Seasonal Sales Guide: Best Times to Save Big on Purchases

Seasonal sales throughout the year can provide significant discounts on everything from tech to travel. The best time to purchase might not be when you expect. Let’s look at the products to shop in each season to help you save money.

Winter sales: holiday and new you

Even though the holiday season may be over, there are still plenty of deals during the winter months. It’s a great time to refresh your home and lifestyle.

In the new year, many stores hold an annual “white sale” on linens, towels and other home goods, making it a great time to freshen up the look of your living space without breaking the bank. If your New Year’s resolution is to stay fit, the beginning of the year may offer discounts on gym memberships and exercise equipment so you can start out on the right foot.

Winter may also offer deals on toys and decor left over from the holidays. These sales can be 50% off or more. If there’s still something on your wish list, you might be able to pick it up on the cheap just by waiting a few weeks after the New Year.

Spring sales: nature and home

Spring is a time to refresh, reflect and enjoy the warmer air. Get in the spring spirit with sales on gardening supplies, seeds and outdoor furniture. Nothing will get you into the spring spirit like a blooming backyard garden or sparkling new patio ready to entertain.

It’s not just the outside of your home that needs attention. Starting that big spring-cleaning project might be easier with sales on cleaning supplies, vacuum cleaners and other items to spruce up the home.

If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious this year, look for deals on sustainable and eco-friendly goods around Earth Day. Not only are sustainable products better for the environment, but they may also last longer or be easier to repair, saving you money in the long run.

Summer sales: appliances and school supplies

Discounts don’t go on vacation just because it’s summer. From the kickoff of the season on Memorial Day to the dog days around Labor Day, the summer holidays may be a great time to check some items off your list. Look for furniture sales at the start of the season in May and discounts on appliances and mattresses in September. The Fourth of July may also be a good time to pick up summer apparel or a new grill.

It may feel silly to start shopping for school supplies while the kids are still at camp, but summer can be the best time to score deals on pens, notebooks and backpacks. Make your purchases before the August crowds arrive to get the best selection.

Keep an eye on social media for deal announcements. Some online retailers have their biggest sales of the year during the summer.

Fall sales: tech and gifts

As the holidays approach, fall can be a perfect time to buy big-ticket items and gifts for everyone on your list. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November are the biggest days on the calendar for shopping enthusiasts. You can score deals on everything from appliances to sneakers to your next big vacation. Deeply discounted items may sell out quickly, so don’t miss out.

If you’re in the market for a new gadget, fall can often bring discounts on tech like tablets, TVs or video game consoles. Many manufacturers release their new models around this time, which means older devices may drop in price. If you’re okay with last year’s tech, you may be able to pick up a great phone for cheap.

Shop and save year-round

There are ways to score discounts even outside of seasonal sales. A browser extension like Citi Shop^SM will automatically find and apply offers and coupons at stores across the web.

Consider shopping off-season. Buy your winter clothes in March as the weather gets warmer or outdoor gear in the fall as the days get shorter. Take advantage of stores trying to get rid of their seasonal stock with clearance sales and generous offers.

You can also plan your shopping around holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, when many stores have sales. Keep an eye out for industry-related holidays, which may mean hyper-specific deals on everything from National Darts Day to National Rotisserie Chicken Day.

Spend smarter in every season

Keeping track of price trends and seasonal sales can help you score low prices no matter the time of year. While the best time to shop may seem obvious, there are plenty of items you might not expect to be on sale during some seasons. Set reminders on your calendar so you know when to start browsing. Use these skills to plan ahead and set yourself up for shopping success, no matter what’s on your list.

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.