End-of-Season vs Mid-Season Sales: Which Has the Better Discounts?

What end-of-season sales are

End-of-season sales happen when a retailer is clearing stock to make room for the next season. Winter clearance in January, summer clearance in August, and so on. Discounts are often the deepest here—50%, 70%, or more—because the goal is to move inventory, not to preserve margin. The downside: selection is limited. Sizes, colours, and styles that sold well are gone; what's left is what didn't sell. So you get the best prices but not always the best choice.",

What mid-season sales are

Mid-season sales are the first or second markdowns while the season is still current. A store might take 25–30% off after six weeks, then 40–50% a few weeks later. You're buying while the season is still \"live,\" so you get a better selection—more sizes, more options—but usually smaller discounts than at true end-of-season clearance. Mid-season is where you go when you want a specific item and are happy with a good (not necessarily the deepest) discount.",

End-of-season: deepest discounts, least choice. Mid-season: better choice, smaller markdowns. Pick based on whether you want the best price or the best selection.

— On Sale

Which has the better discounts?

For the steepest discounts, end-of-season wins. Clearance is when retailers cut to the bone. If your goal is \"the lowest possible price\" and you're flexible on exact item or style, wait for end-of-season. If you need something specific (e.g. a coat in your size before winter) or don't want to risk it selling out, mid-season is the safer bet—you'll still get a markdown, just not the final clearance level.",

Which has the better choice?

Mid-season has the better choice. More stock, more sizes, more colours. End-of-season is leftovers. So if you care about finding the right item (not just any item at 70% off), shop mid-season. If you're happy to grab whatever's left at the lowest price, shop end-of-season. Many savvy shoppers do both: buy key pieces at mid-season when selection is good, then fill in or take a punt on clearance later.",

How to use both

Use filters (e.g. by discount %) to see what's actually on sale in each phase. Set alerts for brands or categories so you're notified when new markdowns land—whether that's a mid-season drop or the start of clearance. If you're watching a specific item, buy at mid-season if you see a discount you're happy with; waiting for end-of-season might mean it's gone. If you're browsing for the best possible deal and don't mind limited choice, target end-of-season and filter by 50% or 70% off.",

Summary

End-of-season sales offer the deepest discounts but the least choice (clearance leftovers). Mid-season sales offer better selection at smaller markdowns (first and second cuts). \"Better\" depends on you: best price → end-of-season; best choice → mid-season. Use discount filters and alerts to see what's on sale in each phase, and buy when the trade-off (price vs selection) matches what you want.",