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The Best Times Year-Round to Shop and Save Big

Beauty Supplies

Beauty Supplies

Let’s be honest, we love Ulta Beauty. They carry a vast assortment of brands and a wide variety of beauty products that keep our skin, hair, and nails looking their best. What we love most about them though is their loyalty to their guests (us)! They have a reward program (Ultamate rewards) that allows us to shop, earn, and redeem. But it’s their annual sales that keep us coming back for more.

Each January and July, they advertise their Jumbo Love sale. During this time, your favorite shampoo and conditioner liters are up to 50% off. Their Love Your Skin sale debuts in January as well. This is the perfect time to purchase your go-to skin care products. They’re also known for their 21 Days of Beauty sale that occurs twice a year—in March and September. Beloved beauty products are majorly discounted during these sales, which is why you should take advantage of it! Essentially, Ulta is the beauty destination for sales-lovers.

Denim

Denim

Denim is a staple in all of our wardrobes. It can be dressed up with an oversized blazer and heels, or it can be dressed down with a slouchy graphic tee and mules. Regardless of how you wear your denim, you wear it. It’s not technically a “necessity,” but it might as well be.

As back-to-school sales end, retailers are typically left with an overabundance of denim. Most men, women, and children splurge on two or three pairs of jeans in mid-August, right as the weather begins to cool down. I’m here to tell you that you should resist purchasing jeans at this time. Keep wearing last season’s denim until October/November. This is when prices are cut. Not only will you get the hottest and latest denim trends, but you’ll get them at a discounted price. It’s a win-win!

Spring Apparel

Spring Apparel

If you haven’t figured it out already, the absolute best time to shop for clothing and apparel is at the end of a season. So, if it’s spring apparel that you’re wanting, April and May are the best months to buy! By this point, you’ll know which trends you like, which trends you hate, and which trends you want to purchase!

Easter sales and End of Spring sales will be your best bet when it comes to discounted prices on apparel. This spring, you’ll be able to find colorful leathers, chunky knits, and lots of floral for an affordable price. Wear them as the weather transitions from spring to summer, or tuck them away at the back of your closet for next spring! Either way, you’ll be so glad that you waited patiently instead of paying full price for these products.

Home Goods

Home Goods

Presidents’ Day isn’t a highly celebrated holiday, but a holiday that should be celebrated nonetheless! I recommend honoring past and present leaders by shopping. Yes, this is one of the best days of the year for steals and deals. And if you’re lucky enough to have the day off from work, you should definitely hit all of your favorite stores.

You can expect many different types of products to be on sale during this holiday, including home and apparel products. Retailers significantly mark down home furniture and home decor items as part of their Presidents’ Day sale. Mirrors, rugs, sofas, and sectionals are all pricey home furnishings that have significantly reduced prices during this holiday sale. If you’re currently wanting something new for your home or apartment, wait until Presidents’ Day to purchase!

Athletic Shoes

Athletic Shoes

Finding a suitable pair of athletic shoes can be a challenging task. Not only do you need to shop for the right size, style, and fit, but also the right price point. Sneakers are a splurge. Retail sneaker prices typically cost anywhere between $50 and $200. And if you’re looking for a highly desirable brand, athletic footwear may be even more costly.

Because of the price point, it’s important to shop for athletic shoes when they’re discounted. The best month of the year to buy kicks is November. Not only will you find Black Friday sales after Thanksgiving, but sales throughout the entire month. Why, you ask? Because shoe retailers are looking to make room for new inventory. As the weather gets colder, men and women are looking for bulkier winter boots and shoes. Many stores discount athletic footwear so they can fill their shelves with seasonal shoes.

Bedding and Linens

Bedding and Linens

If you haven’t ever heard of White Sales, I’m here to give you all the details. White Sales are a store’s sale of household items. They steeply discount bedding, linens, and other bed and bath items. This sale dates back to January of 1878. John Wanamaker, a marketing pioneer created the White Sale as a way to get rid of his department store’s excess merchandise, specifically white bedding and linens!

