January Sales 2026, from January 7 to February 3
David Chelly, January 5, 2026
How the winter sales work
The January sales, also called winter sales, correspond to a period governed by law during which stores can apply significant discounts, with successive markdowns lowering prices over the weeks. It is one of the rare times of the year when selling at a loss can be permitted, provided precise rules are followed.
Official dates of the 2026 winter sales
For most metropolitan departments, the 2026 winter sales begin on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 8 a.m. and end on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 inclusive, a period of four weeks. The dates also apply to online sales, including when the site does not highlight a specific location.
How the markdowns work
Retailers generally organize several waves of discounts. The first few days often offer the widest selection, then prices drop further as stock decreases. Depending on the sector, certain sizes and certain items sell out very quickly, which is why it's worth identifying target products and their usual price in advance.
What the law allows and requires during the sales
Items on sale must already have been offered for sale and paid for by the retailer for a minimum period before the start of the sales, which prevents goods that arrived at the last minute from being presented as discounted. The display of discounts must remain fair, with a consistent reference price. In practice, rules on discount announcements require basing them on the lowest price charged during the previous thirty days, in order to limit false promotions.
Purchases, returns, and warranties
The sales do not remove your rights. Legal warranties continue to apply, particularly in the event of a defect or a non-conforming product. In stores, an exchange or refund remains a matter of commercial policy, except in the case of a product issue. Online, the right of withdrawal generally applies under the usual conditions, even during the sales, with the exceptions provided by law depending on the nature of the item.