Easter is one of the most exciting holidays for candy lovers, with stores bursting with colorful chocolates, jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, and more. If you’re looking to stock up on Easter candy, you might be wondering when these treats start going on sale. The timing can vary depending on the store, but there are some general trends that can help you plan your candy shopping.
1. Pre-Easter Sales
As Easter approaches, many stores begin to stock up on candy several weeks before the holiday. You’ll typically see Easter candy hitting the shelves in mid-to-late February and continuing through the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. Stores start putting out their Easter-themed candies, chocolates, and treats as early as possible to attract customers preparing for Easter baskets, parties, and egg hunts.
During this time, you’ll find candy on full display, often marketed with special holiday-themed packaging. Popular Easter candy brands, like Cadbury, Reese’s, and Peeps, make their seasonal debut, offering egg-shaped chocolates, jelly beans, and marshmallow treats in pastel colors.
2. Post-Easter Sales
The real candy deals happen right after Easter, typically on Easter Monday or the days following the holiday. Once Easter is over, stores are looking to clear out their excess candy, which is where the big discounts come in. This is when you can find Easter candy at 50% off, 75% off, or even deeper discounts, depending on how much stock remains.
Many retailers will place leftover Easter candy in clearance bins or on special discounted shelves. This is the ideal time to snag treats for the year ahead, especially if you’re willing to stock up and freeze the candy for future use. Easter-themed candies can be great for upcoming holidays, like Halloween or even next Easter, as long as you store them properly.
3. When to Shop for the Best Deals
If you’re looking to buy Easter candy at its lowest price, consider shopping immediately after Easter or the week following the holiday. Many big-box stores like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains will mark down their Easter candy right after Easter Sunday to make room for other seasonal items. The longer you wait, the deeper the discounts tend to be, but the selection will also be more limited.
Additionally, drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid typically offer great post-Easter sales as well. These stores may even offer bonus discounts or reward points for clearance items, so be sure to check their promotional calendars.
4. When Do Stores Start Stocking Easter Candy?
For those looking to get a head start on their Easter candy shopping, know that Easter-themed candy often hits the shelves right after Valentine’s Day or in the first week of March. This gives you plenty of time to buy candy for Easter baskets or Easter egg hunts. While the candy won’t be on sale yet, this is when you’ll find the widest variety of Easter-themed candy and specialty items.
5. Online Sales and Discounts
If you prefer online shopping, many e-commerce sites, like Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com, will offer pre-Easter sales and deep discounts on Easter candy in the days following the holiday. These online retailers may also offer flash sales or specific candy discounts during the Easter season. After Easter, you can often find deals that are just as good, if not better, than in physical stores.
Don’t forget to check out candy-specific sites like CandyStore.com or Brach’s for online clearance sales after the holiday. Some candy shops even extend discounts beyond Easter, with bulk buys or buy-one-get-one deals that will let you enjoy your favorite Easter candies at a lower price.
6. Timing for Specific Stores
Different stores have different policies when it comes to when they discount Easter candy, but here are some common trends:
- Walmart and Target: Typically, they offer the biggest discounts right after Easter, with reductions of up to 75% off. You’ll often see clearance sections dedicated solely to Easter candy by the Monday after Easter.
- Grocery Stores: These stores often start their Easter candy markdowns right after Easter Sunday. If you want to get ahead of the crowds, visit these stores early on Easter Monday for some of the best deals.
- Drugstores (CVS, Walgreens): Drugstores may not have the same selection as larger retailers, but they usually follow suit with deep post-Easter discounts in the week following the holiday.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on buying Easter candy at a discount, wait until the days after Easter for the best sales. You’ll find prices dropping dramatically, especially for candy that’s left over after the holiday. However, if you’re looking to get your candy early for Easter baskets or holiday events, you can expect to find Easter treats on the shelves by mid-to-late February. Whether you shop early to get the perfect treats or wait for the post-Easter clearance sales, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your favorite seasonal sweets at a great price!