First it’s back to school shopping, then holiday madness, then post holiday sales—by the time February rolls around you’re pretty much broke and shopped out! But some retail experts say this is actually the time you should jump right back in the shopping saddle.
Now that Valentine’s Day is over LOTS of stuff is going on sale. There’s the obvious: Jewelry, chocolate and lingerie, but you won’t believe the great deals you can get on stuff now, you may even want to make the most out of those holiday gift cards you have stashed in your wallet!
“I love February for discounts. Coats are finally coming down in price and toys are deeply discounted if still on the shelves. I’ve walked into Target in February and scored toys for 75-90% off!” That shopping advice from a mom who likes to save, Vickie Smith.
What else can you save on? We asked the experts:
Tiffany Aliche, financial consultant AKA as the Budgetnista says:
FURNITURE: Stores know that you’ll be spring cleaning soon and will want to clear out the old designs to make room for the new. They start discounting in February. Why not “winter clean” this year.
HOME THEATERS: Why? Even though the Super Bowl is over, theaters are HOT!
LUGGAGE: Travel picks up later on in the year and so do luggage prices as a result. Get you shnazzy set now, while prices are rock bottom.
WEDDINGS: Everyone wants to be a spring bride, and June wedding and honeymoon costs reflect it… Try something different and put the money you’ll save toward a home.
Related: Bring Spring Into Your Home This Winter
BICYCLES: Not only will you get a great deal (stores are clearing out for new inventory), but you’ll get over serviced. No one is in the bike shop now.
Retail finance expert Kevin Strawbridge from dealtaker.com recommends:
GADGETS: All the major electronic companies like Apple, Sony and Panasonic showcased new products in January at the Gadgets/Electronics Expo, which they begin to launch after February. If you're not one of those who don't need the latest gadgets, now would be the perfect time to purchase older models and save a couple of bucks as retailers are trying to clear their inventory to prepare for new shipment.
LAST-MINUTE TRAVEL: After the heavy travel in December and early January there comes a lull in late January and February when most families stay home. During these dead weeks in late January/February, prices drop significantly. Places like ski resorts and the Caribbean offer deals for a fraction of the regular price.
WINTER WHITE SALES: Retailers clear out the cold-weather bedding, towels and home goods to make room for spring linens. In the market for a down comforter? Now is the time to buy!
Maria Salomo-Schmidt, author of Mom Entrepreneur Extraordinaire and real estate broker behind Brick House Realty says:
A HOME !
This might not be an OBVIOUS category BUT buying a house in February is one of THE BEST months to get a deal. Psychologically people are still nesting (especially after this winter) so there are less buyers out there than in the spring when everyone gets the "I've-gotta-move fever." Because less people are looking now, there are more deals, just override your desire to cocoon.
Related: 3 Ways to Dig into Real Estate in 2012
Limor Elkayam, Founder of Dealery points out now is the time to buy:
AIR CONDITIONERS: It may not feel like it quite yet, but Spring is inching closer. And with the temperature rising in those warmer months, air conditioner prices rise too. Get one in February and you'll be buying one for the cheapest you'll see all year.
INDOOR FURNITURE: Showrooms need to make room for all the outdoor furniture with Spring just around the corner. This means some great deals on their indoor furniture inventory.
Related: Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis
OUTDOOR GRILLS: Planning on a summer BBQ? Demand for grills is low right now, yet with warmer months coming soon, people will run out and buy grills as soon as they can have the first outdoor BBQ of the year. Buy yours now at the lowest pricing you'll see all year.
Kathy Spencer, author of the new book HOW TO SHOP FOR FREE says head to the mall and go designer!
"February is a great time to score big names for small prices. It's the month I grab up Uggs and North Face clothes for 50-70% off. Any name brand snow and winter gear can be found with slashed prices all over the mall and on the net from Nordstrom to 6pm.com. Most people don't pay much attention to the Valentine's Day clearance that starts February 15th, but if you're planning a wedding now is the time to stockpile all the love-related items for inexpensive bridal shower favors or gifts.
My favorite weekend in February is Presidents Day weekend. The entire mall will be loaded with huge clearances with additional markdowns placed on top of the already clearance prices. Slap a store coupon on top of that and get your next year's winter wardrobe for pennies on the dollar. February is also a time to think babies. If you're pregnant, waddle your way to Target. Baby gear will be being marked down to make room for April's newer styles, so you'll be able to grab it at 75% off. Whoever said babies are expensive clearly wasn't shopping in February."
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