If your perfect summer involves getting away from it all, lounging by the water with a book or listening to some favorite tunes, most of your supplies are likely to be on sale in May.
Whether you plan a trip or just a jaunt to the pool, May offers bargains on casual summer clothes, says Daniel Butler, vice president of retail operations for the National Retail Federation.
T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and sandals all get deeper price cuts -- 30 percent to 50 percent off -- in May, he says. The great part for consumers is the timing, Butler says: "Warm weather is in full swing."
Luggage is on sale in May, too. Because travel baggage is a popular gift for new grads, savvy shoppers will find discounts of 30 percent to 50 percent this month, he says.
Personal electronics and accessories are on sale in May, too. Look for laptops, tablets and e-readers for 10 percent off, says Jim Barry, spokesman for the Consumer Electronics Association.
Accessories, such as cases and carriers, will often be discounted 10 percent to 25 percent, he says. "Shop smart, and you could really do well."