Staying Fit
As the temperatures start warming up outside, it can be tempting to run out and purchase new clothing or outdoor furniture to make the most of the extra time that you’re spending outdoors. Experts say to resist the urge — if you can wait a few months, you’ll likely find much better deals on those and other items. That’s always important, but especially in today’s environment with inflation pushing prices up across the board.
“I’d avoid anything that’s new and just hitting the stores or online, or anything that screams ‘spring,’” says Lisa Thompson, with the savings app Shopmium. “That’s all going to be full-priced, and it’s going to be at the highest markup.”
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That said, there may be some deals for some products around Easter or Mother’s Day, and spring is often a good time to purchase items like winter sports gear, cleaning equipment and luggage. But while you’re shopping for those items, you’ll want to avoid buying the following:
Warm-weather clothing and accessories
Retailers have just completed their spring and summer displays, which means that prices for items like shorts, tank tops and summer hats are at the highest they’ll be.
“Retailers make a big push to sell summer clothes this time of year, and you’re already seeing displays of adorable swimsuits, sandals and cover-ups,” says budgeting expert Andrea Woroch. “There might be some sales around Easter, but unless you need the items for Spring Break, I’d hold off until much later in the season.”
Wait until: At least July, when stores will start slashing prices to make room for the fall and winter inventory. You’ll find even better deals later in the season when back-to-school sales kick in, but you may also have a more limited selection.
Televisions
The best time to buy a television is during Black Friday, the shopping blowout on the day after Thanksgiving, but prices also dip fairly low ahead of the Super Bowl in February. By springtime, retailers have received the newest models and gotten rid of their older inventory, so they’re less likely to offer significant discounts to shoppers.
Wait until: Amazon’s summer Prime Day sales event, which ran July 12-13 last year. Amazon often slashes prices on televisions for the event, and competitors like Best Buy and Walmart typically do the same. Prices then may not be as low as those you’ll see on Black Friday, but they’re still better than those you’ll find this spring.
Grills, patio furniture and lawn games
As consumers look to spruce up their backyard entertaining areas, retailers unveil new models of grills and outdoor accessories like sun umbrellas, deck rugs and outdoor toys (for children or adults). Prices start high for such items, and typically fall throughout the season.
“Grills get advertised a lot in the spring, but I’d caution against buying them in the spring, because they’re in such high demand,” says Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews, a comparison-shopping website. “The deals that you do see might not be the best.”
Wait until: August or September. While there may be some deals on barbecues around Father’s Day in June, in general, you’ll find the best prices as the season winds down.
