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6 Best Things to Buy in June

Father’s Day deals and semiannual sales will drive biggest discounts for shoppers

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Although it falls right between the big holiday shopping weekends of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, the month of June has plenty of sales of its own to offer savvy shoppers. Many department and chain stores host “semiannual sales” in June, offering sizable discounts in an effort to move inventory and as the first half of the year comes to a close.

Plus, Father’s Day means that stores may offer additional discounts on items traditionally purchased as gifts for dads. However, those price drops typically come very close to the holiday itself, which falls on June 19 this year.

“It helps to procrastinate a little bit, because a lot of the best sales don’t happen until the week of Father’s Day,” says Lisa Thompson, savings expert with coupons.com. “You might pick out what you want, but then watch the price to see if it goes on sale.”

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Here’s a peek at six products that are among the best things to shop for in June:

1. Tools

Retailers often lower their prices on tools throughout June in the hopes of snagging some extra Father’s Day sales. In addition to individual tools, look for deals on tool sets, accessories and tool storage options, including boxes and chests.

Where to find deals: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sears

Potential savings: 20 to 50 percent off

2. Tech gadgets

High-tech items, including smartwatches, home audio equipment and headphones, often appear at the top of Father’s Day gift lists. Retailers will likely offer competitive discounts on these gadgets to juice early summer sales.

Where to find deals: B&H, Newegg, Harman Audio

Potential savings: Up to 80 percent off

3. Lingerie

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When it comes to June semi-annual sales, Victoria’s Secret has become one of the most reliable stores for big discounts. “There’s a trickle-down effect when they have their sale, and other smaller boutiques and retailers will do the same,” says Kimberly Palmer, a spokesperson with the personal finance website NerdWallet.​

Where to find deals: Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Macy’s

Potential savings: Up to 50 percent off

4. PC games

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If you’re in the market for PC games, for yourself or for children or grandchildren, June is the among the best times of the year to make a purchase, with most of the big online game stores historically running extended sales during the month. “The discounts in that category are really high in June,” confirms Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews.

Where to find deals: gog.com, Steam, Epic Games

Potential savings: Up to 80 percent off

5. Outdoor gear

With temperatures rising and vacations looming, sporting goods stores and outdoor gear retailers mark down lots of merchandise aimed at those who are ready to spend more time outside, says Marilyn Anderson, author of How to Live Like a Millionaire When You’re a Million Short. You’ll find sales in June on items like camping and fishing equipment, hiking boots and kayaks.

Where to find deals: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, Eastern Mountain Sports

Potential savings: 25 to 50 percent off

6. Workout clothing

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Because they want to spend more time outside or they want to get back in shape for the beach, people of all ages tend to renew their commitment to exercise during the summer months. In response, June finds lower prices on summer workout apparel.

Where to find deals: Target, Nike, Reebok

Potential savings: 20 to 50 percent off

Beth Braverman is a contributing writer who has covered shopping and personal finance for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in Consumer Reports, on CNNMoney.com and CNBC.com and in dozens of other publications.

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