Ever wonder how that one neighbor has a “caviar dreams” home on a tuna fish salary? Chances are, they’ve mastered the art of shopping end-of-season sales. Unlike flash sales, special buys, and overstock surprises that pop up unexpectedly, these seasonal clearances follow a schedule that allows one to strategize and plan.
The golden rule is to start shopping early, as prices are designed to move the items out quickly so the retailer can use the space (including both warehouse space and online shopping) for next season’s goods. Starting early is particularly important when it comes to highly coveted items such as outdoor furniture, as initial summer discounts come in August and September. The deepest discounts will be in late September and October, but there’s a risk that the item will sell out before then.