Seasonal Calendar

January

Early

Look out for deals on sneakers, meant to appeal to people who’ve made weight loss resolutions.

Mid-Month

Stock up on linens during stores’ white sales. You can get great deals on good bedding and towels—trust us, the quality makes a difference.

Late

The last of the sweaters and other winter clothing goes on sale to make room for spring merchandise, which is now officially hitting stores.

February

Early

This is the perfect time to buy a TV and related home theater equipment. Stores offer deep discounts in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.

Mid-Month

Valentine’s Day means good deals on fragrances.

Late

If you haven’t de-salted and cleaned your winter boots and shoes, they’re likely due.

March

Early

Look for sales on luggage. With summer vacations being planned, stores put suitcases on sale (which also clears out last years’ inventory).

Mid-Month

Now’s the time to find the best combination of selection and price breaks on spring clothes as room is made for the next shipment.

Late

Swap your heavy winter moisturizer for something lighter. Your skin doesn’t need the same routine in April that it needed in January.

April

Early

Buy your swimsuit. It may seem early, but it’s best to find a style you like and get it in your size before they sell out.

Mid-Month

Road trip season is coming. Get your car serviced (tires, fluids, wipers) before you’re doing it on the shoulder of a highway this summer.

Late

If you’re in anyone’s wedding this year, book your suit or tux rental now. Good tailors and rental shops fill up fast once wedding season hits full swing in May.

May

Early

Throw out last year’s sunscreen (because we’re 95% sure that it’s expired) and buy a new bottle. While you’re at it, replace your razor blades. If you can’t remember the last time you did, that’s your answer.

Mid-Month

The full range of summer clothes is now in stores.

Late

Stores and brands know that more people are buying kitchen appliances and cookware (for both graduation and wedding presents) and offer specials, sales and discounts in the early summer.

June

Early

Stores run great deals for Father’s Day. It’s a good time to shop for clothes, tools and gadgets.

Mid-Month

Nordstrom’s and Brooks Brothers’ semi-annual sales, along with a slew of others, begin the day after Father’s Day.

Late

First set of swimsuits and shorts go on sale. If the particular pair you’ve had your eye on isn’t on sale yet, just wait—it will be soon.

July

Early

Look for Fourth of July sales around June 30th.

Mid-Month

First set of fall clothes arrive in stores.

Late

Furniture goes on sale: New styles hit the showroom floor twice a year (February and August), and stores need to make room for the new arrivals.

August

Early

Bedding and towel sales: Stores hold white sales when college students are shopping for dorm room essentials.

Mid-Month

Nearly half of all states offer tax-free holidays (anywhere from a weekend to a week) where sales tax isn’t collected on such items as clothing, school/office supplies and computers.

Late

Unpack fall/winter clothes (and donate any pieces you don’t plan on wearing again). While you’re at it, get anything wool or heavy dry-cleaned before it goes back in rotation. A summer in storage is enough time for moths and body oil to do damage.

September

Early

Grills and other outdoor supplies go on sale.

Mid-Month

Second set of fall clothes begins arriving in stores.

Late

Pack away summer clothes (and donate any unwanted pieces).

October

Early

Now’s the time to shop for denim. After the big back-to-school rush, stores are eager to unload their extra inventory with discounts of 30 to 60% off.

Mid-Month

Book your pre-holiday haircut window now. Good barbers get booked solid the week before Thanksgiving, and nobody wants to show up to family photos overdue.

Late

Toys and games for kids usually go on sale to light a fuse on the holiday season. But this also means some of your favorite gadgets and video games are going on sale as well.

November

Early

Last year’s flagship phones drop in price the moment this year’s model ships. If you don’t need to be first in line, this is the week to save a few hundred dollars on something that was cutting-edge twelve months ago.

Mid-Month

Pajamas and underwear go on sale (often in well-priced package sets) in hopes to appeal to holiday shoppers. Stock up now on staples.

Late

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a renown shopping day for all the special bargains for those willing to put up with the crowds. For those not into crowds or getting up early, Cyber Monday, the following Monday, offers great sales available from the comfort of your computer.

December

Early

Your beard trimmer and razor have had a long year. A quick blade swap now means you look sharp for every party between now and New Year’s.

Mid-Month

Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Men’s Sale is around this time of year, as is the Brooks Brothers’ semi-annual sale, which always takes place the day after Christmas.

Late

You likely drank everything over the holidays, so now is a great time to restock your bar. And to prepare for the one time of year people are interested in Champagne, producers get cut-throat trying to lure everybody to their brand, so stock up on wine, spirits and bubbly.