The Great Exchange: Mastering Post-Christmas Sales in Idaho Falls & Ammon

The gifts are opened, the wrapping paper is gone, and the holiday rush is officially over. Now it’s time for the true local sport in Eastern Idaho: Post-Christmas Clearance Shopping!

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day—often referred to as "Boxing Week" sales—is when local retailers in Idaho Falls and Ammon slash prices to make room for new inventory. If you play your cards right, you can snag incredible deals and stock up for next year.

Here is your guide to mastering the post-Christmas shopping frenzy at the Grand Teton Mall and beyond.

🎯 The Clearance Hunt: What to Target Now

Retailers are desperate to clear out anything red and green. This is your chance to buy items that barely change year-to-year for a fraction of the original price.

Seasonal Decor (50% to 75% Off): This is the number one target. Look for lights, artificial trees, wreaths, storage containers, and timeless ornaments. Walmart and Target in Ammon are excellent for lighting and outdoor inflatables, which see huge markdowns.
Holiday-Themed Apparel: Sweaters, pajamas, fuzzy socks, and t-shirts with a holiday motif (like snowmen, specific dates, or general winter themes) will be heavily discounted. Look in stores like Kohl's and Old Navy (Grand Teton Mall) for the deepest cuts.
Gift Sets and Baskets: Cosmetic sets, spa kits, hot cocoa mixes, and food gift baskets are all immediately moved to clearance. Pro Tip: Buy them now, open them up, and use the contents to create smaller gifts for birthdays, thank-yous, or White Elephant exchanges throughout the year!
Candy and Baked Goods: Any candy in holiday packaging (especially chocolate) will be marked down rapidly. Stock up for New Year's parties or just a sweet treat!

📍 Retail Hotspots: Where to Find the Biggest Deals

Focus your efforts on these key locations around Idaho Falls and Ammon where inventory shifts quickly:

Grand Teton Mall (Idaho Falls)

Best for Apparel & Accessories: Department stores like Dillard's and major clothing chains typically move their fall and winter apparel to deep clearance to make room for spring collections. Look for cold-weather gear like coats and boots.
Jewelry & Beauty: Stores like Bath & Body Works and other specialized retailers will have their holiday-specific scents and gift sets marked down significantly.
Mall Timing Tip: Many of these stores often open early on December 26th to handle the rush. Call ahead or check the mall website for their precise December 26th opening hours.

The Ammon Shopping Corridor

Target, Walmart, & Kohl's: These big-box retailers are where the real deals on decor and consumables live. Their seasonal clearance section is usually massive, starting at 50% off and rapidly dropping to 75% off (and sometimes 90% off) by the end of the month.
Home Goods & T.J. Maxx: These stores are treasure troves for discounted gourmet foods, wrapping supplies, and unique home décor items after Christmas.

🎁 The Gift Card Strategy: Shopping with New Money

If you received gift cards, the post-Christmas sales are the absolute best time to use them.

Maximize Value: Instead of using your new $50 gift card to buy a full-price item, use it to buy $100 or more worth of merchandise that is already marked down 50% or 75%.
Buy for Yourself: Use the opportunity to buy that item you really wanted but didn't ask for—but now at a stellar clearance price!

🔄 The Great Exchange: Handling Returns Efficiently

You might have a few unwanted gifts. To survive the post-holiday return lines and keep your sanity, follow these tips:

Go Early or Late: The crowds are thickest on December 26th and through the first weekend after Christmas. The best time to make returns is immediately after a store opens on a weekday (December 27th–31st).
Separate Your Missions: Keep your returns separate from your clearance shopping. Finish your return first, then grab a new shopping cart and hit the sales.
Check Holiday Return Policies: Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kohl's extend their return windows for items purchased in November and December, but for things like electronics, the deadline can be tight (often starting on December 26th). Know your deadlines and bring your receipts/gift receipts!

Happy hunting, Idaho Falls! May your bags be full and your savings be deep.