After the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, why not treat yourself to a spot of retail therapy? With so many department stores and boutiques starting their January sales earlier each year, you can now purchase designer goods - which boast a significantly smaller price tag - sooner than you think.
Department stores are always a safe bet for the savvy bargain hunter as everything can be found under one roof. Late risers risk missing out on the best purchases, so make sure you get there early. Don't despair if you're not in town on the opening day of a particular sale - most sales continue throughout January and you'll find there are additional price cuts in the final few days.
If you fancy a change of scenery, or like the idea of carrying out your shopping in an alternative destination, then we’ve got just what you need:
London
Kick off the January sales in style and head to Harrods. The iconic Knightsbridge store's winter sales are famous for big savings on luxury goods. Discounts are store-wide with up to 75% off and start from the 27th of December, right up until the 24th of January. John Lewis is also great for picking up a bargain. Try Selfridges in Oxford Street for six floors of gorgeous designer goods - sales traditionally start from 26th of December.
Where to stay:
HazlittsParis
If you fancy spending the January sales in one of the most romantic cities in the world then Paris is the place for you. Paris’ January sales usually begin on the first Wednesday of January and over a six week period you can indulge in all Parisian shops and department stores such as Lafayette, Printemps, BHV or Au Bon Marche.
Where to stay:Les Jardin du MaraisBarcelona
Barcelona is known for its famous 5 kilometre shopping area - stretching from the top of the Ramblas, through Plaça Catalunya and is fantastic during the winter sales. Sales start during the second week of January and usually last up until the end of February, so make sure you pay a visit to Barcelona’s most popular department stores El Corte Ingles, FNAC and Heron City.
Where to stay:Hotel Barcelona PrincessFlorence
Florence is one of the main centres for shopping in Italy and the numerous districts provide a shopper's paradise. Designer shops, including Versace, Gucci, Prada and Bulgari are located along Via Tornabuoni and Via Vigna Nuova and you’re almost certain to pick up amazing products at a snip of the original price.
Where to stay:
All-Suites Palazzo Magnani FeroniPrague
The popular winter sales usually start around the beginning of January in Prague where you can find grand shopping malls located at a prominent location in the middle of Wenceslas Square. Palác Flóra is one of the larger malls and has huge discounts throughout their 120 shops, occupying four floors.
Where to stay:The best Prague hotelsNew York
Depending on the retail store, the start of the winter sales season can be the day after Christmas or at the beginning of January. Head down to Fifth Avenue and explore some of the finest shops in the world, including Bloomingdales, Saks and Macy’s – reputedly the world’s largest store.
Where to stay:Soho Grand Hotel