July is a special month for shopping. As summer reaches its peak, retailers begin clearing inventory in preparation for the fall season. So while July is a great time to pick up some great deals, not everything will be at the best price. Here’s a breakdown of what to buy and what to avoid in July.
1. Outdoor goods/apparel
July is a great month to buy outdoor gear.
From tents and backpacks to hiking shoes and swimwear, retailers are offering deep discounts to encourage summer activities.
Keep an eye out for sales around Independence Day. This is the best time to see discounts on outdoor gear.
Brands to consider: Patagonia, The North Face, and Columbia offer quality outdoor gear. Look for deals at retailers like REI and Backcountry.
Specific products: Columbia’s Watertight II jacket, North Face hiking boots, and Patagonia’s Black Hole Travel Bag are often discounted in July.
2. Home center supplies
Summer is home improvement season, with many stores offering promotions on tools, paint, and other DIY essentials.
Additionally, as many people work on home projects, July is likely to feature some of the best discounts to attract more customers.
Brands to consider: Home Depot and Lowe’s with a variety of brands including DeWalt, Behr Paints, and Black + Decker.
Specific products: DeWalt power tool sets, Behr Premium Plus interior paint, and Weber grills often see significant price drops.
SEE ALSO: Save money at the home improvement store: 7 ways to get started right away
3. Furniture
New furniture models typically arrive in stores in August. July is a great time to buy as stores clear out old inventory.
This is especially true for outdoor furniture, which can see discounts of up to 50-60% off as retailers make room for fall inventory.
Brands to consider: Indoor and outdoor furniture from IKEA, Wayfair, and Pottery Barn.
Specific products: IKEA’s ÄPPLARÖ outdoor chair and Wayfair’s sectional sofa closeout section.
Related article: IKEA money-saving hacks that will make you really smart
4. Technology gadgets
July can be a great time to buy laptops, tablets, and other technology accessories, as back-to-school sales begin towards the end of the month.
These sales often extend to common electronics, as retailers aim to attract a wide audience of both students and non-students.
Brands to consider: Apple, Samsung, HP, especially during Amazon Prime Day and Best Buy sales.
Specific products: MacBook Air, Samsung tablets, and HP Envy laptops are often featured in midsummer technology sales.
5. Seasonal ingredients
We have an abundance of fresh produce in July, so be sure to enjoy it.
A wide variety of produce, including berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, is in season and often on sale.
Buying when it’s in season is not only cost-effective, but also ensures you get the best flavor.
Where to buy: Farmer’s markets or local grocery chains like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s.
Specific products: organic blueberries, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh peppers. Look for bulk sales and promotional discounts at local stores.
Next, we will introduce what you should not buy in midsummer.
1. Autumn clothes
It can be tempting to start buying fall apparel when it starts hitting stores, but prices for these items are usually at their highest.
It’s best to wait until the end of the season for discounts.
Brands to watch: ZARA, H&M, and Gap often launch their fall lines in July at premium prices.
Specific Products: Avoid newly released jackets and fall dresses until they are released later.
2. Major home appliances
Major appliances are at their highest prices around the holiday sales in September (Labor Day) and November (Black Friday).
Therefore, it is wise to refrain from purchasing items such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines during July unless there is an urgent need.
Brands to watch: Whirlpool, GE, Samsung appliances are best purchased during major sale events.
Specific products: stainless steel refrigerators, drum-type washing machines, and high-efficiency dryers.
See also: How to negotiate lower prices on appliances
3. School supplies
Early back-to-school sales start in July, but big discounts on school supplies tend to happen in August and even early September.
If you wait a little bit, you could save big on notebooks, pens, and other school essentials.
Brands to watch: Crayola, Five Star, and Ticonderoga are staples, but I refrain from buying them.
Certain items: Backpacks, scientific calculators, and binders are often cheaper in August.
Related article: Genius ways to save money on back-to-school shopping
4. Latest model cars
The auto industry typically releases new models in late summer or early fall, so buying a new car in July may not be cost-effective.
If you wait until a new model is released, you may get a better deal on this year’s vehicle as dealers make room for new inventory.
Brands to watch: Toyota, Ford, and Honda typically launch new models in late summer.
Specific Products: Popular models like the Honda Civic and Ford F-150 typically receive year-end discounts after the new model launches.
5. Holiday decorations
Midsummer is not the ideal time to buy holiday decorations.
The best deals on holiday items like Christmas and Halloween are usually found right after the holidays are over, or during specific sales closer to the season.
When to buy: Post-holiday sales and Black Friday sales are the best times.
Specific Products: Do not purchase LED string lights or inflatable garden decorations during July.
See also: Smart ways to maximize sales after Christmas
This means that by focusing on items that are in season or nearing the end of their sales cycle, you can save big while avoiding full-priced items that are likely to be marked down in the coming months.
Ask our readers: Are there any products you’d like to add to my list? Good or bad buys for July? Please let me know.
Written by Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save money at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco. Ta. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and The New York Times for my money-saving tips. (learn more)
