Spring Into March Bargains

The official start of spring means you’ll likely see green shoots and animals emerging from hibernation this month. What you may not see are gigantic storewide sales from retailers.

March tends to be a quieter shopping month since there aren’t any major three-day weekends or shopping holidays. The deals that are available tend to tie into the change in seasons as both merchants and consumers shift into warm-weather mode.

“We are entering what we call the ‘deal drought,’ ” Julie Ramhold, senior staff writer and consumer analyst at DealNews, says of the next couple months. “Post-holiday sales and President’s Day is over. The next big shopping holiday isn’t until Memorial Day.”

That said, there are a few smaller retail holidays or celebrations that may result in focused promotions for specific items. Expect to find sales on all things green in the run-up to St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), on college sports gear related to March Madness, and on frozen food in celebration of “National Frozen Food Month.”

Another “holiday” that’s gained momentum in recent years is Pi Day, a play on the mathematical figure π, whose first three digits are 3.14, lending to celebration of physical pies (both pizzas and desserts) on March 14 (3/14).

“What used to be a cheeky, nerdier holiday has become pretty mainstream,” says Brad Godwin, SVP sales and partnerships with Breaktime Media, a shopper engagement tool used by retailers. “We might see Papa John’s and Pizza Hut do sales, with other companies jumping in in a playful way as well.”

Since those tend to be smaller sales, Godwin says you likely won’t see marketing for them until the week or days leading up to Pi Day.  

Beyond that, here’s a look at some of the best products to buy in March:

Vacuum cleaners

You’re not the only one experiencing that spring cleaning itch this time of year. Retailers are more than willing to help with deals on vacuum cleaners and other cleaning products. Look for the most savings on newer models, such as cordless stick vacuums and robo-vacuums, which have come down significantly in price in recent years.

“The traditional, stand-up plug-in vacuums aren’t as expensive, so there isn’t as much movement in price,” Godwin says.

Where to find deals: Dyson, Target, Walmart

Potential savings: 15 percent to 25 percent off

Beauty products

Historically, Ulta Beauty has hosted its annual “21 Days of Beauty” sales event this month, while Kiehl’s has used the month for its “Friends and Family Sale.” Expect other retailers — both online and in-store — to follow suit in this category, with discounts aimed at capitalizing on interest from consumers looking to for a new makeup palette or skincare routine for spring.

“Beauty products are kind of seasonal,like clothing now,” Ramhold says. “We will see a big push for spring beauty items.”

That also means that winter-related beauty products, such as moisturizers and lip balms, could be on clearance, creating an opportunity to stock up for next year.

Where to find deals: Ulta, Kiehl’s, Whole Foods

Potential savings: 25 to 50 percent off