More than a century later and the majority of retail stores still participate in the iconic White Sale. It’s always in January and is the best time to purchase sheets, duvets, pillows, and more. Prices are slashed, making the beginning of the year the ideal time to shop! Stores like Anthropologie, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Overstock.com, and many more have unbelievable sales. You won’t want to miss this!

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Fitness Memberships

Fitness Memberships

Although many would expect the best time to sign up for a gym or fitness membership to be January, it’s absolutely not. New Year’s resolutioners typically pay more than those who wait a few months to sign up. Many fitness facilities have deals at the beginning of the year, but the deals don’t compare to the deals that you can find during the summer months.

Joining a gym in June or July is the way to go. Gym membership fees tend to decrease throughout the year because of the decrease in clientele. The post-New Year’s rush is over and many people are away on vacations. Gym and fitness facilities are eager to maximize membership by dropping the price. Many will offer reduced enrollment, free months, or significant discounts.

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Luggage

Luggage

Do you travel for enjoyment? Or for business? Regardless of why you travel, you likely have a go-to suitcase that you use for your trips. And if you’re anything like me, it’s time for an upgrade. Checked luggage gets carelessly tossed onto and off of conveyor belts, transportation vehicles, and airplanes. Inexpensive suitcases suffer. They’re usually flimsy, which is why they break easily. It pays to invest in pricier, more durable luggage.

March is the best month to buy luggage. It’s pre-Spring break and retailers are anticipating new styles of suitcases and bags. The luggage on sale may be from last season, but it doesn’t mean it’s less durable. Read the reviews and find luggage that is both affordable and long-lasting!

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Swimsuits

Swimsuits

Stocking up on swimsuits can seem expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need to know is when to shop for these summer staples. And according to research, swimwear is majorly discounted in August, which is when summer and swim season are officially over.

Although the swimsuits you purchase in August most likely won’t be worn until next season, they’ll still be trendy. Swimwear trends don’t change as quickly or as drastically as other fashion trends. That being said, buy yourself that white one piece you’ve been eyeing or that bikini you keep thinking about. You’ll thank yourself when you pull it out of your drawer next May!

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Automobiles

Automobiles

The car-buying process can be overwhelming. Once you decide on the car of your dreams, you begin wondering when the perfect time to buy it will be. It can be difficult to be patient, but waiting is often part of the process. Time is an important negotiating technique. If you’re really looking for a deal, you must pay attention to when the best time to purchase a vehicle is. And according to many financial gurus, the best time to buy a car is at the end of the year.

October, November, and December are the months that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. And the 26th, 27th, and 28th are the best days of the month to shop. This is because car dealerships and car salesmen have quotas they must meet. These quotas are usually broken down into yearly, quarterly, and monthly goals. If the car salesman has one (or more) of these sales quotas in mind, he or she may be more likely to cut you a significant deal!

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Outdoor Furniture and Equipment

Outdoor Furniture and Equipment

There’s nothing better than spending an evening outdoors. Spending time on the patio as you simultaneously drink a glass of wine and grill the perfect steak is cathartic. But to do this properly, you really need both patio furniture and a working grill—all of which are pricey. If you’re looking to buy either, you should wait until August, when the majority of retailers have End of Summer sales.

As summer comes to a close, retailers are eager to stock their stores with fall and winter products. This means outdoor furniture and seasonal outdoor equipment will be reasonably priced. This is the best time to purchase items like grills, lawnmowers, and patio sets.

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Christmas Decor

Christmas Decor

Decorating your home for Christmas requires a lot of effort. The Christmas boxes in your attic are filled with an array of holiday-themed home decor. And because the tree in the living room isn’t enough, you must also decorate every other room in your home with garland, lights, and tinsel! Essentially, it’s a chore. And it’s also costly— especially if you wait to buy your Christmas decor in October, November, or December.

If you’re looking to buy Christmas decor at half the price, wait until after December 25th. The biggest sales always happen after the holidays. You may see many stores advertising Christmas sales on Black Friday, but you won’t receive the absolute best deals if you shop then. Immediately after Christmas, retailers are eager to make room for Valentine’s Day decor. Ribbons, garland, wreaths, and artificial trees will be majorly discounted. If you can wait until after the 25th, you’ll snag lots of pretty holiday decor for a steal. Your wallet will thank you!

