The end of the festive period and the prospect of returning to work - in even colder weather - makes January an undesirable month for many people. However, shoppers have lots to look forward to in the form of January sales - the time of year when many major retailers and big-name brands slash their costs significantly following the Christmas rush, allowing savvy shoppers to snap up quality products at bargain prices.

Careful planning can be key to making the most of the January sales, and avoiding common pitfalls such as missing out on the best buys by not being fast enough, or getting stuck in traffic, long queues and bustling crowds. Remember that sales can be found almost everywhere, and will typically last for several weeks (often beginning on Boxing Day sharp), so you don't have to head to your nearest high street or retail park if there are likely to be less crowded options elsewhere.

Rather than just relying on retailers to lower their prices this January, you can take a more active role in bargain hunting by doing your research first and finding out where the best sales are located - this can involve looking in local papers or using the internet. The internet itself is a great place to shop for clothes and other products, not only in January but at all times of the year, and you can often find cheaper deals by buying directly from online stores and choosing free delivery to your home.

Tracking down the best deals available online can certainly help your Christmas money last for longer - whether you're after everyday items such as t-shirts, accessories, household items or more professional items such as mens suits, you can take advantage of bargain prices while avoiding the need to fight through the crowds.

Of course, many people enjoy the busy crowds that come with the January sales, and with more and more high street stores lying empty you could perhaps even be doing a good deed for the economy and jobs market by hitting the stores in person. If you are, however, you'll need to be quick to get your hands on the best bargains - they have a tendency to sell out quickly.

There are other ways to reduce the amount you spend on clothing and other purchases too, such as collecting coupons and keeping your eyes peeled for special offers on products you really want. Whether you save money on an item you've been after for a long time, or just pick up an item you fancy as an impulse buy, you're sure to find something you fancy in the January sales.

Dave MacKinder writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.