Black Friday is coming up and many are anxious to see if Black Friday is indeed the BEST TIME to buy their dreams. “Is there a good deal?” “Is it worth my time to go shopping in the crowded chaos?” “Could I get another deal just as good, if not better, somewhere else?” Are there best times for buying things?
I’ll let you in on a little secret now–as I rule I DON’T go Black Friday shopping. Why? Three reasons: 1) I can usually find a better deal online. 2) I really don’t like shopping in crowds. 3) I know there is often another time of the year in which I can get a better deal.
That said, it is very helpful knowing WHEN it’s the BEST times to shop. And that includes non-Black Friday items too. From furniture to electronics, groceries to car repair, retailers nationwide hold annual sales based on availability. To help get the best bang for your buck, consider waiting to purchase such products during the following months…
Month-by-Month Best Times Buying Guide
January
Driving force: The Super Bowl, New Year’s Resolutions
Grocery Items: Snack foods, diet foods, oatmeal, chili, soups, pop
Produce: Broccoli, oranges, acorn squash
Other Items: Carpet and flooring, furniture, linens
February
Driving Force: Valentine’s Day*
Grocery Items: canned foods, dog food, chocolate
Produce: Broccoli, oranges, acorn squash
Other Items: Cameras and camcorders, TVs, storm windows, electronics
*Special Note–Just like there is a time to buy, there is also a time NOT to buy. If your significant other will allow it, consider purchasing those flowers for Valentine’s day a day or two later. Tell her “If you can wait an extra day honey, I can get you flowers, chocolate, and dinner out instead of just flowers. Which would you prefer?” Besides that, if you wait one night you won’t have to stand in line for two hours to eat at a restaurant. And that alone, for me, makes it totally worth it.
March
Driving Force: St. Patrick’s Day, Easter
Grocery Items: Frozen foods, eggs, ham
Produce: Berries, Asparagus, bananas, plums
Other Items: China, flatware, electronics
April
Driving Force: Easter, Passover,
Grocery Items: Eggs, sugar, cookies, Jewish foods
Produce: Berries, Asparagus, bananas, plums
Other Items: Vacuums, electronics, appliances
May
MayDriving Force: Memorial Day, Summer
Grocery Items: BBQ/grilling items, hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, produce, sunscreen, allergy medications
Produce: Grapes, lettuce, tomatoes, plums, avocados, zucchini, peaches, melons, berries
Other Items: Cookware, mattresses, vacuums, electronics, tires, home maintenance items, appliances
June
Driving Force: Summer
Grocery Items: Milk, eggs, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, BBQ items
Produce: Grapes, lettuce, tomatoes, plums, avocados, zucchini, peaches, melons
Other Items: Cookware, mattresses, paint, refrigerator, pianos
July
Driving Force: 4th of July, Back-to-School
Grocery Items: Chips, bread, baked beans, ice cream, BBQ items
Produce: Grapes, lettuce, tomatoes, plums, avocados, zucchini, peaches, melons
Other Items: Furniture, mattresses, paint, air conditioners, stereo equipment, school supplies, appliances
August
Driving Force: Back-to-School, Labor Day
Grocery Items: Breakfast bars, cereals, juice boxes, snack items, peanut butter, jelly, school supplies
Produce: Apples, pears, winter squash, sweet potatoes, oranges, pumpkins, broccoli, melons
Other Items: Computers, mattresses, paint, appliances
September
SeptemberDriving Force: Fall
Grocery Items: Pasta, pasta sauce, tomatoes, baby items
Produce: Apples, pears, winter squash, sweet potatoes, oranges, pumpkins, broccoli, melons
Other Items: China, flatware, patio furniture, plants, trees, car parts, bicycles
October
Driving Force; Halloween, Fall
Grocery Items: Candy, fall baking items
Produce: Apples, pears, winter squash, sweet potatoes, oranges, pumpkins, broccoli, melons
Other Items: Dining furniture, plants, trees
November
Driving Force: Thanksgiving Day, Fall
Grocery Items: turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pies, marshmallows, cocoa, oatmeal, soups
Produce: Apples, pears, winter squash, sweet potatoes, oranges, pumpkins, broccoli, melons
Other Items: Dining furniture, plants, trees, heating devices
December
Driving Force: Christmas, End-of-the-Year-Inventory
Grocery Items: Frozen rolls, green beans, potatoes, cream soups, ham, butter, flour bread, pie crusts
Produce: Broccoli, oranges, acorn squash
Other Items: Computers, cookware, small appliances
