So what should you buy in March? While there's no dedicated sales day during the month, there are some seasonal trends that result in certain items being discounted.
March is a bit of a dead zone in the retail industry when it comes to sales and deals.
The last major sales holiday was Presidents Day in February. That leaves a roughly two-month interim before the flurry of Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Father’s Day sales start coming.
So, what should you buy in March?
While there’s no dedicated sales day during the month, there are some seasonal trends that result in certain items being discounted.
Spring and Summer Travel
With families in some school districts planning last-minute getaways for spring break in April and summer travel already just months away, travel providers are looking to be competitive.
Southwest Vacations. This travel resource is offering $125 off select U.S. vacations and $250 off Hawaii vacations when you book by March 25 and travel by Sept. 30.
Carnival. The cruise line is running summer cruise deals to the Western Caribbean, the Bahamas and Baja Mexico, with prices as low as $284 for select four-day itineraries during June, July and August. If your child’s spring break coincides with Easter, there are still savings to be had on three- and four-day itineraries that overlap with Easter weekend.
Disney. Dreaming of a summer Disney vacation? If you book via Disney’s website by March 24, you can save up to 30 percent on stays at Disney resorts. The offer is valid for travel from May 28 to Sept. 30.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Outdoor Gear
With baseball season on the way and the weather forecasts teasing warmer temperatures, stores are running sales for those who can’t wait to head outdoors.
Academy Sports + Outdoors. All month long, take advantage of the Academy Sports + Outdoors bat trade-in program, which gives you 20 percent off a new DeMarini or Louisville Slugger baseball bat when you donate an old one. The store is also running sales on fishing rod and reel combos.
Dick’s Sporting Goods. Like Academy, Dick’s Sporting Goods is running sales on fishing rod and reel combos.
Cabela’s. Outdoor supply store Cabela’s is running a Spring Savings sale that features up to 30 percent off yard games and up to 50 percent of select running shoes.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Vacuums
Spring cleaning season is beginning, and that means deals on vacuums from major retailers. Some early deals are already popping up as March passes its midpoint, and they’ll continue to do so through April. Because high-end vacuums can cost hundreds of dollars, taking advantage of a discount is key.
Target. The retailer is already starting to feature savings of $30 to $40 off select vacuums from Shark, Dirt Devil and Bissell in its weekly ads.
Walmart. The store’s weekly ads are also starting to introduce vacuum deals, with Rollback pricing of up to $30 off select models.
Bed Bath & Beyond. Select Bissell vacuums are up to $50 off for the rest of the month.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
Winter Clothing
If you spot any snow boots, heavy coats and sweaters still on the racks or in clearance sections online, snap them up, especially if you wore out your winter wardrobe staples this year. Stores are desperate to clear the racks for warm-weather clothing.
DSW. For insulated and waterproof footwear, check out DSW, where clearance boots are marked down by as much as 40 percent.
REI. For coats, check out REI, which has fleeces, puffer coats and other cold-weather armor for up to 50 percent off online.
(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images
TelevisionsMarch Madness runs March 19 until April 8. Just as they do for the Super Bowl, retailers selling TVs drop prices on various models and screen sizes, knowing that shoppers are looking to upgrade for optimal game-viewing. And don’t forget about other home-theater upgrades, such as soundbars, speakers and projectors, which are on sale alongside the TVs.
Amazon. For some of the biggest price cuts, check out Amazon, which is offering discounts of up to $200 on TCL, Toshiba and Insignia TVs.
Best Buy. The store is offering up to $200 off on Vizio, LG and Samsung TVs.
While March Madness season is a good time to find a TV deal if you need to replace a TV or upgrade now, it’s important to remember that you’ll find even lower prices later in the year, specifically around Amazon Prime Day in July and on Thanksgiving weekend.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
