Sooner or later just about everything goes on sale. Knowing when items are at their lowest prices and buying them before you need them is a shopping technique that can save you hundreds of dollars every year on all kinds of items from groceries to gifts!
With Black Friday just a few weeks away, you might be tempted to hold off on all gift shopping till then. However, that could be a mistake! There are items you can buy this month at lower prices than they will be all year, including Black Friday.
Best Things To Buy In October:
Jeans and Swimwear
Now that school has been in session for a few weeks, stores need to clear out their excess clothing inventory. Jeans are at their lowest prices now, so stock up!
Halloween Costumes
October is a huge month for costume sales. If you’re not too picky and can wait for the week prior to Halloween, that’s when you’ll snag the best prices. If you’re more concerned with selection than price, you’ll need to shop earlier though.
Don’t forget about costumes for Christmas presentations or end-of-the-school-year plays! All costumes are at their lowest prices by the end of October. So if your budding actor or actress is going to be a Shepherd this Christmas, get the costume now!
New Cars
The new 2015 models will be arriving at dealerships this month. They have to clear out their remaining 2014 inventory to make way for the incoming new cars. Brush up on your negotiating skills and head to a dealership this month for the best prices of the year!
Outdoor Camping and Hiking Items
There are typically two clearance seasons for camping and hiking equipment, late spring and now! If you’re in need of some new outdoor equipment, October will bring the best prices on items like these:
- Sleeping Bags
- Folding Camp Chairs
- Lanterns
- Tents
- Other Camping Gear
Summer Clearance Sales
A lot of these sales started in September, but stores with leftover inventory will be slashing prices on remaining summer items:
- Patio Funiture
- Grills – gas, electric, charcoal
- Lawn Mowers – push and riding
- Gardening Equipment – rakes, shovels, flower pots, water hoses and more
- Shrubs, Bushes, Bulbs
- Pool Equipment – cleaning equipment, floats and toys
Travel
If your end of year holiday plans call for travel, now is the time to book your trip. Airline tickets and hotels will start increasing in price as the end of the year approaches. Book early for the best rates!
Toys
National stores such as Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, Kmart and others will be making room on their shelves for new Christmas toys. Older models will be reduced in price this month making for some great bargains.
In Season Produce
The cheapest produce in stores and at local farmer’s markets is always what’s in season. Here are October’s in-season fruits and veggies:
- Apples
- Bartlett Pears
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Cranberries
- Honeydew Melons
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pumpkins
- Spinach
National Events in October
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month – You can get all kinds of unexpected items in the color pink this month! Look for mixers, jewelry, women’s bicycles and more. If pink is your color, this is your month to shop!
- National Cookie Month
- National Pizza Month
- National Pretzel Month
- National Seafood Month
- National Apple Month
- Columbus Day
- Fire Prevention Week (10/5 – 10/11)
What NOT To Buy in October:
Don’t forget Black Friday is near!
Here are a few of the items you’ll want to wait to purchase in November:
- Appliances
- Cold Weather Outerwear
- Electronics – HDTVs, laptops, home theater components
~ Happy October Bargain Shopping!
