Dillard's seasonal promotions in 2018 followed a predictable rhythm tied to holidays, clearance cycles, and brand campaigns. Understanding the timing of the next big sale helped shoppers maximize savings on apparel, home goods, and beauty.
Below is a detailed breakdown of sale windows, markdown strategies, and tips tailored to Dillard's 2018 calendar, supported by a structured summary and focused guidance.
| Sale Period | Typical Timing | Key Departments | Promotional Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Clearance | January through early February | Apparel, Shoes, Accessories | Post-holiday price reductions |
| Presidents' Day | Mid to late February | Apparel, Home, Fragrance | Weekend event with extra discounts |
| Spring Sale | March to early April | Lingerie, Active, Home | Seasonal transition markdowns |
| Summer Sale | June to July | Swim, Shoes, Outdoor | End-of-season and early back-to-school |
| Back-to-School & Early Fall | Late July through September | Kids, Shoes, Office | Tax-free weekends and event pricing |
| Fall Preview & Early Holiday | October | Apparel, Home, Gifts | Early holiday bundles and launch of holiday campaign |
| Prime Early December Event | First week of December | Apparel, Home, Fragrance, Gifts | Pre-holiday markdowns and online exclusives |
| Holiday Finale | December 26 to December 31 | All departments | Season closeout and new year clearance |
Winter Clearance and Seasonal Reset
Following the holiday rush, Dillard's rolled out its deepest discounts of the year in January. The focus was on winter apparel, shoes, and accessories, clearing Christmas inventory to make room for spring stock. This extended period often included additional percentage-off events and select doorbuster deals.
Presidents' Day Weekend Promotions
In February, the next big sale centered on Presidents' Day weekend, targeting mid-season categories such as fragrance, home textiles, and business attire. Limited-time offers and curated collections encouraged in-store and online traffic, blending event marketing with margin-friendly pricing.
Spring and Summer Transition Sales
As winter faded, spring promotions emphasized lingerie, activewear, and lightweight home items. By June, the focus shifted to summer essentials like swim and outdoor, often aligning with tax-free weekends in participating states. These sales balanced inventory reduction with preparation for back-to-school demand.
Prime Early December Holiday Kickoff
Dillard's typically launched its holiday event in the first week of December, offering early seasonal markdowns on apparel, home goods, and gifts. Curated promotions, both in-store and online, aimed to capture early holiday shoppers seeking value before the busiest weeks.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Align shopping plans with seasonal windows: winter clearance (Jan–Feb), Presidents' Day (Feb), spring (Mar–Apr), summer (Jun–Jul), back-to-school (Jul–Sep), and holiday finale (Dec 26–31).
- Monitor weekly ad updates and mobile alerts for time-sensitive doorbusters and online exclusives.
- Stack promotions with credit card discounts, in-store events, and select price-match options where available.
- Prioritize high-impact categories each season, such as fragrance in February and swim in June, to maximize savings.
FAQ
Reader questions
When was the Presidents' Day sale in 2018 at Dillard's?
It ran over the Presidents' Day weekend in mid to late February, with select discounts starting mid-week and lasting through Monday.
Which departments received the deepest discounts during the winter clearance?
Apparel, shoes, and accessories saw the steepest markdowns as Dillard's cleared holiday winter stock to transition to spring lines.
Did Dillard's offer tax-free weekends during the 2018 back-to-school sale?
Yes, in states with tax-free weekend laws, selected school-related items in apparel and home were exempt from sales tax during late summer.
How early did the Prime Early December event start in 2018?
The holiday kickoff event began in the first week of December, featuring pre-holiday prices on key categories before the holiday finale markdowns.