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When is the best time to buy a new mattress?
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- Tony Brown
Mattresses can be expensive, so buying at the right time can save you a lot of money. However, with so many offers and promotions throughout the year, it can be difficult to know when to buy. Here are some key factors to consider and the best times of the year to buy a mattress.
Timing is everything
Timing is crucial when shopping for a mattress. If your need for a new mattress isn’t urgent, take your time and buy when you’re ready. Since we spend a third of our lives in bed, choosing the right mattress is essential. Don’t rush into a decision or feel pressured to buy just because a sale is ending; another one will be around the corner.
However, if your current mattress is uncomfortable, affects your sleep, or you wake up feeling worse than when you went to bed, it’s advisable to replace it immediately. Retailers frequently have offers and promotions, so with some research, you can still find a good deal even when buying out of necessity.
Shop online or in-store
When deciding whether to shop online or in-store for a mattress, there are a few key points to consider. Online shopping is convenient and allows you to buy directly from many mattress brands without visiting a store. Most online retailers offer generous trial periods and return policies, so you can test the mattress at home and return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
On the other hand, in-store shopping allows you to try out different mattresses and receive recommendations from sales staff based on your needs. However, stores can get crowded, especially on weekends and during sales events.
Buying a mattress online is often cheaper because online stores have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar stores. However, large retail chains can usually negotiate better deals with suppliers and pass those savings on to shoppers.
When do mattresses go on sale?
Mattresses often go on sale during specific times of the year. Most retailers have a winter sale from Boxing Day to February and a summer sale from June to September. During these sales, retailers often prioritise sales over margins, and some may offer additional discounts, making it an appealing time to buy.
Most mattresses are discounted during sales, but the amount can vary depending on the brand or model. Clearance items may be excluded from the sale as they are usually already discounted.
Boxing Day and New Year sales
Bed retailers rely heavily on Boxing Day and New Year sales, which can account for a significant amount of their yearly turnover. Buying a new mattress during winter sales can be beneficial, and you may avoid potential price increases later in the year.
Summer sale
While mattress sales are typically associated with winter, especially around Christmas and the holiday season, good offers and promotions are also available during the summer. Many retailers hold summer sales with discounts comparable to winter sales. Retailers may also offer further discounts on sales prices around the August bank holiday weekend.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day takes place on the last Monday of May, marking the unofficial start of summer. You can expect some great deals across different mattress brands and models. Retailers also use Memorial Day sales to clear surplus stock and make room for new models. This means you can often find ex-display or in-stock mattresses in good condition at a great price.
The best prices are usually available during the week leading up to Memorial Day and on the day itself. Some retailers may extend their offers for another week, giving you extra time to purchase.
Independence Day (4th of July)
The Fourth of July, Independence Day in the United States, is another period when many retailers offer significant discounts on mattresses. Some stores start their sales one or two weeks before the holiday, giving shoppers sufficient time to find a great deal.
Labor Day
Labor Day is a public holiday in the United States and Canada that occurs on the first Monday in September. Retailers often offer substantial discounts on large items like mattresses during Labor Day sales, offering shoppers a great opportunity to find bargains before Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November.
Spring Promotions
Many bed retailers rely on spring bank holidays to boost sales. However, this can be challenging as shoppers often shift their focus to the garden or going on holiday. In response, bed retailers typically offer strong promotions, sometimes with shorter sales periods. Spring promotions can be a good time to buy.
Autumn Promotions
Early autumn is usually quieter for bed sales, with families focused on back-to-school preparations. Many retailers run autumn promotions to keep up the momentum after the summer sales. With slower weeks ahead, some retailers may even offer certain products at the original, non-discounted prices.
Store footfall usually picks up again in October as people switch their attention back to home improvements.
In-store events
Inviting customers to exclusive in-store events has been a successful strategy for many years. However, retailers recognise these events must be worthwhile to attract customers.
These events are often an excellent time to buy, offering exclusive deals and some of the best prices to invited shoppers. They usually take place outside regular store hours, which can be more convenient for shoppers.
