Retail Seasons: Sales Make the World Go ‘Round

Retail Seasons: Sales Make the World Go ‘Round

For every retail item, there’s a season. White sales big on Columbus Day and silverware sales flourish in the June wedding season. Here’s when the following items are likely to go on sale across the United States.

January

    Holiday-related products, including wrapping paper, cards, lights, candles, holiday decorations.

    Cookware.

    Curtains.

    Dishes.

    Housewares, small appliances, including toaster ovens, blenders, food processors, coffee makers, etc.

    Rugs.

    Silverware.

    Toys.

    White sales, including linens.

    Winter apparel, including coats, furs, sweaters.

February

    Presidents Day sales, big for the electronics industry.

    Candy.

    Jewelry.

    Lingerie.

    Stereos.

    Televisions.

    VCRs.

    Winter clothes.

March

    Best time to buy winter clothes as retailers make room for spring lines.

    Camping gear.

    Gardening.

    Spring fashion promotions.

Shopping. Photo by Elena

April

    Bicyles.

    Jewelry.

    Lingerie.

    Personal care products.

May

    Furniture (bedroom sets, sofas, dining room tables).

    Gardening supplies.

    Home furnishings.

    Luggage.

    Mattresses.

    Outdoor furniture.

    Refrigerators.

    Spring clothing.

    Stereos.

    Televisions.

    Tires.

    VCRs.

    Washer/dryers.

June

    Father’s Day promotions.

    Electronics.

    Silverware (for wedding season).

    Sporting goods.

    Summer recreational gear.

July

    Bathing suits.

    Bicycles.

    Furniture.

    Mattresses.

    Refrigerators.

    Tires.

    Washer/dryers.

August

    Back-to-school promotions for children’s and junior’s clothing.

    Office supplies.

    School supplies.

    Undergarments.

    Wardrobe basics.

September

    Labor Day “last chance” promotions on summer wear.

    Air-conditioners.

    Cookware.

    Dishes.

    Lamps.

    Musical instruments (pianos, guitars, flutes, etc.)

    Recreational gear.

    Stereos.

    Televisions.

    Tires.

    VCRs

October

    Columbus Day white sales.

    Fall apparel.

    Home textiles.

November

    Curtains.

    Fall apparel.

    Holiday promotions.

    Lamps.

    Rugs.

    Winter recreational gear.

December

    Consumer electronics.

    Cookware.

    Cosmetics.

    Furniture.

    Home appliances.

    Jewelry.

    Luggage.

    Perfume.

    Toys.

    Washer/dryers.

    Winter apparel.

To buy or not to buy. That is the question. Illustration by Elena.