Don't Buy That Yet
If you've been a regular reader of Spashionista Report you know that I love a good bargain and I hardly ever pay retail for anything. Now, it's obvious to any smart shopper that you go for the places, sites, and items that are on sale. But did you know that there are actually optimal months, even days of the week, to buy certain things? No? Well, let me clue you in on a strategy that can save you lots of money. Let me elevate your retail IQ.
• January is filled with post-holiday sales, clearances, and closeouts.
• February is the best time to buy winter shoes, boots, socks and tights. Lingerie is typically on sale as Valentine's Day approaches.
• March is denim discount month. Buy your jeans now. Small electronics like DVD players and iPods see a price drop this month as well. If you need luggage this is the month to pick it up.
• April brings us big spring clothing sales, especially women's and girl's dresses and shoes. Computers can also be had for less this month.
• May sees a resurgence in lingerie sales as well as athletic clothing and shoes. Swinmwear begins to be marked down while inventory is still plentiful. Jewelry is deeply discounted for Mother's Day.
• June heralds in the men's clothing and power tool sales in honor of Father's Day.
• July is a prime month to buy a bag or a swimsuit. Men's shoes go on sale, too.
• August ushers in all the back to school sales - which include sales tax holiday weekends in some states. Coats and cosmetics can also be had on the cheap.
• September sees another big price decrease for jeans. Fall fashions are unveiled at sale prices, and gardening supplies are on clearance this month.
• October is the best time to do some early holiday shopping. The weekend before Halloween typically sees big sales on clothing and computers.
• November marks the cornucopia of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales - which are starting earlier every year. If you're going to take advantage of have a list and a budget with you before you dive in. If you need a sweater this is the month to buy one.
• December brings the lowest toy and children's clothes prices yet along with the usual holiday sales. After Christmas holiday decorations are deeply discounted, as is any inventory that didn't sell by December 25th. The last week of December marks the lowest clothing prices of the year.
Need more help? According to ShopItToMe.com, a San Francisco company that analyzes more than 750,000 sales items a year from more than 200 online retailers:
• Mondays: Shoppers can save nearly 50% on men’s and women’s dress pants, and about 55% on sunglasses.
• Tuesdays: Expect to save more than 40% on men’s apparel.
• Wednesdays: Shoppers save about 40% on shoes and children’s clothes.
• Thursdays: Save 36% on handbags.
• Fridays: Pay 42% less for jewelry, belts and scarves.
• Saturdays: Lingerie (37% off) and jackets/outerwear (51% off).
• Sundays: Swimsuits (52% off).
There is a bit of fluidity in these categories that may vary from region to region within the US, but this should give you a framework to start shopping more strategically and intelligently.
