significant markdowns on 2025 laptops and 4K TVs.
Target: Discounts on home organization and storage solutions.
The Home Depot: Up to 800 dollars off select major appliance suites.
Macy’s: Last-call pricing on jewelry, linens, and designer fragrances.
Amazon: Continued holiday-level pricing on Echo and Fire TV smart devices.
REI: Up to 50 percent off winter coats and outdoor gear.
Nordstrom: Designer clearance on winter apparel and footwear.
Casper: Notable percentage off mattresses and cooling pillows.
West Elm: Final hours of their furniture and decor warehouse sale.