Looking toward spring and thinking of sprucing up a patio or outdoor space? You probably won't find any bargains in February.
Grills and patio furniture are just beginning to hit the stores in February, says Sharon Banfield, public relations director for PriceGrabber.com. "So you're going to pay full price if you buy right now."
Unless you live in warm-weather climes and can use those purchases now, you're better off waiting until the temperatures rise and the prices drop, she says.
Expect better deals: For patio furniture, grills and accessories, you probably won't see sales until Memorial Day, Banfield says. Then you'll see price cuts of 25 percent to 30 percent.
What is on sale in February: Skiing and snowboarding equipment are on sale.
"There are only a few more months in ski season, so you're going to see a lot of sales in ski shops," Banfield says. You can save at least 40 percent.
You might find deals in secondhand sports equipment, says Daniel Butler, vice president of retail operations for the National Retail Federation. People are selling equipment they got for Christmas or the new year. So selection is good, and savings can be significant, he says.