The end of the season is rapidly approaching, and retailers are gearing up for big sales. Summer inventory has already been slashed by 20 percent in August, but by September, it can be as much as 75 percent off. Putting things away for a few months can give you a big advantage and save you lots of money for next year. If you live in a warmer climate, you can even use alot of these items now.
Here are some ideas on what to look for if you want some great summer deals!
Pool Supplies: A public pool typically closes after Labor Day weekend, so the retailers know to discount any pool supplies after this holiday. They don’t have the shelf space when Halloween is right around the corner. In warmer climates, you can continue to use pool supplies for about 4-6 more weeks, so it pays to stock up. Pool chemicals have a long shelf life, so you can buy them in bulk and save them for next year. Large retailers, and small independent stores will discount pool supplies at this time, so get them before they are gone.
Outdoor Toys: Fun outdoor toys associated with summer time, like water guns, backyard games and more can be found at deep discounts at the back of Target or Kmart’s toy section. Walmart’s end of season sales are never as good at Target, so be sure to look at the end of the isles for discounted merchandise. Stock up on kids birthday gifts at this time, and put them back for later.
Last year, at Target, there was a large water gun at the season’s clearance that was marked down to $4.79 from $20.00. Purchase items like this ahead of time for the young children in your family.
Swing sets: Great off-season deals can be found at online swing set retailers like Playnation and Gorilla Playsets. If you were waiting for prices to come down before you bought one for the family, be sure to compare prices during these seasonal mark downs. You can get a large swing set for hundreds of dollars off. just for buying off-seasonn. If you need assistance, they aren’t too busy to help you over the phone, since the customer service reps aren’t busy right now.
Big box stores like Costco or ToysRUS will also discount their sets in store, but check out the manufacturer too, and consider buying direct for better prices.
Outdoor Furniture: Does your patio or porch need to be updated for next year? Check out the sale prices on outdoor furniture and lawn furniture. These sets can be 50-75 percent off retail. You can possibly get that beautiful set you always dreamed of for half price! I recently bought a backyard swing at Kmart for just 50 dollars, and it was marked down from 179.
Many online retailers that have original and beautiful outdoor furniture pieces, such as Total Backyard and Tortuga Outdoor Furniture. They cater to great taste! Look for lower prices this season on the items you want to add to your outdoor space.
Solar Lights: Solar lights are always in season, and you can use them year-round. They save money and they are a quick install, so I love using them. We recently bought some beautiful all-metal solar lights for just 2.50 each, at Target. Lowes and Kmart also had them on sale, but we liked the look of the ones at Target. They were all about 30-40 percent regular price.
If you haven’t bought solar lights yet, you will love the look they add to your sidewalk or back yard. At just 2.50 each, they are totally worth it.
Plants and Shrubs: When looking for great sale items, always look at the plants when you go to Lowes, Home Depot or Walmart. Lowes has the best mark-downs on plants! Home Depot, Walmart and Lowes all have a section of clearance plants near the back. At Lowes they had a large Japanese potted plant that was root-bound, for just 4.99. This had been $30 dollars at full price. It looks lovely in its new bucket, and stands 5 feet tall!
School Supplies: Target, Kmart and Walmart will all have close out school supplies at this time of year. You can call around to check prices and save the gas money. Target had boxes of crayons for 33 cents at their after-school clearnace sale. Walmart had notebooks on sale for just 10 cents! Buy items like these now, and put them up for later.
Keep your eye out for seasonal sales and save a bundle! Mark-downs can be put away until next year or used now. If you know you’re going to need it, just make the purchase now and save.