You might think any time is a good time to go shopping…and you’d be right. Especially if you’re visiting the Mother Ship, aka Target. However, sometime it’s better to buy some things, depending on the season. Here are the highlights of what to save on this spring (April, May and June):
1. New models equal new discounts. Stores will be clearing out existing inventory for these products – vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, small electronics, and mattresses/box springs.
2. One small reason to love the IRS. After tax season is the best time to buy office furniture. Retailers assume small businesses have extra cash flow after taxes are done, and tax refunds come rolling in.
3. A time to give. In the spring and early summer, cookware goes on sale to coincide with wedding season and graduation. No one says you have to buy that new frying pan for someone else…
4. Home cheap home. The spring real estate market is when you’ll see the best and most plentiful inventory of homes for sale. Historically, prices were higher in the spring. But with the continued rise of foreclosed properties, and homes being sold in short sale (when the home sells for less than what the owners owe on their mortgage), you’ll see low prices this spring, too.
5. Reduce, reuse, recycle. When people spring clean, they clear out unwanted items and sort through the clothing/accessories which no longer work in their wardrobes. All those second-hand goodies go to thrift and consignment stores. (Or at least, they SHOULD.) Shop now for the best selection. Also, since stores need room for all that new spring merchandise, many consignment and thrift stores offer huge discounts (50 to 75% off) on winter items.
Bonus tips! NOT seen on TV! Two other things to save on this spring – track shoes and BBQ necessities. April kicks off corporate-sponsored track events (think Susan B. Koman), so retailers assume event-only exercisers will hit the stores for the gear they need. As for cook-out supplies, the folks peddling products like ketchup, mustard and mayo reduce their prices starting in mid-May, hoping shoppers will stock up early, instead waiting for the dog days of summer to hit the Heinz.
Let’s turn it over to the Empire – what are you shopping for this spring? And if you could buy any single item for your summer fun, what would it be? Personally, I’d like a pony. Or a puppy. Or Viggo Mortenson, but I assume he’s not for sale.
3 Comments
I’d buy a Meerkat.
http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060713/060713_meerkat_01.widec.jpg
This Spring, I’m shopping mostly for office-appropriate attire, looking at thrift stores and clearance racks elsewhere. I’m starting to see the results of people clearing out their unwanted clothing, as I peruse the thrift stores. Woohoo! Thanks to those folks.
I’m definitely need some new towels – not just for the family but some more old ones for the doggy who gets fairly muddy.
I have to say that freecycle rocks, so if you aren’t a member yet join!