What to Buy and When: Shopping Trends to Save Money
No matter what time of year it is, there are always ways to save a buck — if you know what to buy and when. Minding seasonal shopping trends will net savings on different types of items at different times of year. Knowing when manufacturers release new models (and therefore want to clear out the old ones) and when retailers offer discounts to get people into stores can make a huge difference in what you spend on big-ticket items. Here are the best times to buy things, broken down by category.
Bedding and Mattresses
Many stores hold white sales in January to lure shoppers to load up on linens and towels. August is another month you can save on bedding, as retailers offer discounts for back to school.
If a new mattress is what you seek, your best bet for getting a deep discount is during Memorial Day weekend. Retailers are eager to clear last year's models from their inventory. You can also save during Fourth of July weekend and on Labor Day.
TVs and Laptops
Black Friday is definitely when you'll net the best deals on TVs. However, if you aren't a fan of the crush at the mall, you can also take advantage of serious discounts in the weeks leading up the Super Bowl, as stores are pushing to get rid of existing inventory to make room for newer models.
When it comes to buying laptops, the best times are during the back-to-school season and during the holidays. Major computer manufacturers release new models two times per year: from July to August and from November to December.
Cars
For the most part, the end of the year is the best time to save on cars. October, November and December are generally when dealerships start to stock next year's models.
If you don't want to wait until the end of the year, you can also step foot onto the car lot on a weekday when things are slower at the dealership. The end of the month is also a good time to negotiate a deal, as sales managers need to hit their monthly quotas before month's end.
Fitness Equipment and Gym Memberships
As many people resolve to get in shape for the new year, stores offer significant deals on home fitness equipment to entice shoppers to return after the holidays.
You'll get the best deals on a gym membership in June. Why's that? As more people are enjoying the outdoors during the summertime, gym attendance takes a dip. Gyms will be more inclined to give you a reduced monthly rate or waive the initial fees.
Kitchen Supplies and Major Appliances
With graduation and wedding season on the horizon, you'll snag the best deals on cookware in April and May, particularly over Memorial Day weekend.
September and October are the best times to buy most major appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves. That's when manufacturers roll out next year's models. Fridges are an exception. You'll get the best deals on them in May.
Clothing
January is the best month to start saving money on winter coats. However, the longer you can wait before spring to replace your winter wear, the deeper the discount you'll be able to score. For summer clothing, wait until August, when retailers are eager to clear their existing selections to usher in new lines for the fall.
Saving money on items isn't always about clipping coupons. By knowing about seasonal shopping trends, you'll be able to take full advantage of sales and snag the best deals. If you want to save even further, look into the benefits of KeyBank Relationship Rewards. You can earn redeemable rewards points when you do things like make a purchase, pay bills and make an account deposit.