Seasonal sales are a wonderful opportunity to snag great deals on a variety of items. Here's a general guide on when you can expect major discounts during the year:

1. **Winter (January - February)**: After the holiday season, you'll find discounts on winter clothing, leftover holiday decorations, and fitness equipment. The end of January is also a great time to buy electronics as it's after the Consumer Electronics Show takes place, so retailers offer discounts to make way for new models.

2. **Spring (March - May)**: Look out for sales on winter sporting goods, luggage, and home improvement items as weather warms up. Many retailers also have a "Friends & Family" sale during this season offering wide store discounts.

3. **Summer (June - August)**: Expect sales on summer clothing and swimwear as we move into the season. Additionally, early summer sales often include discounts on grilling items and outdoor furniture. Towards the end of this season, you'll find back-to-school sales.

4. **Fall (September - November)**: End of summer labors day sales usually mark down summer items. Later in the season, look out for discounts on patio furniture, appliances, and cookware.

5. **Black Friday and Cyber Monday (end of November)**: These are two of the biggest shopping days of the year, with major sales across most product categories, especially electronics and appliances.

6. **Holiday Season (December)**: Early in the month, toy sales ramp up for the holidays. Post-Christmas, expect discounts on holiday decor, winter apparel, and beauty gift sets.

Remember, these are general guidelines and exact timing will vary by retailer. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your favorite stores' sales and promotions throughout the year.

Certainly! "Friends & Family" sales are promotional events that retailers typically hold a couple of times a year, often during the spring and fall seasons. These sales are called "Friends & Family" as they originally started as exclusive discounts offered to the personal connections of employees. Over time, most retailers have expanded these sales to include all customers, both in-store and online.

Here are some features typically associated with "Friends & Family" sales:

1. **Broad Discounts**: Most of these sales offer a store-wide discount, meaning you can receive a certain percentage off nearly any item. The discount varies by retailer but is often substantial, typically between 20% to 50% off.

2. **Limited Time**: These sales usually run for only a few days to a week. The exact timing varies by retailer, but many schedule their "Friends & Family" sales at the change of the seasons when they are transitioning their inventory.

3. **Online and In-Store**: "Friends & Family" sales are usually available both online and in bricks-and-mortar locations. The discounts and items available will, in most cases, be the same across both channels.

4. **Brand Exclusions**: While these sales offer discounts across the store, there may be certain brand or category exclusions. High-demand items, luxury brands, or certain tech items might not be included in the promotional discount. It's always important to check the fine print for these details.

5. **Previews and Early Access**: Many retailers will offer newsletter subscribers or loyalty program members a preview or early access to their "Friends & Family" sales. This allows these customers a chance to shop before the wider official sale begins.

Seeing the "Friends & Family" sale advertisement from a retailer is a good sign that you'll be able to find substantial discounts throughout their store, but always make sure to read the specifics of each sale for the best shopping experience.

Absolutely. While the specifics vary from retailer to retailer and sale to sale, it's not uncommon for certain brands to be excluded from more general "Friends & Family" sales. These limitations are more common when the sale takes place in department stores or stores that carry multiple brands. Here are a few potential examples:

1. **Luxury Brands**: High-end luxury brands such are often excluded from store-wide sales, due to their premium pricing and branding strategies. Examples could include designer brands such as Gucci, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton.

2. **Trending Tech Brands**: Some of the latest and most popular technology or electronics, such iPhone, Samsung's latest models, or popular gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, might be excluded from blanket promotions.

3. **Selective Beauty Brands**: Certain high-end cosmetic or skincare brands, like La Mer or Tom Ford, might be excluded from these sales.

4. **Premium Appliance Brands**: Certain upmarket home appliance brands, for instance, Dyson or Smeg, might not participate in these general promotions.

5. **Specific Designer Collections**: Certain exclusive designer collections or limited-edition ranges might also be exceptions, depending on the store and the specific terms of the sale.

Please remember these are just examples, and the actual exclusions will vary based on the retailer and the specific terms of each sale. Always check the fine print or ask a store associate if you have any doubts or questions about what is included in a sale.