As retail outlets close their shops due to national lockdown, they could be missing out on the biggest event of the trading calendar - the Boxing Day and January sales.

As the country was forced into an unforeseen national lockdown on non-essential businesses across Scotland on Boxing Day, many stores are now encouraging shoppers to spend online.

This includes retail giants, Next, with thousands of clearance products marked down from Christmas Eve and continuing into the New Year. Here is how you can grab a bargain.

The Next sale starts early this December (Picture: Shutterstock)

When is the Next winter sale in 2020?

While the sale is set to be in full swing on 26 December, there were already a host of best buys in the Clearance section of the Next Website, as of 21 December.

VIP customers signed up to receive emails from the store got first access to the sale before it officially launched, but everyone can now shop in the clearance event.

There are now discounts of up to be able to shop 50% off Next and branded items.

Is the Next sale be online and in store?

While stores opened for the last time in 2020 on Christmas Eve, customers can now only grab a bargain online.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, non-essential stores have not opened in Scotland post-Christmas, but the online sale will continue despite lockdown restrictions.

What items have the biggest reductions?

Homeware and designer brands have already seen price cuts of up to 50% - with selected leather sofas reduced by over £500.

Some of the best bargains are in women's clothing, such as:

Brown faux fur Calvin Klein coat

reduced by over 50% - from £270 to £120.

Kurt Geiger's tote bag

was £249 now £120

Ralph Lauren Black Mock Croc Leather Carlyle Tote Bag

was £299 now £89.

Women’s L.K.Bennett Gainsbury Block Print Dress

was £450 now £255

L.K. Bennett Garland Floral Silk Dress

Was £350 now £175

Men’s tailoring have also been significantly reduced, including:

GANT jersey pique blazer

Was £245 now £120

Hugo Boss Hareltu Jacket

was £269 to £120

Hugo Boss Grey German Jacket

Was £249 now £120

G-star multi pocket parka

was £225 now £95

Kids won’t miss out either:

Hucklebones Gold Spot Ruffle Shift Dress

Was £192 now £95

AllSaints Lia Crop Lace-Up Calf Boots

Was £248 now £95

Older Boys North Face Youth Andes Jacket

Was £90 now £45

The full list of sale items can be found on the Next website clearance section.

What other stores are launching pre-Christmas sales?

Martin Lewis has announced his sale predictions, and he proved right last year with some great early price slashes.

The following stores have launched an early Christmas sale:

- ASOS Boxing Day sale - up to 70% off

- Harrods Boxing Day sale - up to 50% off

- H&M Boxing Day sale - up to 50% off

- John Lewis Boxing Day sale - up to 70% off

- Marks and Spencer - up to 50% off

- River Island Boxing Day sale - up to 50% off

- Simba Boxing Day sale: - 35% off

However, it is anticipated that sale percentages will increase as we enter the New Year, so you might get a better deal in January.

Next sale 2020 UK: when do the VIP and Boxing Day discounts start in store and online - and best deals on homeware and clothing