Below you will find what I have researched and determined to be the best time to buy certain items in the WNY area, both food and non-food. Much of this research is based on the prior years’ blog posts and match-ups, in addition to the information found around the web. Keep in mind that this is a general guide, and it may be possible to find deals at other times of the year not necessarily mentioned here.
January
What’s Happening This Month:
People are interested in finding after Christmas clearance and thinking about football parties, so you can usually get some really great deals on holiday decor, chocolate, salty snacks, and soda. Many people are also trying to start the new year watching or losing weight, so you’ll see many deals on diet foods, oatmeal, yogurt, and the like.
Food:
Chocolate candy
Soda Pop
Salty Snacks
Oatmeal
Diet foods
Frozen foods including smoothies, appetizers/finger foods, and microwaveable entrees.
Yogurt
Soup
Tuna
Granola Bars
Cereal
Fruit Snacks
Pomegranates/Pom Juice
Clementines/Oranges
Tea Bags/Hot Cocoa
Non-Food:
Batteries
Treadmills and ellipticals
Gym Memberships
Linens/Bedding
Christmas Decor (Clearance)
Toys (Clearance)
Winter Clothes (Clearance)
Winter Coat (Clearance)
Vitamins
Baby Gear
Baby Wipes
Make-Up
Lotion
Hair Products
Dish(washer) Detergent
Laundry Soap
Big Screen TVs
Air Conditioners
Computers
February
What’s Happening This Month:
The Big Game (Football), Valentine’s Day, and people may have vacation plans during the week off from school.
Food:
Canned Foods
Chocolate Candy
Refrigerated Cookie Dough
Baking Supplies
Steak
Seafood
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Cereal
Frozen pizza
Tea Bags/Hot Cocoa
Non-food:
Cameras
Winter Clothes & Accessories (Clearance)
Perfume/Cologne
Oral Care
Furniture (Presidents’ Day sales)
March
What’s Happening This Month:
It’s Frozen Food Month! Yes, there is such a thing—also possible Easter vacation plans.
Food:
Frozen Foods
Non-Food:
Boats
Luggage
Cameras
Small Electronics (MP3 players, DVD or Blu-Ray players)
April
What’s Happening This Month:
People are starting to “think Spring”! Also, possible Easter vacation plans.
Food:
Chocolate/Candy (Easter Clearance)
Eggs
Ham
Cheese
Mustard
Baking Items/Cake Mix
Dinner Rolls
Frozen Pies or Pie Crust
Non-Food:
Easter Decor (clearance)
Vacuums
Cleaning Supplies
Brooms/Mops
Cookware
Car care/Auto parts
Sneakers
Athletic Apparel
Spring Clothing
Make-Up
Home Improvement
Lawn Mowers
May
What’s Happening This Month:
Celebrate Mom this month! The sun is (hopefully) shining, the smell of flowers is in the air, and people want to be outdoors! Last (literally) but not least, Memorial Day parties!
Food:
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers/Ground Beef
Hot Dog & Hamburger Buns
Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ sauce, Relish, Mayo)
Salad Dressings
Chips
Bottled Water
Soda Pop
Ice Cream/Popsicles
Non-Food:
Party Supplies (disposable plates, bowls, cups, utensils, and napkins)
Grills
Grill Supplies (cooking utensils, charcoal, lighters, lighter fluid)
Refrigerators
Cookware
Mattresses
Tanning Packages/Supplies
Camping and outdoor gear
Carpeting
Jewelry
Cars (especially around Memorial Day weekend)
Gardening Supplies
June
What’s Happening This Month:
Celebrate Dad this month! Also, school is out for Summer, and Splash Pads/Pools open, people are spending a lot of time outdoors, and vacations may be approaching. Many couples will be getting hitched this month too!
Food:
Ice Cream/Popsicles/Frozen Yogurt
Bottled Water
Soda Pop
Iced Tea/Lemonade
Strawberries
Non-Food:
Lingerie/Underwear
Swimsuits
Tools (especially around Father’s Day)
Dishes
Camcorders
Carpeting
July
What’s Happening This Month:
More parties and picnics this month! We will be celebrating the Fourth with fireworks, food, and fun! Also, believe it or not, retailers are trying to get us to think back-to-school already!
