March is one of the quieter shopping months, since there are no major holidays or sale events. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up some fantastic buys in March! Be a smart consumer and brush up on the retail sales cycle to learn which items are on sale in March and which purchases would be best pushed off for another time. 

Here’s what to buy and what to skip in March. 

Buy: Luggage

Summer getaways are in the planning stages now, and while that might not make for the best prices on airfare or hotel stays, you can score a great deal on new luggage in March. Splurge for a full set at bargain prices, or pick up a new carry-on or suitcase so you can travel in style without breaking the budget. 

Skip: Large appliances

Spring is prime time for all kinds of home improvement projects, but upgrading your appliances is best saved for another time. Appliances are generally full-priced in the month of March, and they’ll be discounted in just two months during Memorial Day sale events. 

Buy: Frozen food

Did you know that March is Frozen Food Month? You can find discounts on all things frozen in your local grocery store this month. Stock your freezer with your favorite ice creams, frozen veggies, prepared meals and more at bargain prices. 

Skip: Mattresses

Daylight saving may disrupt your sleep cycle this month, but that doesn’t make March a good time to upgrade your mattress. You’re better off waiting until their prices drop during sale events in the months of February, May, September and/or November. 

Buy: Winter apparel 

The weather in March may be fickle, but for retailers it’s already well into spring. By now, winter wear will be deeply discounted as retailers are desperate to make room for their spring and summer merchandise. Pickings may be slim, but you can find incredible prices on cold-weather clothing this month. 

Skip: Home audio

Home audio products were hot commodities during the lockdowns as people set up home offices and classrooms. Now that most people are back at work and school, prices are dropping on home audio products. However, for the best prices on speakers, headphones and other home audio products, you’re best off waiting until Amazon Prime Day in June or July, or until Black Friday sale events in November. 

Buy: A new Android

If you’re using a phone with a cracked screen and fickle battery, or you’re just ready for a change, consider upgrading your phone in March. New Android merch is unveiled each year at the Mobile World Congress in early March. Retailers will need to get rid of old inventory to make room for the new, which means you can score a great deal on an Android phone this month. If you’re an Apple fan, you’ll need to wait until fall for the best prices. 

Skip: TVs

With February blowout sales long over, TVs are back to full price in March. If you missed the opportunity to upgrade your home entertainment system at a discounted price, you’re best off waiting until Black Friday in July events. Of course, you can also find bargain-priced TVs at sale events during the actual Black Friday in November. 

Buy: St. Patrick’s Day essentials

You’ll find all St. Patrick’s Day essentials deeply discounted in March. Stock up on everything green or covered in four-leaf clovers this month without blowing your budget. As with every holiday, the later you shop, the better prices you’ll find. 

Skip: Spring clothing

You may be itching to fill your closet with bright spring colors and clothing made of cooler, lighter fabric, but if you can hold off just a bit, you’ll save a bundle. Spring clothing is still relatively fresh in stores, and won’t begin to see discounts until May.

Learning the sale cycles of the retail calendar can help you pick up bargain deals throughout the year. Use our tips to shop smart in March!

Your Turn: Have you picked up any bargain buys this month? Tell us about them in the comments.