(MCT) — Discount shopping: Knowing the seasonal highs and lows of prices for consumer goods helps you find the best deals and haggling opportunities. Several groups keep track of such things. One good source is Creative Homemaking’s free weekly newsletter (www.tulsaworld.com/CRhomemaking) with “Saving Money by Shopping Seasonal Sales,” by Patti Chadwick.
Another great source on “deal news” is ShopSmart magazine, put out by Consumer Reports publisher Consumers Union. Especially helpful is its June/July 2008 issue and its seven-page story, “Where the really big discounts are hiding” at www.tulsaworld.com/ShopDiscount. They suggest the following.
June: Bedding, building materials, clothes (summer), dresses, fabrics, fishing and camping gear, floor coverings, furniture, lumber, pianos, refrigerators, storm windows and TV sets. Home appliances are also a bargain as newer models are being unpacked and last year’s are being discounted to get them out of the showroom and warehouse.
July: Air conditioners, automobiles (used), bathing suits, clothes (summer), carpeting, craft supplies, fabrics, home appliances,
July 4 post-holiday decorations and food (hotdogs and ground beef), lingerie, paper goods, radio and stereo equipment, rugs, shoes, summer sports equipment and sportswear and washers and dryers. Around July 4 is also a good time to buy furniture, before stores unpack their fall collections. If you must have that sofa sooner, shop at the end of the month, when store owners are balancing their books. Computers are also discounted to make way for newer models.
August: Air conditioners, automobiles (new); back-to-school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, etc.); barbecue tools, bathing suits, camping equipment, clothes (back-to-school), coats, fans, furniture, housewares (cooking utensils and small appliances), lamps, lawnmowers, paint, patio and lawn furniture, rugs, shoes (summer casual), sprinklers, tires, vegetables, yard tools and white sales (towels and linens). The 2008 model new cars are being discounted as dealers try to clear space in their lots for the 2009 models. The best deals are toward the end of the month.
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