What to Buy in JulyBy Barbara Pronin As summer warms up, so do the deals on some consumer goods—if you know what to buy. So say the editors of cheapism.com, a consumer website the New York Times has labeled, ‘consumer reports for the cheap.” Once Father’s day and the Fourth of July are over, some of the best sale prices of the year may be found on the following items: Barbecue grills – Immediately after July Fourth, look for prices to drop as retailers try to push unsold grills to make room for fall items. (Oddly, the prices on outdoor furniture may not drop until summer’s nearly over.) Tools and hardware – Inventory peaked for Father’s Day, so now is the time to scoop up hand tools and hardware at some of the year’s best prices. Furniture and mattresses – The year’s second wave of new models hits the stores in August, so look for good buys in July as retailers clear out older models to make room for the new. Jewelry – With Christmas and Valentine’s Day months away, many retailers hold their biggest jewelry sales in July. If you see something you want, don’t be afraid to bargain. Fresh fruits and veggies – Berries, tomatoes and stone fruits are plentiful in July, so prices are at their best. Think about canning or freezing a supply, or baking into loaves or cookies to enjoy on a cold winter’s day. Swimwear – Suits for men, women and kids traditionally go on sale for nearly half price after July Fourth. Laptops – Prices for laptops (and some PCs) are generally slashed in July and August in time for back-to-school bargains. PC games – PC gamers know that summer is the best time to buy these as online sales begin to heat up. |
Today's Top Stories |