As March unfolds, so do the opportunities for savvy shoppers. It’s that time of the year when a strategic approach to your shopping list can lead to substantial savings. From seasonal transitions to post-holiday clearances, March brings forth a variety of items worth buying. 

From enjoying food freebies on Pi Day to discovering discounted goods for St. Patrick’s Day, there’s a wide array of products worth adding to your cart during this time of year. However, some things are not the best buys in March. 

So here is a short guide to help you make the most of your shopping in March. Whether you’re gearing up for outdoor adventures or seizing the last winter clearance deals, our guide has you covered. 

 

1. Pi Day Deals

Get ready for a mathematical treat on March 14th – it’s Pi Day! (You know, because it’s 3/14.) On this special occasion, many restaurants join the celebration by offering different types of deals, along with exciting discounts and freebies featuring themed coupon codes. In the last years, we saw deals for $3.14, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see similar prices this year as well. While pizza promotions are a common sight, keep an eye out for pie restaurants in your area that might also join the festivities with enticing specials.

To ensure you don’t miss out on these delicious Pi Day offerings, consider following your favorite restaurants and retailers on social media or subscribing to their email lists. This way, you’ll be among the first to know about any Pi Day promotions they have in store. Don’t forget to check grocery circulars as well; you might stumble upon tempting deals like mini pies for just $3.14, making your Pi Day celebration even more delightful.

2. St. Patrick’s Day Shopping Essentials

As March 17th approaches, the excitement for St. Patrick’s Day builds, and savvy shoppers are gearing up to fill their virtual carts with all things green and adorned with lucky four-leaf clovers.

Major retailers often treat shoppers to discounts on St. Patrick’s Day essentials in the days leading up to the holiday. Whether you prefer the thrill of last-minute in-store finds or the convenience of online shopping, popular platforms like Amazon and Wayfair offer a variety of festive items that might just be on sale.

For those looking to snag a bargain, patience pays off. Waiting until the last minute might result in a reduced selection, but it also means lower prices. Plus, if you’re a fan of wearing green beyond the holiday, anticipate even more significant clearance deals once the festivities have come to a close. So, get ready to celebrate in style without breaking the bank!

3. Winter Apparel 

As winter bids farewell and spring arrives, retailers are clearing the racks to make room for new seasonal items. This means fantastic discounts on cold-weather apparel, making March the ideal time to snag that stylish coat you’ve had your eye on. In 2023, we saw vests starting from just $4, fleece options priced from $6, puffer jackets starting at $28, parkas on sale from $30, and overcoats discounted from $65. 

Don’t forget to watch for sales event. Last year, Calvin Klein offered a substantial 70% off on men’s outerwear, while Macy’s showcased promotions with at least 60% off coats and jackets from renowned brands like Calvin Klein, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Nautica, and more.

4. Travel Gear & Accessories

If wanderlust is whispering in your ear, prepare to embark on your next journey with top-notch travel gear at unbeatable prices this March. This month presents an exceptional opportunity to score various types of gear, with a particular focus on luggage deals that will leave you excited for your upcoming travels. 

Last March brought drawstring backpacks for an astonishingly low $11 or conventional backpacks at a mere $14/each. For those with an eye for quality, anticipate stumbling upon sturdy Lands’ End totes priced at just $17 and spacious duffle bags dropping to the same tempting price point.

 

5. Tax Software

The tax deadline in 2024 is April 15, so March becomes a crucial window for completing your taxes while enjoying substantial savings. Retailers, eager to avoid excess tax software inventory for the upcoming year, are rolling out sales to assist shoppers in their tax preparation journey.

Make the most of these March sales by exploring various avenues. Consider shopping directly with tax software brands for exclusive offers, or explore offerings from other retailers who are also joining the tax prep savings spree. Take advantage of early opportunities to save on tax-prep products with ongoing sales from retailers like Office Depot and Newegg. Be sure to compare offerings across different platforms to secure the best deals for your tax preparation needs.

6. Hotels & Resorts

March is your chance to snag incredible last-minute deals on hotels and resorts. Properties are looking to fill up their remaining rooms, offering you the perfect opportunity to enjoy discounted stays. While hotspots might be booked, explore great deals in less crowded cities and alternative destinations.

7. Home & Garden 

Similar to clothing, home goods follow a seasonal pattern. As March arrives, we expect to see clearance offers on winter items like outdoor heaters. Simultaneously, anticipate enticing sales tailored for warm-weather preparations, featuring patio furniture, outdoor rugs, and more. While outdoor furniture deals may peak at the end of summer, March boasts an average discount of 17%. Your go-to destinations for the best deals include Wayfair, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Don’t forget to explore patio set offers at Sam’s Club and Costco if you’re a member. 

8. Vacuums & Cleaning Supplies

As the season shifts, many embrace the tradition of spring cleaning. In March, seize the opportunity to enhance your cleaning routine and declutter your living space. Look out for exceptional deals on vacuum cleaners, especially if you have your eye on a Dyson. Last year, select Dyson models were available for as low as $200, offering significant savings on brand-new units.

In addition to vacuum deals, standard cleaning supplies are likely to experience discounts as well. Expect offers like 3-packs of sponges for less than $2.50 and toilet cleaner gel for $6. Furthermore, cleaning tools and accessories are anticipated to see discounts. Keep an eye out for packages of trash bags for around $6, 12-packs of microfiber cleaning cloths for $11, and even broom and dustpan sets for $23. 

 

 

What Not to Buy in March

While these items can save you money, there are also things you might want to avoid buying this month, such as the ones below:

• Spring Apparel (April-June): New spring clothing arrives in March, so any discounts on these items are likely to be minimal.
• Furniture (May): March typically lacks significant furniture sales, making it advisable to postpone major purchases for better deals. Consider waiting for Memorial Day sales in May, as big-box chains and department stores tend to provide more enticing discounts during this period. For those with more patience, the unbeatable deals of Labor Day in September may be worth the wait.
• Major Appliances (May): While Presidents’ Day offered significant deals on major appliances, we don’t anticipate similar discounts until Memorial Day sales.
• Mattresses (May): Like major appliances, Presidents’ Day brought substantial mattress discounts. Although there might be some discounts in March with new model releases, the best deals are expected during Memorial Day sales.

In March, smart shoppers can find discounts on tax-prep products, spring cleaning essentials, and more. While some categories offer modest discounts, it’s advisable to hold off on big-ticket items until Memorial Day and Labor Day for even better deals. So, keep an eye on promotions and make the most of March’s shopping opportunities. Happy saving!