In fact, in the clearance sales of this summer, incentives set a record.

"Instead, go for the deals and the clearance sales first and then take care of returns later."

Virtually every major department store chain had advertised clearance sales - much of it summer and fall merchandise.

Perhaps January is not just for clearance sales anymore.

But this year, despite clearance sales that began earlier, and with prices slashed more than usual, inventories remain heavy.

Clothing stores slash prices up to 60 percent during their seasonal clearance sales.

The largest auto maker held clearance sales in September 1989 to sell off huge inventories before the model year ended.

Some dealers attributed the strong period to clearance sales, to make room for the new models, and to low interest rates.

After all, it's getting close to the pennant stretch run and the summer clearance sales by noncontenders are about to begin.

The store has special events throughout the year, including clearance sales in January and July.