The Best Times to Buy
The Best Time to Buy Furniture: February
Why: New furniture designs debut in spring, so retailers are clearing out old styles to make room, says Dan Butler, vice president of retail operations at the National Retail Federation. Scour showrooms for “as is” floor samples in good condition offered at deep discounts.
The Best Time to Buy a Television: March
Why: New models are introduced at the International Consumer Electronics Show each January. Retailers clear out old inventory to make way for the latest items, which ship in March, says Greg Tarr, executive editor of This Week in Consumer Electronics. Another smart time to shop: the day after Thanksgiving, when there is aggressive competition among retailers. You’ll find jaw-dropping deals (up to hundreds of dollars off) on limited supplies of popular models, says Tarr.
Your savings: Around 15 percent.
The Best Time to Buy Home Decor: July
Why: Ten percent of all weddings occur in July, so retailers want to take advantage of the wedding-bound shoppers, says Butler. “From table linens to dinnerware, you can give almost any home item as a wedding gift,” he says. Also, department and home stores, anxious to move merchandise that is already on the floor, host sales to increase foot traffic. Shoppers can also score deals in September and October, which are also popular months for exchanging “I do’s.”
Your savings: Twenty to 50 percent. You can also find an increasing number of two-for-one deals, such as silver candlesticks sold with candles.
The Best Time to Buy Plants: September
Why: Garden centers need to clear their inventory of summer plants, trees, and shrubs to create space for fall and holiday plants, so they slash prices. And in September “the cooler weather allows plants to expand their roots,” says Charlie Nardozzi, a senior horticulturist with the National Gardening Association, “so it’s a great time to plant peonies and low-maintenance perennials, such as hostas, daylilies, and daisies.” If you prefer to plant in the spring, shop in February or March, when nurseries typically offer 10 to 20 percent off on preorders.
Your savings: From 30 to 50 percent. Independent nurseries tend to have bigger markdowns and a wider selection than big-box stores, says Nardozzi.
