A Little More Time for Shopping: Daylight Saving vs. Standard Time

While many of us may view the end of DST as simply an extra hour to rest, it’s also a great opportunity to leverage the time change to your advantage. By adjusting your routine, you can get a head start on the holiday shopping season, which is just around the corner. The extra hour gained when we “fall back” offers the perfect window to explore pre-holiday deals, plan out gift lists, and take advantage of time-sensitive offers that coincide with the time shift.

During this period, many retailers gear up for the holiday season by rolling out early promotions, exclusive offers, and discounts. It’s a great time to snag deals before the Black Friday frenzy. By shopping early, you can avoid the stress of last-minute shopping and benefit from early bird discounts.

Here are a few categories to focus on as you reset your clocks and get ahead of your holiday shopping:

Cozy Up with Winter Must-Haves

Winter Wardrobe Refresh

As the weather cools down, it’s time to start thinking about upgrading your wardrobe for the winter months. The end of DST aligns with the perfect time to shop for cozy clothing essentials, from warm sweaters to fashionable outerwear that will keep you comfortable during the colder days.

• Cozy Knits and Outerwear: Brands like Uniqlo and L.L. Bean, typically roll out early discounts on winter clothing around the end of DST. Whether you’re looking for lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers or stylish down jackets, this is the time to stock up before the heavy snowfalls hit.

• Accessories for the Cold: Don’t forget the finishing touches to your winter outfit. Scarves, gloves, and beanies from stores like REI or Nordstrom will keep you both warm and stylish. Look for sets that offer a bundled discount—many retailers offer these deals just in time for the fall-to-winter transition.

• Footwear for Frosty Days: Sturdy winter boots are a must for those slushy, snowy days ahead. Retailers like Sorel and Columbia Sportswear offer significant discounts on winter footwear around this time, ensuring your feet stay warm without breaking the bank.

Warm Your Home with Seasonal Decor and Comforts

With the end of DST signaling longer, darker evenings, this is the perfect time to make your home a cozy retreat. From comfy blankets to mood-setting lighting, adding a few key items can completely transform your space for the colder season.

• Home Décor: Look for deals on throw blankets, pillows, and home fragrances at stores like Pottery Barn and Bed Bath & Beyond. Their fall and winter collections offer the perfect blend of warmth and style, often at discounted prices in the lead-up to the holiday season. Whether you prefer plaid patterns or neutral tones, these additions can instantly create a cozy atmosphere for holiday gatherings.

• Candles and Scented Diffusers: The aroma of the season is just as important as the visuals. With earlier sunsets, scented candles from brands like Yankee Candle or Diptyque will fill your home with fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. The end of DST often brings exclusive collections and discounts on seasonal scents, allowing you to stock up on your favorite fragrances for the holiday season.

Stay Productive: Gadgets and Tech for the Darker Days

With the end of DST, the sun sets earlier, and the darker evenings are ideal for catching up on hobbies, working from home, or indulging in some entertainment. To make the most of this time, consider upgrading your tech gadgets:

Smart Lighting: Take control of your lighting with smart bulbs that automatically adjust with the sunset or sunrise. They can sync with the seasonal time changes, providing a seamless transition into the darker evenings.

• Recommendation: Brands like Philips Hue and LIFX offer smart lighting options that are energy-efficient and easy to control from your phone. Look for bundles or discounted packages as retailers ramp up their promotions.

Coffee Makers for Cozy Mornings: Nothing beats a hot cup of coffee when the mornings get colder. With the extra hour, treat yourself to a high-quality coffee maker that brews the perfect cup while you adjust to the new schedule.

• Recommendation: Nespresso and Keurig machines are top choices this season, and many models come with holiday discounts. Keep an eye on special bundles that include pods or accessories.

Home Entertainment Systems: With darker evenings and more time at home, now’s the time to invest in entertainment. Look for deals on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and sound systems that can turn your living room into the perfect escape from the chilly outdoors.

• Recommendation: Best Buy and Woot! frequently offer significant discounts on entertainment gadgets right after DST ends. You’ll find incredible deals on 4K TVs, soundbars, and more just in time for the holidays.

Prepare for the Holiday Rush

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, this is the ideal moment to strategize your holiday shopping. By resetting your clocks and keeping an eye on early-bird offers, you can make the most of the season’s best deals. Here's how:

• Early Shopping Advantage: Many brands will release limited-time offers that coincide with the DST transition, allowing you to get ahead of the holiday rush. Make sure your wish list is ready, and check your favorite retailers for early-bird promotions.

• Email Alerts: Sign up for email newsletters from major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Nordstrom to receive notifications about upcoming sales and exclusive offers.

• Apps for Savings: Download shopping apps like FatCoupon to find and apply coupon codes automatically, ensuring you get the best price possible.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Time

As you reset your clocks for the end of daylight saving time, why not take advantage of the extra hour to prepare for the busy shopping season ahead? Whether you’re updating your wardrobe, upgrading your home gadgets, or getting a head start on holiday gifts, the change in time is a reminder to make the most of the season’s best deals.

Stay tuned to your favorite retailers for exclusive offers, and don’t forget to adjust your clocks—both digital and manual—so you don’t miss out on any promotions. Happy shopping!

About the Author

Joanna (Bei) Zhao | Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at FatCoupon
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