The recent RBA interest spike has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Whether it be over dinner or the commute home doom scroll, chatter about the effect this increase has on wider society is all anyone is talking about.
And as the average Australian becomes increasingly conscious of their money and where it is spent, big household purchases can fall to the back of the ‘to-do list’.
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Which is where the Afterpay Day sales 2026 can come in handy.
Alex Raven has saved big in the Afterpay Day sales. Credit: Supplied
For homeowners like Alex Raven, the Afterpay Day sales couldn’t come at a more perfect time.
The Brisbane-based first time homeowner has become strategic in his everyday purchases and limited the necessity of major upgrades.
Purchasing his three-bedroom home with his partner in August last year, the pair have gradually furnished the space but admittedly are holding off on some of the more “big ticket” items in the hopes of a knock-out sale.
“Buying a home was obviously the biggest purchase I’ve ever made, so once settlement went through I had to be a lot more intentional about everything else,” Alex says.
“I’ve been living with the basics for a while and keeping a list of things I want to upgrade once the sales roll around.”
Now with Afterpay Day bringing in the March madness with significant discounts, Alex has been able to tick off some of those bigger household purchases for a fraction of the price.
The Brisbane-based first time homeowner has become strategic in his everyday purchases and limited the necessity of major upgrades. Credit: Supplied
The “big-ticket list” includes a quality sofa for the living room, a robot vacuum and mop to keep on top of cleaning, statement artwork for the walls and a few finishing pieces that will help the apartment feel properly ‘moved in’.
“I’ve basically built a wishlist over the past few months — a sofa, a robot vacuum and mop, artwork and a few finishing pieces for the place,” he says.
“Afterpay Day is when I finally pull the trigger and I’d rather buy something once and buy it well, especially for things like a sofa that you’ll have for years,” he says.
“But that also means waiting for the right moment to purchase.”
Like most first-home buyers, once you bite the bullet, Christmas and Birthdays essentially turn into a gift palooza all for the house.
By waiting for the sales and intentionally picking items that fit your style and home aesthetic, take back your own agency over Christmas and Birthdays.
“These days my presents are basically all home stuff,” he laughs.
“My in-laws bought us a Smeg toaster and kettle for Christmas, and my Dad and Step Mum got me a slow cooker for my birthday. When you’ve just bought a home, those are the things you get excited about.”
So where are the good sales hiding and what has Alex already snappedup this Afterpay Day?
Heron Cotton Queen Fitted Sheet and Heron Grown Cotton Standard Pillowcase Pair Credit: Country Road
Country Road
For the bedroom, refresh your nightly routine with these Heron Cotton Queen Fitted Sheet that are available in Silver and Snow.
Originally $149, now down to $99 with an additional 30 per cent off available on already reduced sale items.
This fitted sheet is a part of Country Road’s Heron range that has a subtle listre and a smooth, soft texture that feels like stepping into a cloud.
Paired with the Heron Grown Cotton Standard Pillowcase Pair, leave the worries of everyday life as you float off into the best sleep of your life.
Originally $79.95, now $59 with again the additional 30 per cent off already reduced sale items.
The organically grown cotton, sateen weave linen will have you wishing you stayed in bed all day long.
NOOK by Baccarat Frypan, Saute Pan and 15L Air Fryer Credit: Baccarat
Baccarat
When it comes to cooking essentials, Baccarat are just the best in the game, from larger appliances to the everyday fry pan.
Taking his cooking to the next level, Alex purchased the Nook by Baccarat 15L Air Fryer Oven for a mammoth 50 per cent off, bringing the $400 appliance down to $199.
With 13 pre-set functions, the all in-one solution to faster cooking is a no brainer for cooking convivence.
Complete with a generous 15L capacity, it is able to accommodate large family dinners or special occasions with friends.
The rapid air technology makes this appliance has convenient as a traditional oven but with the ability to circulate air faster, meaning your food can be on the table quicker then ever before.
The cooking appliance goodness doesn’t stop there, with the Saute Pan with Lid 30cm in Cream and Frypan with Helper Handle 32cm in Cream making their way into Alex’s cart the minute he saw them.
Both 50 per cent off this Afterpay Day, they will transform you into an overnight chef.
The European ceramic nonstick coating ensures effortless food release, easy cleaning, and zero tox promise.
Available in a range of colours but I agree with Alex in his purchase of the Cream range, it is giving chic and timeless.
Pebbles Beige Medium Wool Floor Rug and Anti-slip Floor Rug Underlay Credit: Pillow Talk
Pillow Talk
A lush rug is the perfect addition to any living space, adding a touch of comfort into your everyday spaces.
With the Pebbles Beige Medium Wool Floor Rug, you can instantly see how much one simple purchase can elevate and completely transform the space.
For 30 per cent off during Afterpay Day and an extra 10 per cent off for Club Comfort Members, get your hands on this gorgeous lush rug for $349.96 now while stocks last.
Sitting beneath your new Pebbles Beige Medium Wool Floor Rug, this Anti-Slip Floor Rug Underlay provides extra security.
Ensuring your brand new rug remains in your desired place.
Made from durable PVC coated polyester that can be cut to size, this Anti-Slip underlay will make sure your space remains at your preferred style all day long.
Available in utility, floor runner and floor rug sizes for just $27.96.
Alex isn’t alone in timing purchases around major retail moments.
Afterpay’s data shows 45 per cent of Australians wait for discounts before buying big-ticket items, with that figure climbing to 61 per cent among high spenders, highlighting the growing tendency for shoppers to plan larger purchases around major sale events.
During the last Afterpay Day sale, customers across Australia and New Zealand placed more than 2.45 million orders in a single weekend – equivalent to five orders every second.
The momentum has helped cement Afterpay Day as Australia’s third biggest retail sales moment, sitting behind only Black Friday and Boxing Day.
Afterpay Day 2026
What is Afterpay Day?
Afterpay Day is a major bi-annual four-day shopping event held in March and August, featuring significant discounts (up to 70 per cent off) from thousands of brands across fashion, beauty, tech, and home.
While organised by Afterpay, you can use any payment method, not just the “buy now, pay later” service.
Shoppers can access up to 70 per cent off thousands of products and experiences from some of the country’s most in-demand brands, making it one of the biggest moments on the retail calendar.
When is Afterpay Day?
This year, Afterpay Day is back from Thursday 19 March to Sunday 22 March, bringing four days of major savings across fashion, beauty, tech, travel and home.
It will later return in August.
