April is a great month filled with weather changes, holidays and the beautification process of the Earth. With all of the rain coming in, many people take to stores to engage in some retail therapy. This might not be great for your budget, especially if you try to shop for a few different categories this season. Luckily, there’s a specific ten that you should be avoiding unless the deal is too good to be true. So, put on your galoshes and get ready to shop until you drop, because these ten categories are sure to help you avoid spending a small fortune when you go shopping in the month of April.
1. Easter Supplies
As you know, Easter is in the month of April this year, which means lots of people will be shopping around to find some of the best Easter deals on the market. If you shop before Easter then you’ll know that you’re probably not going to find a deal on supplies like chocolate, toys or baskets. Items tend to go on sale after Easter, but the price drops tend to not be worth shopping fully until a couple of weeks after Easter when the interest in Easter goods is long gone. During this time, you can get chocolate bunnies and other items at an irresistible price. Online stores will also take part in this, so don’t be afraid to shop online for some pretty awesome deals too. Before you know it, you’ll be set up in chocolate and prepped for next Easter thanks to the deals in May.
2. Laptops
Laptop sales tend to peak two times during the year. The first is during the summer when kids are home from school and a new group of college students prepare for their first semester at a university. The second is during the holiday season. So, it’s not a surprise that during the spring time there aren’t’ any great laptop sales moving in. For technology, the Spring time is buzzing with new releases too, which makes sales on items a little hard to find. Your best option is to wait until summer rolls around. However, if you need a laptop in a hurry then buy an older model or something refurbished to tide you over until you can actually find a great sale.
3. High-End Mattress
There’s not really any specific sales for mattress in the month of April, especially when it comes to high end models. Sure, you may be able to find one at a reduced price, but nothing will help you save money quite like waiting just one more month to shop. May is the perfect time to grab a new mattress, particularly on Memorial Day. This usually helps you find the mattress for you at a price designed that way too. You should always make sure to know what you’re looking for when it comes to mattresses though, so shop around before you do any actual shopping. If you can’t wait until May this will be the best possible way for you to get more for your money.
4. Linens
If you want to buy linens, then you should always aim to shop for them during January. This is when the infamous White Sale occurs, which offers linens at some of the best possible prices around. However, the month of April is pretty dry in this department because most stores are putting out new stock after getting rid of so many items during the month of January. Another reason why April is a no go when it comes to linens is we are now in prime wedding season. Linens are one of the most common gifts for newlyweds, so you’ll end up shopping in the height of all the overpriced goods. It’s also time for students to start planning their year at the dorm or in their first apartment. So there will be many others shopping in this category too. Thus, it might be best if you simply wait it out or look on clearance websites to find the linens you need.
5. Summer Goods
Although it’s not the best time to buy Spring clothes, it’s also not a great time to buy Summer clothes either. The month of April is when the stores begin to roll out the gear for next season, especially in climates that are already getting hot. So, bathing suits, shorts and tanks are probably items you should bypass, even if you find something adorable that you must have. It’s best to wait until the month of May when these clothes will be flying off of the shelves thanks to the amazing Memorial Day sales. You will also find great deals on clearance swimwear once all of the other clothing is added to the lineup. Make sure you shop early though, so you can some great fashions for less.
6. Baby Supplies
January is another great month for baby sales, which can mean April is a time to avoid buying some of the newest and greatest technology. April is actually a time when new products are released and many tech item reveal their debut products. So, the odds aren’t in your favor during this time. Of course, if you’re desperate for baby gear then there is always a way to find items that won’t cost you a bundle. For instance, you can get freebies all year long, but you have to be careful. It’s hard to wait on baby items, especially when the due date is fast approaching, but waiting until April is over will be in your best interest.
7. Rain Gear
April showers may bring May flowers, but it may not be the right time to prep for those long and rainy days. Rain gear tends to take a price intake during the month of April because everyone needs it to stay warm and dry. Rain gear can include jackets, boots and hats, so try to avoid this section of the store at all costs. Of course, if you’re desperate for some rain gear then you may want to try to make your own online. There’s a boatload of tutorials online, so make sure to browse around to see if there’s any that struck your fancy. Hats and raincoats are both simple to make, even if you only have supplies to make a simple, one-time item. You’ll save a bundle and will learn how to protect your skin from the rain.
8. Tennis Supplies
Tennis season is officially upon us, which means buying gear to play the game is going to cost you a whole lot of money. With lessons and tournaments going, you won’t be able to find an appropriate sale on these items, so try to refrain if you can. If you need supplies you might try borrowing them from friends or paying a small rental fee. Of course, you can always check out thrift stores to see what they have in regards to the game as well. Tennis equipment as well as clothes and shoes will set you back a bit, so wait until the season is in mid-swing before you brave shopping for your own person items.
9. Wedding Gowns
Bridal season is here, so if you’re waiting to buy your dress then you may want to continue to do so. Since most people have a wedding between February and October, you’ll end up struggling to find the appropriate dress for your body. Since prices are high your budget shouldn’t be burdened with shopping early for a gown. There will also be less of a selection because so many people will have shopped around the same period of time as you. Instead of doing this, try waiting until the autumn. You may even want to work your whole wedding around this time. It will bring lots of discounts on your dress and everything else.
10. Golf Gear
With the weather warming up, more people are wanting to get outdoors to hit around a few golf balls. So, if you don’t have the gear you need to play you may want to sit this one out until the weather is too hot to make being outdoors enjoyable. Even rental prices will skyrocket, so try to stay away from the golf course if you can. You can always try thrift stores, but the quality of clubs isn’t always there. Shop for this gear during the Father’s Day week or when the weather is too cold to enjoy playing the sport.
April isn’t the best time to shop for a lot of must-have items, but patience will help you get through this trying time. With any luck, you’ll be able to save money thanks to all of the things you can’t buy this season. Don’t get too used to not shopping though, because May brings so many sales that you’ll have to double blink.
