September is packed with deals as retailers attempt to unload excess summer merchandise and make room for fall and holiday inventory. If you're in the market for certain items, this may be the best time to bank on some rock-bottom prices. Here's a list of shopping categories that tend to see their lowest prices all year this month.
Bikes and Gear
Save about 15% or more on sporting goods this month. With the seasons changing and less demand for bikes, accessories and other outdoor gear, retailers and sporting goods stores are quick to offer discounts this month.
• Schwinn Midmoor 26-Inch Men's Bike at Sears for $229.99 (originally $279.99)
• Scott Genuis 50 Mountain Bike at Eastern Mountain Sports for $1,624.99 (originally $2499.99)
Cars
It's not too late to work out a deal full of rebates and incentives on current 2011 models. The entire month of September is the best time to buy a new set of wheels. "If you're looking to buy a new car, look in January, but wait to buy until September," says Jeanette Pavini, household savings expert at Coupons.com. This is the time when you can really haggle your way to a superb deal, she says. Sellers are eager to get rid of the 2011 models and will offer both manufacturer incentives and dealer perks to ensure you drive off in a new car. Some auto promotions at various dealers around the country this month include:
• 2011 Nissan Altima: Get 0% financing for 60 months or $1,500 cash back. Plus, receive a $500 holiday cash bonus. Offer expires October 3.
• 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring: Receive 1.9% financing for 36 months. Plus, get $500 cash back. Offer expires September 30.
Luggage
September is when many retailers run closeout deals on luggage, since the summer travel season is officially over. Plus new winter lines are soon to emerge, and stores will need to clear the floors to make room for the new inventory.
• LL Bean Microfiber Luggage Set for $299 (originally $469)
• Samsonite Luggage, xSpace Spinner Collection for $74.99-$259.99 (originally $150- $520)
• Travelpro Maxlite 22" Carry-On for $99 (originally $129.99)
Europe and Caribbean Travel Deals
Flights and cruises to the Caribbean go for much less in September, primarily due to a drop off in tourism amidst hurricane season. And with the back to school season back in swing, family travel to Europe and overseas drops considerably, which means you may find enticing deals this month.
• Virgin Atlantic flights to London for as low as $250
• JetBlue Summer Cruise Blowout as low as $45 per night
Housewares
The end of wedding season ushers in the best deals on all the China, housewares and small appliances you might find on a wedding registry.
• Williams Sonoma Monogrammed Glass Tumblers, Set of 6 for 69.99 (originally $94)
• Villeroy & Boch "Switch 3" Dinnerware at Bloomingdale's for $15.00 (originally $32)
• Black & Decker 12-cup Programmable Coffeemaker at Target for $18 (originally $24.16)
Large Appliances
If you're thinking about making some kitchen and home appliance upgrades, this may be the best month to save. Check with the larger retailers like Sears, Lowe's and Home Depot, when new models hit the floors. That's also around the time many older models end up in the clearance section. Many stores kicked off their appliance discounts this Labor Day weekend will likely continue them for the remainder of this month until they sell out.
Electronics and Printers
"It's a tremendous opportunity to save on office equipment in the month of September. [Retailers] are getting rid of the old designs to bring in new designs and you can save on printers, scanners and computers." For example, Walmart is currently offering a bundle deal where you can choose a laptop, case, flash drive and a wireless printer, all for about $300.
