Knowing when to make purchases could spell significant savings

Elaine Otterbourg checks out a smoker. Knowing what to buy when can save you a lot of money. Photo credit: Bita Honarvar

Off-season purchases have always been the way savvy consumers have saved the most money. Buy summertime clothes in August. As the weather warms, swoop in for discounts on winter wear.

Here’s the exception: When retailers are eager to boost sales to meet quarterly and annual goals, shoppers benefit, regardless of the season. That’s the case right now as Atlanta-based home-improvement retailer Home Depot charges toward what it hopes will be a 2.5 percent sales growth in 2010. Traditionally, September — the back end of summer — has been the best time to purchase grills and landscaping plants. Surely, there will continue to be deals on those items in the fall when demand drops.

Still, Home Depot’s latest promotion proves that striking while the iron is hot is as advantageous for shoppers as eying the calendar. For four days, the store launched a Black Friday-like sales event to open the door for the spring selling season. A grill that was normally $379 sold for $200. A patio set went for $70 and live plants were buy one, get one free. It’s all part of the plan to see increased annual sales for the first time in five years.

It’s a top priority during the peak in-store traffic period, especially considering annual revenue declined from $71.3 billion in 2008 to $66.2 billion in 2009.

“Spring is our Christmas,” said Craig Menear, executive vice president for merchandising.

So, where else are sleigh bells ringing?

• – March is National Frozen Food Month. More coupons and discounts on these items are available this month.
• – May is a good time to spring for a new mattress as stores clear inventory for new arrivals, said Luke Knowles, founder of FreeShipping.org.
• – Area attractions are gearing up for the rush of spring break. You can usually find combination packages, coupons and other discounts starting in early March.
• – High school seniors are graduating and heading to dormitories and apartments with no kitchen tools and appliances. Stores that sell those items know you’re coming and usually have discounts waiting in April and May, according to Kiplinger.com.
• – Check the clearance racks for sweaters and the like as retailers make way for tank tops, shorts and other summer clothing. This also applies to thrift and consignment stores, where you can find quality items for dirt cheap.

What off-season purchases do you traditionally make? Do you stock up for Christmas in July or splurge on lawn equipment in the fall?

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