I’m a Shopping Expert: 6 Top Purchases I Make Every July

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July means that summer’s in full swing and it’s time for those mid-year deals. While your friends are enjoying backyard barbecues and lazy days by the pool, it’s a good time to head to the stores (and online!) to make strategic purchases that can save you big money.

GOBankingRates spoke to shopping experts to find out what to buy this July. 

Outdoor Furniture 

While the best time to buy outdoor furniture tends to be when summer is winding down in August and September, there are still deals to be had if you wait until right after the Fourth of July.

Andrew Priobrazhenskyi, a shopping and savings expert at DiscountReactor, recommended looking for deals at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.

“You can grab anything between 20% to 60% on a variety of items to adorn your outdoor space at a much cheaper price. This could mean getting a $500 patio set for around $300 during one of these sales.”

Summer Apparel and Accessories

As the summer season reaches its peak, retailers often begin clearing out their swimwear and beach-related merchandise in July.

Take advantage of these sales to stock up on trendy swimsuits, beach towels, sunscreen, and other accessories that will enhance your summer adventures. Don’t forget to check for deals on beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, as these items are ideal for beach days!

“Clearly one of the first on the list is summer clothing,” said Priobrazhenskyi. “July has traditionally been the height of summer sales, with retailers slashing prices on summer clothes as they make room for fall collections. Shops like Macy’s and Nordstrom also hold giant clearance sales that can deliver more than 50% savings on nice clothing.”

Air Conditioners

Vipin Porwal, founder and consumer expert at Smarty, shared that now is the time to buy air conditioners — especially in the time leading up to Fourth of July sales. He said shoppers should expect discounts from 10-50% off units designed for smaller rooms (5-8,000 BTU) and 10-40% off units designed for larger rooms (10-14,000 BTU). 

Look for energy-efficient models that can help you save on utility bills while keeping your living spaces cool and comfortable.

Camping Supplies

“If you are an outdoor enthusiast, camping is even better in July,” said Priobrazhenskyi. “Stores such as REI and Bass Pro Shops generally have a mid-summer sale and everything from tents to sleeping bags will be at a discount. Most product lines and brands will see 30-50% savings, giving you everything you need to prepare for your next adventure.”

Back-to-School Supplies

While the start of the school year is still months away, July is an ideal time to start stocking up on back-to-school essentials. Retailers often offer attractive discounts and promotions during this month to entice early shoppers.

By being proactive and taking advantage of these sales, you can cross items off your list and avoid the last-minute rush and potential price hikes.

Electronics

Electronics are often included in back-to-school sales.

“July is a goldmine for deals on electronics, particularly for tech enthusiasts during back-to-school sales,” said Priobrazhenskyi. “With students and parents in mind, retailers including Best Buy and Amazon offer deep discounts on laptops, tablets and more. You might get a $800 laptop for as little as $600, which would be a great time to improve your hardware for a fraction of cost.”

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