Clearance events
Many mattress manufacturers launch new products at the start of the year, preparing for a spring rollout. Retailers may have clearance events where ex-display items and surplus stock are significantly reduced to make room for these new models. Clearance events provide an ideal opportunity to find a bargain, with clearance items sometimes priced even below their cost price.
Retailers often hold clearance sales throughout the year. Some may be closing down, while others are clearing stock for a showroom refurbishment. These sales can attract larger crowds, but they’re worth checking out if you want a great deal on a new mattress and don’t mind the busier environment.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday has become one of the most significant global shopping events in recent years. What began as a single Friday in November now stretches over several weeks. In 2019, the mattress brand Emma reported selling about one mattress every second during peak hours.
While shoppers expect rock-bottom prices, that doesn’t always mean they’ll get them. A study by Which? found that most items were not actually cheaper during Black Friday.
However, there are still some great deals, with mattress brands typically offering discounts of up to 50%. To secure a genuine bargain, it’s important to do your research early. Compare prices across different websites, follow brands on social media, and sign up for newsletters to track genuine offers.
Cyber Monday, an online event, occurs on the Monday after Black Friday. It’s known as the busiest online shopping day of the year in the UK, with deals often going live a few days beforehand.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are usually the last significant opportunities to pick up a good deal on a new mattress before Christmas. If you’re expecting guests over the holidays, Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be a good time to upgrade the mattress in your spare room.
Do mattress stores price match?
Many retailers have a price match policy: if you find the same mattress cheaper elsewhere, they will match or beat the lower price. Typically, customers will need to provide proof of the lower price.
Price matching helps shoppers get the best deals without having to switch retailers or wait until the sales. However, a price match policy may not cover additional costs, such as delivery and mattress disposal charges.
Can you purchase a mattress on finance?
A new mattress can be a significant investment, but many retailers offer financing options to make it more manageable. You can often defer the cost or spread it over convenient monthly payments. These financing packages usually involve a credit check, so reviewing the terms and conditions carefully for any hidden fees or penalties for missed payments is important.
How much should you spend on a new mattress?
How much you spend on a mattress depends on your circumstances, but given we spend a third of our lives in bed, you should spend as much as you can reasonably afford on a new one.
How do you know if you’re getting a good deal on a new mattress?
Knowing whether you’re getting a good deal on a mattress can be difficult. Bigger discounts generally make us feel more satisfied with our purchase. However, some retailers inflate prices or discounts to make the deal seem better than it actually is.
A good starting point when choosing a new mattress is to consider what you like and dislike about your current one. This will help you narrow down your options. You can then start to compare different models either in-store or online.
Compare prices from different retailers and mattress brands for the type of mattress you’re interested in. This will give you a good baseline and help you set a realistic budget for your new mattress. Various online tools allow you to check the price history of certain products to determine whether you’re getting a good deal.
Check if the mattress you’re considering includes free products like pillows or mattress protectors, which can make the offer more appealing.
Only purchase from reputable stores or shopping sites. Read genuine customer reviews on third-party websites. Buying a new mattress isn’t just about the price; it’s also about the aftercare if something goes wrong.
Check the mattress’s guarantee or warranty period. A longer warranty often indicates a quality product and shows the manufacturer’s confidence in it.
Online brands often offer generous trial periods, allowing you to return the mattress if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Ensure you understand their returns policy to avoid any issues later on.
Final thoughts
There isn’t an all-year-round mattress sale. However, knowing the best time to buy a new mattress can save you a lot of money. Focus on finding a mattress that offers the best value, not just the lowest price. Finally, if you’re buying in-store, don’t be afraid to haggle on the price; even if a mattress is on sale, some retailers may still be open to negotiation.
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About the author
Tony Brown is the founder and creator of The Bed Consultant. His career in the bed industry began in 2002. After graduating from university with a degree in Business Administration, Tony joined one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the UK as a bed consultant. Tony has helped thousands of customers find the perfect mattress.