When it comes to shopping, October is an odd month, sitting smack in the middle of the back-to-school frenzy and the holiday extravaganza. The coronavirus has made everything stranger, but there are still plenty of October deals to be had. The best buys range from leftover summer items to goods discounted in advance of the big shopping days to come. And don't forget: October concludes with Halloween.
Unless you thought way ahead and bought a costume and decorations last November, when prices were at their lowest, be on the lookout for bargains this month — because this naturally masked holiday may well be one that can run like something close to normal, despite the coronavirus. Traditionally, the closer the holiday, the bigger the deals, as retailers try to clear the shelves by Halloween, and there are fewer costume choices and sizes if you wait too long. The best time to buy is mid-month, when the selection is still decent and prices have started dropping.
Much like the month of October, denim is in a down time between back-to-school shopping and the holiday season. Retailers want to sell off back-to-school denim and make room for the winter trends that will appear on gift lists, so keep your eye out for October deals on jeans.
Related: The History of American Jeans: From Railroad to Runway
Apple got back to releasing new iPhones in September, with a four-phone Apple 13 lineup arriving Sept. 24 with better displays and cameras. That means now is the time to look to see if there are discounts on iPhone 12 models. Along with the release of an iPhone model comes new cases, headphones, and other accessories. If you have an older model iPhone, you can get accessories for less as retailers look to move them out.
This is most likely the last month when shoppers will see patio furniture, yard tools, and summer-themed decor in stores until next spring. Look for deals on air conditioners, too, and get ready for next summer now, for less.
With summer hikes and campouts edging into memory, camping gear will go on sale this month. Find cheap and discounted sleeping bags, tents, and other camping equipment.
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Prices on cruises and vacations typically take a dip in October, the shoulder month between summer vacations and holiday travel. With school back in session, many destinations aren't very crowded but still enjoy balmy and temperate weather. This year, though? After travel fell off a cliff in 2020 with coronavirus risks, conditions now are like the pandemic recovery itself: uncertain. If you have the confidence to plan travel, especially given restrictions facing holders of U.S. passports, this may be your moment.
October is when the fall bounty begins coming in, and some warm-weather plants produce their final yields. Look for cheap apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cranberries, grapes, honeydew melon, kale, leeks, lettuce, oranges, pears, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, and yams. If there's an apple orchard nearby, picking your own may be cheaper and make for a fun, socially distanced weekend outing, not to mention nutritious and budget-friendly meals.
Related: 28 Fall Recipes That Showcase Seasonal Fruits and Veggies
October is usually prime time for striking a deal on a new car that happens to be stamped with last year's date, because auto dealers are eager to make room on their lots for newer models. This year, though, new cars have been selling so fast and are in such short supply that it's even raised the prices on used cars — which can now sell for more than the vehicles that are supposed to replace them.
September and October used to be a prime time to buy big appliances, because this is when new models are introduced. In recent years, however, big appliance deals have been popping up in November, especially around Black Friday, so if you can, hold off a few weeks before hitting the stores: In another unsettled year for retail, manufacturers and stores may try to make up for a lot of missed sales.
Deals on pots, pans, and small kitchen appliances are also more enticing in November, so don't bother searching right now. Better to wait for holiday sales and other holiday discounts.