What to buy (and skip) in March
When it comes to shopping, March isn’t the most popular month on the calendar. But just because the 31 days between February and April fall between major sales holidays doesn’t mean they lack their own steals and deals.
Navigate your way through this month’s shopping with the help of our guide to what to buy (and skip) in March.
Buy: Golf clubs
Now’s your chance to stock up on a new set of clubs for less. Buy during spring to avoid the inevitable increase in golf club prices that will happen when demand rises during summer. But as the Better Business Bureau points out, you can expect the best deals on last season’s models (as opposed to this year’s).
Even if golf isn’t your game, remember that this rule generally applies to other summer sports and summer sporting accessories. Buy offseason for better deals.
Skip: Furniture, appliances
March isn’t known for blowout sales on home appliances or furniture, so we recommend holding off on these types of major purchases for a little while longer.
Our best advice? Wait for Memorial Day sales to roll around in May. That’s when big box chains and department stores will do all they can to entice customers. Last year, Kirkland discounted select home products by up to 50%, while Williams-Sonoma offered Memorial Day clearance savings of up to 60%.
And if you’re willing to wait even longer, Labor Day deals in September will be hard to beat.
Buy: Frozen food
Good buys in March won’t be found only at department stores. They’ll be in the supermarket too.
In 2016, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association will celebrate the 33rd annual National March Frozen Food Month. This will include a partnership with Coupons.com in an effort to “promote the frozen aisle.”
Throughout March, shoppers should look for printable coupons for their local grocery stores.
Skip: Most electronics (expect the Apple Watch)
With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Presidents Day now behind us, the best discounts on electronics won’t be coming around again soon.
For the most part, it’s hard to top November for deals on gaming systems, TVs and computers.
One exception? The Apple Watch. Rumors are swirling that Apple could release its much-anticipated Apple Watch 2 this spring. If that’s the case, you can expect retailers to lower the price of the original Apple Watch model.
Shop smart all year long with our guide to What to Buy Every Month of the Year in 2016.
Buy: St. Patrick’s Day essentials
March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and more than a few consumers will load shopping carts with all things green (or four leaf clover themed).
A number of major retailers discount St. Patrick’s Day essentials in the days leading up to the holiday. We saw such sales last year at stores as diverse as Amazon and Kay Jewelers.
As with any holiday, remember that the longer you wait to shop, the better. Selection might be reduced, but so will prices. And expect even bigger clearance deals after the holiday is over.
Skip: Spring clothing
March 20 is the first day of spring, but you should wait before outfitting yourself with spring apparel. New inventory (including clothing) is generally highest in price at the beginning of any given season.
Instead, shop smart by stocking your closet with plenty of cold weather staples for next year. Winter clearance sales are continuing at many stores.
This article first appeared at NerdWallet.
