April is loaded with deals if you know where to look.
Mark Di Vincenzo, author of “Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4:00: More of the Best Times to Buy This, Do That and Go There,” (William Morrow, $13.99), says spring is a bonanza compared to the the dog days of summer with deals ranging from running shoes to travel. Here are some of Di Vincenzo’s tips:
Running shoes: "In the Spring you start to see a lot of charity walks and foot races and a lot of the shoe companies sponsor these," Di Vincenzo says. These deals are mostly for the non-serious runners who start running in April when it is warmer, he says. Look for running shoes 10 to 30 percent off the regular price.
Office furniture: Big office supply stores, such as Office Max and Office Depot, know many people start home-based businesses with money from tax refunds. This month, you'll find desk chairs, filing cabinets and other types of office furniture and equipment at discounts of 25 percent or more, Di Vincenzo says.
Vacuum cleaners: It's a great time to buy a vacuum cleaner at a discount. Sales are driven less by spring cleaning than the fact that many new models will hit shelves in June and stores need to clear inventory, says Di Vincenzo.
Fruits and vegetables: "April is the first month of the year when a lot of fruits and vegetables are in season," Di Vincenzo says. "When produce is in season, not only are the flavors at their peak, but prices are lower." Grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, broccoli, lettuce, peas, spinach and more can be had at a discount. Coupons for fruit and vegetables — a growing trend among both grocery stores and producers — will help you save more.
Jewelry: As one of the six non-gift giving months, April is a great time to buy jewelry. Buy now for Mother's Day and graduation gifts and save at least 10 percent. The discounts are greater in April for fine jewelry, Di Vincenzo says, but you will also see discounts on costume jewelry. Prices go up in May.
Thrift stores/garage sales: You can make money and save money with garage sales this month, says Di Vincenzo. "April is definitely one of the best months to have a garage sale," he says. Warmer weather lures die-hard garage sale shoppers in search of treasures among another person's trash.
In addition, thrift stores get lots of items donated after spring cleaning. “April is a great month to find [markdowns] on winter stuff,” Di Vincenzo says. Look for cashmere sweaters, wool hats and scarfs, he says.
Travel: When the college set clears out in April, Cancun is off-season until May. "You can get great deals for all inclusive resorts – all you can eat and in some cases all you can drink — and the weather is good," Di Vincenzo says.
Also save on travel to cities in Southern Europe, such as Madrid, Rome and Athens. You’ll save because it is off season and you’ll spend less time in line at tourist hot spots.
