Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Wedding season is past, the need for school clothes seems far away, and most folks would rather be at the beach. So retailers are doing everything they can to lure you into their stores.

If you’re tempted, here are the top five recommended summer buys, according to U.S. News and World Report:

Spring and summer clothing – Including swim suits, which go on sale right after July Fourth. Jeans are heavily discounted in July, when most people are wearing shorts, as are suits for men and women. If you can drag yourself off your beach blanket, it’s a good time to snap up some clothing bargains.

Furniture – The new lines debut in August, and display space is now being cleared, making this a good time to shop for new furniture for every room in the house.

Home décor – June weddings are over, and the summer heat discourages many couples from tying the knot in July and August. But there’s plenty of silver, glassware, and home décor pieces languishing on store shelves. Take advantage of after-wedding-season sales to glamourize your own home environment.

Desktop/laptop bundles – Students head off to college early, so this is the time to find best deals on computers bundled with printers, headphones, and more. Just be sure you want everything your bundle offers before going for the whole package. Also, many stores offer an ‘education discount,’ so if you are a teacher or a student, ask if such a discount is available.

Grills and accessories – After the Fourth of July holiday, most grills and grill accessories are discounted 50 percent or more – and prices will continue to drop throughout August. If your grill needs replacing, or you want some new accessories, this is the time to go for it – and then invite the neighbors over in time for a Labor Day barbecue.

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