Timing is everything, especially when it comes to shopping. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year simply by knowing the right time to buy. Retailers operate on a seasonal cycle, clearing out old inventory to make room for new models. By aligning your purchases with these cycles, you can take advantage of predictable sales on everything from electronics to furniture.
This guide provides a month-by-month breakdown of the best times to buy major items. Use it to plan your purchases and ensure you get the best possible price.
A Month-by-Month Guide to Smart Shopping
January: Linens and Fitness Gear
After the holiday rush, retailers are eager to clear out leftover inventory. In the 1800s, a department store manager launched the first “white sale” in January to sell excess bedding, and the tradition continues today. This is the best time to buy sheets, towels, and comforters. Additionally, with New Year’s resolutions in full swing, stores compete for your business with deep discounts on fitness equipment and gym memberships.
February: TVs and Winter Clothing
Leading up to the Super Bowl, retailers slash prices on big-screen televisions. Look for deals in late January and early February. As winter starts to wind down, stores also begin clearing out heavy coats, boots, and other cold-weather apparel to make way for spring collections.
March: Luggage
With spring break on the horizon, retailers offer sales on luggage and travel gear. If you’re planning a summer vacation, this is the ideal time to upgrade your suitcase without paying full price.
April: Vacuums and Tires
Spring cleaning season inspires deals on vacuums and other cleaning appliances. Many people also receive tax refunds in April, and retailers time their sales to capture some of that spending. It’s also a great month to find deals on tires before the summer road trip season begins.
May: Mattresses and Refrigerators
May is famous for Memorial Day sales, which are particularly good for big-ticket home items. It’s arguably the best time of year to buy a new mattress. New refrigerator models are released in the summer, so stores discount last year’s inventory throughout May.
June: Tools and Laptops (for Dads and Grads)
Father’s Day and graduation season drive major sales on tools, hardware, and tech. Look for deals on laptops, especially non-Apple brands, as stores compete for the dollars of gift-givers.
July: Furniture
New furniture styles typically hit showroom floors in August. To make space, retailers offer deep discounts on their existing inventory throughout July. If you can tolerate slightly older floor models, you can find incredible bargains.
August: Laptops and School Supplies
Back-to-school season is a huge shopping event. This is the best time to buy a new laptop, particularly Apple products, which often come with educational discounts or bundled gift cards. Office supplies, backpacks, and kids’ clothing are also heavily discounted.
September: Grills and Patio Furniture
As summer ends, stores need to get rid of bulky seasonal items. Grills, patio sets, and lawnmowers see their prices slashed. It’s also a great time to buy a new car, as dealerships are trying to clear out the current year’s models to make room for the next.
October: Appliances
New appliance models for items like ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines are often released in the fall. October is when stores start offering significant markdowns on the previous year’s inventory to clear space before the Black Friday rush.
November: Electronics
Black Friday and Cyber Monday dominate November, offering the year’s best deals on electronics. This includes everything from video game consoles and smart home devices to headphones and cameras. Be prepared for a shopping frenzy, but the savings are often worth it.
December: Toys and Champagne
The weeks leading up to Christmas are, unsurprisingly, the best time to find deals on toys as retailers compete for holiday shoppers. After Christmas Day, prices are slashed even further. December is also when champagne and sparkling wine see their lowest prices of the year in preparation for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
By planning ahead, you can time your major purchases to coincide with these predictable sales cycles. A little patience can lead to significant savings, freeing up your budget for other important goals.