Top 5: Post-Christmas sales spots

New York City

Though Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year in the USA, the bargains continue into the New Year. The Big Apple has some of the lowest prices of the season and least congested shopping during the post-holiday rush, so dedicated shoppers are sure to go home with some steals. With some of the world’s largest department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, New York City is sure to have something for every shopper with money to burn.

Check out the hip and trendy Soho area for hole-in-the-wall boutiques and hipster-chic pieces; Greenwich Village for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and the foodie haven of Bleecker Street. Or, if you’ve saved up some cash, hit the legendary Bergdorf Goodman or Barney’s for a splurge – but beware, these stores don’t run sales and promotions like the more affordable shops.

Dubai

Dubai is a shopping haven all year round, but dedicated fashionistas will venture to the UAE at the start of the year. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival begins on 3 January and runs until early February. In 2012, over 6,000 retail shops offered crazy discounts, making finding a bargain in one of Dubai’s renowned shopping malls or boutiques an easy task.

Throughout the festival, visitors are treated not only to shopping deals, but can enter to win amazing prizes like cars and cash prizes. Dubai’s famous Gold Souk is the place to stop for unique jewellery at a reasonable price while luxury brands like Elie Saab, Max Mara and Valentino can be found at the Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world.

Milan

Known as the fashion capital of the world, Milan is always a draw for the uber trendy European crowd. In January, however, Milan’s luxury brands are more affordable to the masses during the government-regulated sales period.

From 5 January, Italy’s nationwide price-busting starts in earnest until the end of the month. Besides the city centre luxury stores in the “Golden Triangle,” visitors should also head out to the surrounding outlet malls, like 10 Corso Como Outlet, Fox Town, or Serraalle Outlet for even more deals.

Besides snatching up all the bargains, January is a great time to visit Milan before the hubbub of Fashion Week sets in over the city.  Fashion Week, which begins in February, sees the city thronging with models, designers, industry execs, and eager fashionistas. Visit in January for a calmer holiday and a chance to expand your wardrobe.

Paris

A longstanding, iconic city for fashion, Paris is a great spot for a New Year shopping holiday. Give the Christmas craziness that overtakes the romantic city a miss, and wait until the rush dies down to sweep in for the biggest steals.

This year, the shopping extravaganza will begin on 9 January. Visitors from out of town are lucky too – hotels and restaurants usually run sales during this time period too, making a winter holiday much more affordable than usual.  

If you’re ready to shop ‘til you drop, try to hit the shops early on a weekday for the calmest shopping experience; less Parisians are out during the week, so you’ll have the stores to yourself. Check out Le Marais for small boutiques and vintage stores to find that one-of-a-kind piece. Or, stroll along the famous Champs-Elysees for luxury brands like Chanel and Hermes.

If you can’t make it to Paris this January, don’t fret – many stores have started to offer their on-sale merchandise online.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a year round shopping mecca, but in the months leading up to Chinese New Year, the discounts and clearance sales across the city are almost unbelievable.

The post-holiday discounts begin following the Christmas season, but don’t get into full swing until January and will last until Chinese New Year on 10 February.  Enjoy discounts of up to 75% in malls and boutiques and occasionally in smaller, individually owned stores and shops.

At some high-end luxury stores, even discounted items will still be pricey – but, in Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year is about rewarding yourself after the giving Christmas season, so don’t be afraid to splurge!