With last-minute barbecue item deals, back-to-school shopping, seasonal wardrobe turnover and college dorm items on sale all over the place, August is definitely a month for deal divas to stock up on necessary items and score annual savings on individual pieces. Here are a handful of end-of-summer-sale items you definitely want to explore.
Swimsuits
If you’re prone to travel throughout the year, especially to warmer climates, then a single swimsuit isn’t going to cut it. Similarly, if you enjoy water aerobics as your workout method of choice, then paying less for suits across the board just makes good budget sense. August is the time of year when retailers are looking to unload their remaining inventory. Bear this in mind and shop accordingly. It’ll save you having to pay full price when spring break rolls around.
Office Supplies
While the school supply sales are generally targeted towards parents of school-age children, the truth is they can be a great way to save money on business expenses. Copy paper, sticky pads and even pocket folders for press kits and presentations drop in price at the end of the summer. Take advantage of the opportunity and stock your office supply cabinet affordably.
Dorm Décor
It’s true stores want to sell items for new college students during the end-of-summer season, but those same items can be used to decorate a small space such as an efficiency apartment, lake cottage, yurt or even a shipping container home.
Art Supplies
Whether you enjoy summer crafts or have a money-making hobby that requires a few supplies in addition to creativity, art supplies are a great item to purchase at the end of summer. Why? They are frequently-requested items on school lists, and necessary tools for university students majoring in the field. This is your chance to stock up and save on items that don’t necessarily go on sale at any other time besides Christmas.
Clothing
We all need clothing items, regardless of the time of year. However, with August’s major price drops in this product area, it’s a great time to purchase travel clothing, dressy items for your corporate wardrobe and even denim, which can last for years. Why not grab the best price you can?
Toiletries
Since these items also go on sale in August due to the need for college students to stock their grooming supplies, you can use this annual savings scene to look great for less. Shampoo, lotion, bar soap and even cosmetics can be purchased for a reduced price, not to mention cosmetics and commercial skin care products. (See also: Beauty on a Budget)
Condiments
More Summer Savings
With long weekend holidays in both the United States and Canada during the months of August and September, it’s no surprise that condiments and other supplies for picnics and barbecues are available for a song. Stocking up on items like this allows you to prepare homemade versions of sauces for parties throughout the fall and winter. Relish and may can be mixed to create tartar sauce. Mustard can be used for dips, salad dressings and as a marinade for a myriad of chicken recipes.
These end-of-summer sale items are some of my favorite savings opportunities.
What types of things do you like to stock up on as the warm weather draws to a close?
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I’m hoping to score some new bike gear at REI during their end of summer sale.
I have never thought of condiments but I guess it makes sense. Last summer at the grocery store there was a great deal on condiments so we bought it and it still sits in our cupboard – apparently we don’t use that much as far as ketchup and mustard goes.
Ikea always has pretty great sales for “dorm” type stuff, but it’s great for gifts as well if you want to plan ahead for the holidays.