Istanbul Insider

Istanbul Sales, When Does It Start and Stop

When is the best time to catch Istanbul sales? When do summer sales start in Istanbul? Will the sales season still be on when I’m in Istanbul? I often get these kinds of inquiries via the comments sections or through our contact form. And for all the right reasons.

Picture of sales sign in Istanbul, Turkey.
Sales sign in Istanbul. © Erlend Geerts

When it comes to shopping, Istanbul offers a good variety of world famous brands as well as high quality local designs and brands. Whether you browse the numerous shopping malls all over the city or find your way to local designer shops. So, what’s the deal with Istanbul’s sales (indirim) dates?

There Are No Fixed Istanbul Sales Dates

This may come as a small shock to you, but there is no real official (government controlled) sales period — for any season. And if there is, it’s twisted and bended just like the traffic rules. Basically, sales are almost all year long! There is a good reason for that of course.

Some brands launch their collections in four different seasons. So when the coming season is close, they put the previous seasons’ items on sale. Some brands on the other hand, have collections divided into two seasons only: their Fall&Winter and Spring&Summer collections. Naturally, their sale time is different than the previously four-season brands. Moreover, any special day is an excuse to launch special campaigns and/or discounts. You’ll see special sales appear for New Year, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and the eves of religious days.

This doesn’t mean you can’t plan your trip and be 99% sure to land the biggest discounts. Luckily, there is some kind of certainty.

Guided Shopping Mall Tours

Half-day €35/100+ per person/group — Full-day €60+ per person

Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Winter Sales in Istanbul

Picture of sales in Istanbul, Turkey. Buy one, get the second at 50%.
Buy one, second at 50%.

Winter sales start around mid-December or at the beginning of January, with discounts starting at 30% and going up to 50%. Some brands stick to this rate only and do not offer any further discounts. Some brands have a second wave though, with mostly 45 or 50% off the price. And to get rid of the last piece, they even go as high as 70% latest in April. The best time for winter sale shopping is the first sale in my opinion. The logic is simple: some sizes like M and L are in huge demand and sell out quicker than the others, at least in Turkey.

Summer Sales in Istanbul

Summer sales basically start when the temperatures tend to rise again. This can be any date between the beginning of June to even the first week of July. Again, depending on the season division as mentioned earlier. I would recommend to go shopping latest the first week of July to get the best of summer sales. By mid-August, the summer sale will be over its peak. By then you’ll either strike a golden deal, or get really frustrated that you can’t find that exquisite piece in your size or the color you like.

Guided Shopping Market Tours

Half-day €25 — Full-day €65+ — Group €100

Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Further Recommended Reading

  1. Top 9 Shopping Centers in Istanbul
  2. How to Bargain Like a Pro in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Elsewhere
  3. Where to Buy What Quality Souvenirs in Istanbul

Filed Under: Seasonal Tips, Shopping Tips, Travel Tips Tagged With: , , , ,


Comments

  1. I’m going to istanbul in March from 21st till 01st april .what about sales in those dates ? Please advise where I should go for shopping?

    • As I say in the article, there are no fixed days for sales. For international brands, visit the shopping malls. For more authenticity, browse local shops (outside the tourist areas).

  2. I’m going to istanbul in June from 4 till 9 june .what about sales in those dates ? Please advise where I should go for shopping? I’m interested in international chains / brands like Debenhams, zara, next and Marks&Spencer

  3. Hi,

    I am planning to visit Istanbul on the 5th of January but I am worried that all the sales and all the good items will be sold by then.

    What do you recommend?

    and when do you think that shops restock ?

  4. Hi there, may you kindly advise online boutiques that ship to South Africa? I want to order dresses to resell.

  5. Hi, i’m planning for shopping in istanbul and i’m not sure for the Date i wanna be there,
    You think 25 to 30 december or 5 to 10 december is better for shopping with discounts?lower prices? Indirims?
    Anyway if first days of january is better than december i ‘ll choose it but that time may be expensive for hotel reservations and etc.
    Please guide me

    • Hi Moji,

      As I said in the article, sales are really difficult to predict, and on the other hand there are always some sales going on. I really can’t help you with that.

      Good luck.

  6. Hi,

    I’m planing to visit Istanbul second week of November. I understood that prices are good all the year and there might be an extra discount end of the season.
    Is it good these days? Any recommendations for outlet malls for brands? Appreciate if you know sites to visit for prices indicator.

    Thank you in advance

    • Hi Medi,

      Shops in Istanbul almost never put prices on their sites, so I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until you’re there to find out what discounts are available at that time. Here’s a list of my favorite shopping malls.

      Happy shopping.

    • Hi Irene,

      I don’t answer questions by mail. Please write your question here, so everybody can benefit from my response.

  8. I’m going to istanbul in 21 november toll 25 what about sales in that period ? Please advise where should i do shopping

    • Hi Ekka,

      As mentioned in the post, there are no fixed dates. For good shopping areas, please see the Shopping category at the top of the screen.

  9. Hi ! I’m planning to visit Istanbul in 9 September and I’ll stay there till 15 September so plz are there any sales in that period plz ? Thanks in advance for answering me 😊☺️