The best deals to expect from Zara, Next, Fenty and more
From Lookfantastic to Net-A-Porter, there’s plenty of exciting offers to look forward to
(The Independent)
The turkey is yet to be basted and our presents are still safely tucked away from prying eyes, but we’re already looking forward to what has become one of the biggest shopping events in the calendar: Boxing Day.
Your last chance to grab a bargain before the New Year rings in, the Boxing Day sales are notoriously big, with previous years seeing hundreds of eager shopper queuing outside stores from the early hours. But this year, expect things to look a little different.
While online shopping has been on the rise for some time, the coronavirus pandemic has seen it boom, with more of us choosing to stay home and avoid large crowds.
The good news is that, whether you’re planning to shop safely in-person, or from the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of great deals to be had, particularly when it comes to fashion and beauty.
Traditionally a time when shops want to get rid of excess winter stock, the Boxing Day sales are a great time to get a good deal on something you’ve had your eye on, but didn’t’ quite make its way under the Christmas tree.
Fashion favourite brands like Zara and Asos always have huge sales, while luxury e-tailers such as Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion make it easier to invest in a designer winter coat for the chilly season.
Similarly, some of the most popular skincare and make-up brands and retailers join in on the holiday shopping bonanza, including Mac Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty and Lookfantastic. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your beauty routine, try a new brand or desperately ned to replace your favourite mascara, now is the time.
This year, we expect that shops will be offering more bargains than ever before and, to save you from incessant scrolling, we’re going to be doing the hard work for you by rounding up the very best fashion and beauty deals. Read on for everything you need to know about the Boxing Day sales, including or predictions on which stores will be taking part.
Our IndyBest team has hand-picked every deal featured here. We may earn ome commission from the links in this article, but our selections have been made independently and without bias. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
When do the Boxing Day sales start?
Traditionally, the Boxing Day sales start on 26 December but in recent years many shops have kicked off their deals even earlier, with some running throughout the entire month.
But, while December is generally a great time to buy something at a reduced price, the discounts tend to get better as the month progresses, so make sure to keep a close eye on your favourite shops in the days running up to the event.
How to get the best Boxing Day deals
Preparation is key when it comes to making the most of the sales. It can be easy to get carried away, so we suggest making a list of the products you’re keen to buy beforehand and setting yourself a budget to help you exercise some restraint.
It’s also worth researching these products and their prices, so you can tell if a deal is really a bargain or not. To do this, you can use sites such as PriceSpy or CamelCamelCamel to check the original price of products.
Don’t forget to check the return policies and terms and conditions before you buy, too.
Tips for Boxing Day sales shopping online
If you’re planning to shop with big retailers like Amazon or John Lewis & Partners, we recommend signing up for an account ahead of time. This way, your address and delivery details will already be saved, making checkout a speedier process.
It’s also worth considering signing up to Amazon Prime, as doing so gives you free next-day and same-day delivery on a huge range of items. It cost £7.99 a month or an annual fee of £79 but you can also sign up for a free 30 day trial for Prime, which you could cancel after the sales.
If you want to get ahead of the game, sign up to email newsletters from your favourite brands, as these often contain discount codes for early access or extra money off. However, you should be extra cautious with emails you receive during the sales period to ensure they’re legitimate.
Which stores are taking part in Boxing Day sales?
Below is some of the retailers to watch out for and quick links to their pages, with huge discounts expected:
All Saints – Known for its stylish leather jackets, last year the retailer had impressive discounts with 20 per cent off everything full price as well as clearance items. We’re hoping for the same this time round.
Amazon – Last year the online retailer was one of the biggest taking part in the Boxing Day sales, which it calls its End of Year sale, with huge reductions on everything including fashion and beauty.
Arket – The Scandi brand offered up to 50 per cent off its fashion items last year, with discounts on everything from knitwear to tailoring. We’re expecting to see similar deals this time.
Asos – Home to more than 850 brands, Asos is well-loved for its huge sales across fashion and beauty. It currently has a pre-Christmas sale on offer, with discounts of up to 50 per cent on “gift-worthy items”, which include jumpers, bags and shirts.
Anthropologie – Well-known for its fashion, homewares and furniture, last year Anthropologie offered as much as 50 per cent off selected lines and we predict something similar for 2020.
Boots – Last year the health and beauty retailer had up to 50 per cent off fragrance, make-up, skincare and electricals.
Cult Beauty – An online retailer that stocks some of the best beauty brands in the business, this is one sale you won’t want to miss. Last year, Cult Beaty offered up to 50 per cent off on selected products.
Debenhams – Known for impressive discounts during Black Friday and Boxing Day sales, expect slashed prices on thousands of products. It’s already offering up to 70 per cent off in its closing down sale.
Fenty Beauty – Available to buy in the UK at Boots and Harvey Nichols, we are expecting to see impressive discounts across the entire range. The brand is also launching its Fenty Skin range in stores and online in the UK on Boxing Day, as well as its new Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation, and, while there may not be a saving, dedicated Fenty fans should keep their eyes peeled.
H&M – The fashion brand slashed its prices by 50 per cent on its fashion and homewares in its 2019 Boxing Day sale. It currently has up to 50 per cent off across selected items.
House of Fraser – The department store kicked off last year’s discounts with 50 per cent off a range of its lines, including women’s, men’s, beauty, home and kids. Right now you can shop its pre- Christmas sale with up to 50 per cent off fashion and beauty and 20 per cent of full-price items with the code “GIFT20”.
John Lewis & Partners – Last year, John Lewis & Partners’s clearance sale included fashion, tech, electricals and beauty. It also upheld its Never Knowingly Undersold price match pledge and we’re hoping for the same for 2020.
La Redoute – The French brand is known for both fashion and furniture. Last year it offered up to 50 per cent off selected products online.
Lookfantastic – Another popular beauty retailer, last year Lookfantastic had a huge sale on everything from electrical products, like ghd hair tools, to make-up brands including Urban Decay and Benefit.
Mac Cosmetics – If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your make-up stash, now is the time the treat yourself. Last year, Mac offered 20 per cent off its holiday collection and a selection of bestsellers.
M&S – During last year’s Boxing Day sales, M&S offered up to 50 per cent off selected furniture, cookware, fashion and beauty products.
Next – A big hit with shoppers, Next’s sale usually starts at 6am on Boxing Day and continued into January last year. Make sure you set your alarms as we’re expecting something similar this year.
River Island – In River Island’s January sale there was a huge 70 per cent off selected lines, so have your shopping basket ready for this year.
Selfridges – In 2019 you could find many designer goods in the post-Christmas sales, we’re hoping it will be the same this year.
Superdrug – Whether you’re hitting the high street or shopping online, Superdrug’s beauty sale is one to watch. Last year, it offered savings of up to 50 per cent off some of brands like Spectrum, Dove, Revolution, and Simple.
Topshop – The fashion retailer has started its pre-Christmas sale with up to 50 per cent off selected lines including coats, dresses, shoes and bags, with bigger discounts expected in its Boxing Day sale.
The White Company – Known for its minimalist, quality clothing from pjs to cosy jumpers and great homewares, the brand offered up to 50 per cent off in its “white sale” last year. There’s currently 30 per cent off selected lines in its pre-Christmas sale too.
Urban Outfitters – Last year there was up to 75 per cent of Urban Outfitter’s vintage pieces. It already has a 50 per cent off sale running across it’s fashion and homewares too.
Very – With impressive discounts on fashion, home, tech and gifts, Very should be on your sale shopping list this year.
Zara – Last year fashion crowd favourite Zara offered huge discounts on its winter essentials, including coats, dresses, footwear, jeans and accessories.
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