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Rain Gear

Rain Gear

Raincoats might as well be considered a necessity. There’s nothing worse than getting caught in the rain without a waterproof jacket. An umbrella provides some shelter from the rain, but not if it’s raining and windy. Without a raincoat, you’ll end up feeling cold and damp. That being said, a raincoat should be a closet-staple. If you don’t currently have one, you should think about possibly purchasing one in the near future.

The question is: when is the best time to buy a raincoat? It’s speculated that the best time to purchase any type of rain gear is in April. Thanks to April showers, retailers stock up on all things waterproof. Although they could price these products higher due to the rainy weather and high demand, they typically sell them for a discounted price. The sunnier months are approaching and they don’t want to be stuck with a plethora of raincoats, waterproof parkas, and galoshes.

Jewelry

Jewelry

Fine jewelry is beautiful, but it comes at a price. This is why it pays to do your research before stepping foot into a jewelry store. Instead of paying too much for the diamond earrings you’ve been pining after, or the dainty sapphire ring you’ve been eyeing, wait until the right time to buy.

If you’re tempted to treat yourself to new jewelry on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Christmas, just be patient. The ideal time to see a jeweler is in the summer. July and August are slow months for jewelry retailers. With no major holidays during the summer months, jewelry stores are eager to make sales. They reduce prices frequently, making it the perfect time for a jewelry purchase!

Furniture

Furniture

Saving up for furniture can be daunting because any purchase of this scale is a big deal. Once you find your perfect sofa, you must make sure the price is equally as perfect. If it’s not, you need to wait. The furniture industry is known for its biannual sales. If it’s not currently on sale, it will be—just wait.

These biannual sales usually occur in May and September. May’s Memorial Day sales are always huge, as well as September’s Labor Day sales. Retailers are eager to make markdowns, knowing that these sales will attract new customers. So, if you’re searching for a new furniture piece, wait until this spring or fall!

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Back-to-School Supplies

Back-to-School Supplies

Finally, a sale that’s timely! Back-to-school sales occur during the first half of August, as children and teens are preparing for the first day of a new school year. It may seem tempting to stock up on supplies before the back-to-school shopping rush, but you’ll pay more. It’s a give and take. Would you rather shop at the beginning of the summer, beat the crowds, and spend more, or shop at the end of the summer, brave the crowds, and save money?

If you decide to shop right before school begins, expect wonderful sales on items like bookbags, printers, laptops, pencils, paper, and binders. In addition to school supplies, there will also be sales on clothing. Most students get excited about their first day of school outfit, so this the perfect time to buy them a new outfit or new pair of shoes.

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Seasonal Candy

Seasonal Candy

Candy is a guilty pleasure. And a piece every now and then can’t be that bad for you, right? Regardless of how unhealthy it is, we’re always down to buy a bag of candy—especially if it’s on sale. The only problem is figuring out the best time to buy candy.

Luckily, candy sales are fairly straightforward. The best time to buy chocolate and candies is after any major holiday. Snag sales in February (post-Valentine’s Day), April (post-Easter), October (post-Halloween), and December (post-Christmas). The only other tip I have is to buy immediately after these holidays. Other sale shoppers are also aware of these deals and discounts and the leftover candy will dwindle faster than you think.

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Lingerie

Lingerie

You get what you pay for, which is why nice lingerie is usually so expensive. Thankfully, lingerie, womenswear, and beauty retailer Victoria’s Secret makes it possible to get beautiful lingerie at an affordable price. All you need to do is know when to shop!

Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale is iconic. The dates change slightly each year, but you can expect these sales to start in the beginning of June and the end of December. They only last a few weeks, and most lingerie pieces sell out. The amazing discounts are anywhere between 40% to 70% off. The trick is to shop these sales as soon as possible. By doing so, you’ll have access to more sizes and styles of lingerie than someone who waits until the end of the sale to shop.

