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The Buffalo News, N.Y., Discount Diva column
Jul 09, 2012 (The Buffalo News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Isn't July the best? You're right in the thick of summer, but not so far into the calendar that you get that dreaded "summer is almost over" feeling.
It's a great month for barbecues and bike rides and blaming the heat for why you're not wearing makeup. It's also a prime time to make certain purchases and to steer clear of others, according to the experts at DealNews.com.
Prices on 46-inch to 47-inch HDTVs are expected to remain at all-time lows throughout the month. If you're in the market, look for brand-name models in the $500 range.
Snag certain models of laptops. Last year's model of the sought-after MacBook Air is expected to drop as low as $740 this month, while you should be able to find an Ivy Bridge-based Windows system for about $600. Prices on desktop computers have remained steady.
Just in time to capture all the fun of your summer vacation, digital cameras are posting historically low price points right now. Prices on older models drop even further as the latest edition rolls out.
The longer you wait, the lower prices on sandals and summer shoes will go, but if you're looking for something to wear now, July is the first month footwear prices really start to dip.
Demand for sunglasses is high in the summer, and so are prices. Last year, DealNews found prices on shades didn't really start to drop until September, with the best deals being found in September, November and December.
Don't get too excited by "Black Friday in July" sales. They tend to deliver much of the same hype you'll find at post-Thanksgiving sales, without any of the actual steals that get people buzzing in the first place. Sure, you'll find some discounts, but nothing like the kinds of doorbusters that people get out of bed at 2 a.m. to wait in the snow for.
You'll see a lot of grills advertised right around now, since July 4th is over. But August tends to have 30 percent more deals than July, with a greater selection of priced-right models to choose from. If you can't wait, you should still be able to find a reasonable deal this month, since DealNews found more deals so far in June and July this year than it noted in the same months during 2011.
Hold off on buying patio furniture. History has shown the best deals come available in September and October. The same goes for other lawn and garden items. Of course, you can always go curbside shopping for a pre-loved metal patio set that just needs a coat of paint.
Look for deals on TVs, laptops and cameras, but wait to buy grills, sunglasses and sandals.
schristmann@buffnews.com
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