Bargain events (5)
I believe the answer is:
'bargain events' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for sales that I've seen before include "Periods of price reductions" , "Periods when shops sell goods at discounted prices, bargain times" , "Business department - retail events" , "Periods when shops offer goods at reduced prices" , "Public auctions" .)