Guest Blogger
Best Time to Buy Five Must-Have Items
Guest Blogger: Harper Mac
Today’s retailers do not have enough room in their stores to hold seasonal merchandise indefinitely. Because of this, they will often mark down seasonal items when it is toward the end of their selling seasons. As a savvy shopper, you can take advantage of this by making certain purchases when the high shopping season is over.
Find the Perfect Swimsuit in Mid-Summer
Swimsuit season, at least in the retail world, begins in February. About the time retailers are taking out the hearts and Valentine’s Day items, they are bringing in the swimwear. The shopping season for this important item ends midsummer, making that an excellent time to buy one. If you are in the market for a new suit for yourself or your kids, plan to start shopping in late July or even August.
Find Fall Bargains on Patio Furniture
Buying patio furniture in the off season may seem pointless, as you will have little time to enjoy it, but this is actually not the case. In fact, because the off-season for this item is August and September, you should have several months of perfect fall weather to enjoy the items in after you make your purchase. You can expect the first discounts on patio sets after the Fourth of July, with the biggest bargains coming in late August or early September.
Christmas Decorations Deals Post-Christmas
The day after Christmas is the day to start looking if you are in the market for Christmas decorations. Artificial Christmas trees go the quickest, so go right away if you are in need of a new one. Ornaments may hang around for few weeks. Whatever the retailers still have in stock by New Years will be deeply discounted as they start to make way for the Valentine’s Day gifts.
Winter Gear in Late Winter
Do you need new snow pants, a coat, or even a snow blower? Anything related to winter and snow is going to get discounted in the late winter. Around February, when the flakes may still be flying in your area, you can find good discounts on what is left. If you desperately need something, you may want to start looking in January. The selection will be better, even if the prices are not quite as low.
Grills Go Cheap in Winter
Few people are grilling in the dead of winter, unless of course they live in Arizona. If you need a new grill, you can save money if you shop in the late fall or winter. Big box stores will cut prices in the fall when they are making room for their winter merchandise, while smaller retailers may try to wait until winter. If you are in the market for gas grills, start looking when the winter coats make their appearance.
Saving money doesn’t mean you have to clip coupons and shop at the thrift store, although those ideas can help. If you are trying to save on a big purchase, it may be as simple as shopping in the off season. Take advantage of the retailer’s need to move merchandise the next time you are in the market for something big.
About the Author
Lindsey Harper Mac is a writer and editor living in Indianapolis. She specializes in writing about education, social media and technology.
