Savings Opportunities with Season Changes | Family Economics

By Andrea

Fall is knocking at the door. The changing colors of the landscape are welcome as are the cooler temperatures. However, I look forward to fall, and other season changes, as a great way to help save for future seasons.

Here are a few things to consider as you come upon savings opportunities during the changes in seasons:

Clearance Prices
During a normal sales cycle, a store will consider the “sale” on items at around 20 percent off the retail price. These are prices you are likely to find from store to store when they are listed on sale. You find the best savings on items when the stores are pulling items off the shelves and racks to make room for the new season items. Many times, clearance prices will go up to 75 percent off and more!

How do you know when the best discount will be hitting the shelf pricing? Just ask! Employees are a great resource for understanding store inventory cycles.

Clothing Items
You will find the best prices on clothing in the current season and the previous season. Last season’s styles need to be taken off the racks to make room for current season styles. The new styles need to be marketed heavily so there are usually great sales on those items as well.

But don’t forget about reusing. Do an inventory of all seasonal items so you know what you need to get through this wearing season. Once you plan what purchases need to be made, you can watch for sales to ensure you get the best prices. Also focus on buying items at those great clearance prices for that season next year. 

Household Items
Many times, there are new fragrances or product variations that come out specific to seasons. Does the smell of cinnamon baked apple smell like fall to you? It does to me! But, not when it's July and 95 degrees outside! Stores discount items drastically so they can bring in new flavors to get you in the mood for that season! Watch the shelf tags because those close-out prices are rarely advertised. 

Coupons
Purchasing items with a discount of 50 percent or more is the opportunity I wait for to save on the seasonal price reductions. But, to save even more, I couple those lower prices with great coupons the manufacturer and retailer offers and save that much more! 

So with the fall weather upon us now, the leaves may be losing their green color but it’s staying where it needs to - in your pocket.

Doesn’t the landscape look more brilliant when you look at the seasonal changes with a savings point of view?