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Shopping by the Calendar
The idea of timing one's purchases is not new, but it is valuable. Experts say that there are predictable times of the year when various types of merchandise go on sale. They further note that you can save as much as 40% by effectively strategizing your shopping. But it takes a little planning, so let's see where the bargains are likely to be in the year ahead.
January's "white sales" offer big discounts on towels and linens. Storewide clearance sales provide bargains on the past holiday's merchandise, from Christmas cards and tree ornaments, to toys and other gift items. Good buys are also available on clothes dryers, furniture, radios, stereos, refrigerators and freezers.
In February, President's Day sales and final markdowns on January leftovers are at hand. You'll find particular bargains on such things as air conditioners, bicycles, bedding, dishes, curtains, glassware, men's shirts and carpeting. Check gardening catalogues and start indoor seeds early to be transplanted later.
March is usually when early sales in spring clothing occur, with year-end sales on winter items. Look for next year's winter coat, sports wear and equipment, luggage, and discounted items in housewares.
If you're lucky enough to be getting a tax refund in April, you can find bargains in building materials, paint, garden items, wallpaper and outdoor furniture. Sales also include women's dresses and coats, and men's and boys' clothing.
May ushers in sales for Mother's Day and Memorial Day. This is the time to replenish your stock of winter blankets, children's camping clothes and other seasonal items. You would do well to sit down and make a list of things you will need for the summer, and purchase them at final end-of-season sales.
June features Father's Day Sales and bargains on school supplies, including such items as typewriters and calculators. Other potential good buys include automobiles as their year-end approaches, tires, men's clothing and summer sportswear.
July boasts Independence Day sales and storewide clearances begin on summer clothing. It may pay to hold off on buying until the end of the month, but your choices will be more limited. After July 4th, check for sales on shoes, bathing suits, air conditioners, hats, appliances, out-door furniture and sports equipment.
August bears a second round of "white sales." Also worth surveying this month are close-outs on summer clothing, coats, fall fabrics, camping gear, furniture, bedding, lamps, back-to-school supplies, and pre-season discounts on fall clothing. Look for auto sales to pick up toward the end of the month.
By September, it's back-to-school and Labor Day promotions, and pre-season specials on winter merchandise. Final sales on summer clothes, garden supplies, and out-door furniture are popular this time of year. Watch for good buys in china, furniture, bedding and silver.
In October, expect sales on closeout models of the previous year's autos, along with Columbus Day coat promotions. Look for post-season sales on bicycles and fishing gear, and pre-season sales on winter sports equipment. Other good buys may include electric blankets, children's fall clothing and lamps.
For November, it's Veterans Day and Thanksgiving sales. You'll find your best buys on paint, hardware, and other home improvement supplies, along with discounts on blankets, stoves, water heaters and used automobiles. Look for good buys on bulbs, trees and shrubs.
Finally, that brings us to December, the major retailing month of the year. Almost every expert agrees that this is the worst time to buy! But of course, you already know that, since you've just gone through the seasonal ordeal yourself, right?
(Tom Butenhoff is a First Vice President with J. E. Liss and Company, Inc.
in Milwaukee. The views are his, and not necessarily those of Liss
Financial Services or the Job Connection/Hiring
Network.)