Things You Can Buy Cheaper Between December and February

Believe it or not, there are optimal times of the year to buy just about anything -- from electronics to formal wear. By following sales trends, you can score big discounts and keep more money in your pocket.

See: 5 Stocks To Buy Before Christmas

But, during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, shopping continues to look very different than it has in past years. From standing on social distancing markers while checking out to having to wait in line outside for your turn to only shopping virtually due to lockdowns, the way we shop has distinctly changed.

Even so, one thing is for sure: Retailers are still looking to make money. See these great deals you can find on big-ticket items between now and February.

Last updated: Dec. 8, 2020

TVs

The next Super Bowl Sunday is on Feb. 7, 2021. In honor of the event, during the weeks before the big game -- and especially the week leading up to it -- you'll be able to score significant savings on a TV.

Traditionally, 40- to 60-inch TVs have been the focus of Super Bowl deals in the years leading up to 2020, according to consumer expert Regina Conway, as reported by Consumer Reports. However, last January, the best deals were for 4K TV models ranging from 65 to 80 inches, due to it being the first year the Super Bowl was offered in 4K.

Start shopping TV sales in January to find the best deals. But be prepared if the pandemic ramps up. You may have to make an appointment to shop or wait in line outside if the store reaches pandemic capacity limits.

Read More: 15 Credit Card Hacks for Big Holiday Savings

Cars

When the end of the year rolls around, you may be able to snag a great deal on a new car, depending on whether dealers have met their annual sales goals. Meeting annual sales goals could mean a lucrative bonus for a dealership, so it may be willing to slash thousands off the sticker price of the car you're interested in.

For even better deals, look at new cars that are from the outgoing year -- in this instance, 2020. Dealers will typically be looking to move older inventory to make way for new models.

Many car dealers are also providing virtual tours of cars and online shopping. If you want to test drive the car, the dealership may offer to drop it off at your home for a couple of hours. Or, if you want a salesperson to accompany you during the test drive, they may sit in the backseat to promote social distancing.

Furniture

If you're in the market for a new living room set or dining table and chairs, start looking for deals in January. During the first few months of the year, homeowners tend to decrease spending, likely as a response to offset previous holiday splurges.

In response to the pandemic, some furniture stores are offering virtual chat appointments, which allow you to shop online with a salesperson. You may also be able to schedule a private shopping session to limit contact with other shoppers. And when it comes to delivery, furniture stores are offering doorway or threshold delivery instead of coming into your home, if desired.

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Wedding Dresses

For those who have an upcoming wedding in 2021, January is the prime time to get in on bridal sample sales. Bridal retailers are focused on getting rid of old inventory to create room for the new, so they often hold sample sales.

While true sample sales only include prototypes from the manufacturer, bridal retailers may also include gowns left over from last year's inventory. You could snag up to 90% off on the gown of your dreams. However, sizes may be limited, returns may not be allowed and you may not be able to even try on the dress.

Be prepared to wear a mask, and don't expect to bring all of your bridesmaids, your mom and your mother-in-law when shopping. One or two of your nearest and dearest will do. If you do get to try on a dress, don't count on assistance from a salesperson. Instead, you'll have to rely on someone in your party to help you.

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Bedding

One way to refresh your bedroom for the new year is to switch out bedding. But bedding can easily set you back several hundred dollars or more, so it makes sense to wait for a sale.

January is the month for white sales, which indicate that items like bedding are discounted -- up to 80% off, according to RetailMeNot. Last year, stores like Macy's, Target, JCPenney and Bed Bath & Beyond all held white sales.

If you're not interested in heading out to a retailer, shop online sales or check out these online retailers that also offered bedding discounts last January: Wayfair, Overstock.com and Joss & Main. But if you choose in-person shopping, expect current pandemic protocols -- mask-wearing, social distancing or even more strict measures, such as store capacity limits or shopping by appointment only, if coronavirus case numbers in your area increase.

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About the Author

Cynthia Measom

Cynthia Measom is a personal finance writer and editor with over 12 years of collective experience. Her articles have been featured in MSN, Aol, Yahoo Finance, INSIDER, Houston Chronicle, The Seattle Times and The Network Journal. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

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