Food:
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers/Ground Beef
Hot Dog & Hamburger Buns
Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ sauce, Relish, Mayo)
Salad Dressings
Chips
Bottled Water
Soda Pop
Ice Cream/Popsicles
Iced Tea/Lemonade
Blueberries
Non- Food:
Party Supplies (disposable plates, bowls, cups, utensils, and napkins)
Grill Supplies (cooking utensils, charcoal, lighters, lighter fluid)
Swimwear
School Supplies
Furniture (especially around 4th of July weekend)
August
What’s Happening This Month:
A few more weeks of outdoor fun in the pools/splash pads and enjoying festivities such as the Erie County Fair. If you have kids and weren’t thinking back-to-school last month, you’ll definitely be thinking it this month.
Food:
Peaches
Raspberries
Blackberries
Blueberries
Mushrooms
Tomatoes
Cereal
Breakfast Bars
Lunchmeat
Fruit Snacks
Peanut Butter
Jelly/Jam
Cheese
Yogurt
Chips/Pretzels
Cookies
Ice Cream
Soda Pop
Bottled Water
Juice Boxes
Iced Tea/Lemonade
Non-Food:
Backpacks
Outdoor Furniture/Chairs
Pool Supplies
Swimwear (Clearance)
Summer Clothes (Clearance)
Linens/Bedding
Outdoor Toys/Swingsets
Summer Shoes/Sandals
Sunglasses
Pillows
School Supplies
Office Supplies
Underwear
Socks
September
What’s Happening This Month:
Back-to-School, it is! The leaves are changing color, and the air is crisp. Time to enjoy the Fall!
Food:
Apples
Cereal
Peanut Butter
Jelly/Jam
Lunchmeat
Cheese
Breakfast bars
Chips
Cookies
Juice Boxes
Snacks
Canned Fruits and Veggies
Yogurt
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers/Ground Beef
Hot Dog & Hamburger Buns
Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ sauce, Relish, Mayo)
Salad Dressings
Soups
Broth
Wine
Grapes
Pumpkins
Non-Food:
Large appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers)
Cars (around Labor Day)
Grills
Lawn Mowers
Snow Blowers
Trees, shrubs, bulbs, flowers
Bikes
Socks
Underwear
School Supplies
Party Supplies
Grill Supplies
October
What’s Happening This Month:
Halloween happenings all over town!
Food:
Pumpkins
Apples
Mushrooms
Beans
Canned fruit & veggies
Dried Fruits
Soups
Broth
Seafood
Candy
Non-Food:
Costumes
Car Care Supplies
Grills
Tires
Lawn Mowers
Jeans
Large appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers)
November
What’s Happening This Month:
It is pretty cool outside, so people are spending more time indoors. Holiday prep is on the minds of many!
Food:
Turkey
Butter
Cheese
Stuffing
Baking Supplies
Pie Crusts
Pie Fillings
Spices
Dinner Rolls
Frozen Pies
Cake Mix/Frosting
Nuts
Dried Fruits
Oatmeal
Candy (Halloween Clearance)
Marshmallows
Soup
Broth
Non-Food:
Costumes (after Halloween Clearance)
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap
Cookware
Disposable Baking Pans
Stereos
TVs
Electronics
Tools
Wedding Dresses
Bikes
Camcorders
GPS Navigators
Appliances, large & small
December
What’s Happening This Month:
Signs of the holidays are everywhere! People are shopping, baking, wrapping, and hopefully enjoying the season!
Food:
Ham
Cheese
Butter
Baking Supplies
Pie Crusts
Pie Filling
Frozen Pies
Nuts
Spices
Refrigerated Cookie Dough
Dinner Rolls
Cake Mix/Frosting
Cookie Mixes
Dried Fruit
Soda Pop
Oatmeal
Non-Food:
Gift Cards
Disposable baking pans
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap
Electronics, large and small
Computers
Cell phones
Carpeting and flooring
Cookware
Tools
Bikes
Toys
Batteries
Motorcycles
Camcorders
Gas Grills
GPS navigators
Home appliances, large and small
TVs
Winter Coat