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Winter Apparel

Winter Apparel

Depending on where you live, the end of winter weather could occur as early as February or as late as May. Regardless, the cold weather will eventually dissipate, leaving us with warm, spring temperatures. When this happens, you’ll most likely want to run to your favorite boutique or department store and stock up on all the new arrivals. Don’t! Resist the urge to shop for warm weather apparel and focus on the sales racks instead.

February is the time to buy all of the bulky clothing that’s finally been discounted. Clothing retailers are unboxing new arrivals almost daily that scream spring. In order to make room for these new arrivals, they shove winter apparel to the sale rack. Hurry in and purchase all things winter. You’ll find incredible deals on coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, and boots. These are all items you can tuck away until the cold weather returns.

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Home Improvement Tools

Home Improvement Tools

In honor of Labor Day, many retailers majorly mark down their products. And what better way to celebrate the day off than with that discounted item you’ve been wanting. Stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, and Amazon take full advantage of this holiday.

The extended weekend sale occurs every September. This is the best time to find home improvement tools on sale. Get inspired by planning a home project and purchasing the tools you need to complete it on Labor Day weekend! Other great sales that you can find at this time are on outdoor furniture and home appliances.

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TVs and Electronics

TVs and Electronics

Because we’re a society obsessed with owning the latest and greatest products, you can find multiple sales on TVs and other electronic devices throughout the year. These are products that are known for being expensive, which is why sales are so exciting. It’s easier to justify splurging on a new 65-inch TV if it’s been significantly discounted.

There are three months that are especially great for electronic sales—January, July, and November. In January, there are many sales on TVs. These sales occur just before Super Bowl Sunday. This is a way for retailers to up their sales after Christmas and New Year’s. The next best time to buy is in July. Black Friday in July sales encourage shoppers to make big purchases on electronics during the summer. And if you miss both of these sales, check out November’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This is also a time when TVs, laptops, and tablets will be heavily discounted.

Mattresses

Mattresses

Have you been wanting a new mattress, but have put it off because of the expense? If you can relate, then it’s time to learn the tips and tricks to purchasing a new mattress. There is most definitely a “right” time to buy when it comes to mattresses and mattress sets.

Strangely enough, one of the biggest sales during Labor Day weekend is on mattresses. September has become known for these deals. You can expect retailers to significantly mark down their mattresses. It’s a Labor Dale sale you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re in the market for a comfier place to sleep each night.

Home Appliances

Home Appliances

Whether you’re building a house and looking to stock your home with expensive, but necessary appliances, or you have an appliance or two in your home that really needs replacing, you need to be ready to spend a small fortune. Home appliances make your day-to-day life easier, but at a cost.

Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners are just a few appliances we’d rather not live without. These modern conveniences enhance our daily lives. Unfortunately, they’re pretty expensive. It’s best to buy these appliances when they’re on sale, if you can wait that long. President’s Day sales in February are the ideal time to buy. Retailers have sales on pricey appliances, making them more affordable than they normally are.

Children's Toys

Children's Toys

Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember how exciting it was to open presents on Christmas morning. My parents had bought me many of the toys I had so desperately wanted and asked for. What I didn’t realize at the time was how costly those toys must’ve been.

Because children play with toys for only a brief stint of time before getting bored with them, it seems absurd to pay a lot for toys. If you’re looking for the best deal on children’s toys, purchase them in the days following Christmas. The majority of stores will have quickly marked down these hot items because they’re wanting to get rid of them. Retailers don’t want to be stuck with seasonal toys and games. Especially if you have a young child who doesn’t mind receiving gifts after the fact, purchase these presents after Christmas day.

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Fitness Equipment

Fitness Equipment

Depending on the type of fitness or exercise equipment you’re wanting to buy, it can be quite expensive. Small fitness items like weights, bosu balls, and yoga mats are always fairly inexpensive, but treadmills, ellipticals, and other workout machines are quite costly.

If you’re ready to invest in a more expensive exercise product, January is the time to buy. Retailers are hoping that healthy New Year’s resolutions have been made and that customers are willing to buy. And because many people prefer to exercise in the comfort of their home rather than at a fitness facility, they’re willing to splurge on a piece of equipment. During January, prices on exercise equipment are drastically discounted, making it the best time to buy!

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