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A retrospective of Consumer Reports and its place in the American consumer landscape.
Follow the seasons: When to buy what
Last reviewed: January 2011
This article appeared in You might think that because you faithfully compare prices on the Internet before buying, clip coupons galore, and watch for deep discounts on yesterday’s inventory as new models appear in stores, you’re getting the best deals you possibly can.
Still, deep discounts for some products go by the calendar. Use this page as a guide to those deals, but keep your eye on sales circulars and e-mail alerts because there will always be exceptions. Bear in mind, too, that the best time to save money isn’t generally when you’ll find the best selection. Download a PDF of our guide to when to buy what.
January
Carpeting
CDs & DVDs
Computers
Cookware
Houses and condos
Linens
Swimwear
Toys
Treadmills and ellipticals
TVs
Winter clothing
February
Humidifiers
Indoor furniture
Treadmills and ellipticals
March
Humidifiers
Small consumer electronics (MP3 players, DVD and Blu-ray players, etc.)
TVs
Winter coats
Winter sports gear
April
Digital cameras
Lawn mowers
Spring clothing
May
Camping and outdoor gear
Carpeting
Cordless phones
Lawn mowers
Small consumer electronics
June
Carpeting
Computers
Indoor furniture
Small consumer electronics
Summer sports gear
Swimwear
July
Indoor furniture
Outdoor furniture
Swimwear
August
Backpacks
Dehumidifiers
Lawn mowers
Outdoor furniture
Snow blowers
September
Digital cameras
Gas grills
Lawn mowers
Shrubs, trees, and perennials
Small consumer electronics
Snow blowers
October
Computers
Digital cameras
Gas grills
Lawn mowers
Winter coats
November
Bikes
Camcorders
Gas grills
GPS navigators
Toys
TVs
December
Camcorders
Gas grills
GPS navigators
Home appliances, large and small
Small consumer electronics
Toys
TVs
