Yahoo Finance How to Score End-of-Winter Bargains
The winter winds are still blowing strong, the average temperature for the 48 contiguous states has dropped below freezing and snow now officially covers nearly 1.5 million miles of our country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Though spring is only a few weeks away, this frigid season feels like it's here to stay, and for most of us, the shimmer has definitely worn off the snowflake. Bring on the sunshine and crocuses, right?
Well, not so fast. While you may indeed be fed up with winter, there is a bright side to this enduring cold: Retailers are ruled by the calendar, not the thermometer. So no matter where the mercury falls, stores need to make room for their spring items (think patio furniture, hiking boots and swimsuits) and to do so, they've got to move their winter inventory out and fast. That means better deals on goods that you can still use as this season lingers. Here are your best bets:
Winter outerwear: Right now is Goldilocks season for buying a new winter coat. That is, it's not too early to find big sales and not too late to miss out on the good inventory but just right. Major department stores, like Macy's and Kohl's, are known to offer deep discounts of 50 percent off or more on many styles. J.Crew's classic coats have seen deep price cuts of over $150 dollars off, and since they're classics, they'll never go out of style. (Pro tip: Never buy a trendy item at the end of the season or it may look dated by the time you can really get enough wear out of it.)
Specialty stores, like EMS and REI, typically make way for mud season by running sales of up to 40 percent off on snow jackets. Splurge now, and not only will you be ready for next winter, but a fresh coat may be just what you need to get through the rest of this one.
Luggage: Whether you have a big trip planned for spring break or not, now is the time to nab a new suitcase set, or at least a new carry-on. (If the late-winter clearance sales aren't enough of an incentive, then just remember, by taking a carry-on rather than that giant old suitcase you got as a college graduation gift eons ago, you'll usually save about $50 in checked-baggage fees per round-trip flight per person.) Luggagepros.com and AltmanLuggage.com both have massive selections that can typically be found up to 80 percent off during this time of year. Just think: If you don't have that trip booked yet, these sales may be just the thing to inspire you to get packing.
Snow blowers: Home Depot, incredibly, has stocked up on too many snow blowers. (Honestly, is there such a thing this winter?) As a result, it's now selling its overstocked models online at 30 percent off. Another great option: SearsOutlet.com sells reconditioned snow blowers for up to 60 percent off. Your back could probably use a break now, don't you think?
Skis and snowboards: Big resorts can usually extend their ski seasons into late March and even April, so don't expect major deals at the mountainside specialty sporting good shops until then. Despite that, you can find deals while the snow is still falling by checking the big box sporting goods stores, whose sales are much less dependent on local snow conditions. Look to Sports Authority and REI for big-time sales on snowboards and downhill and cross-country skis.
For really great prices on pre-owned equipment, try Play It Again Sports. Added bonus: If you bring in your old skis or board (or bike or whatever other sporting goods that are collecting dust in your garage) to Play It Again, you can either trade it in for on-the-spot store credit or cash. (No fussing with Craigslist respondents, who then never show up.)
Even if you just use your new-to-you board a few times more this winter, chances are you'll still come out ahead, given that rentals can often set you back $50 or more every day you hit the hill. Bottom line: Whether you like it or not, winter is not over yet. You might as well enjoy every last day of it. Come July, you'll be thinking back fondly of all of these powder days.
Trae Bodge is the senior lifestyle editor for The Real Deal, an online magazine that offers smart shopping tips, curated gift guides and other money-saving solutions, published by digital coupon destination RetailMeNot.
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