Want to pick up a few warm items, get a bargain and still have a decent selection of colors and sizes to choose from?
October is when shoppers will often see "a lot of the first markdowns on winter apparel," Butler says. You often can save "10 (percent) to 20 percent, depending on retailers," he says.
Another potential find comes courtesy of the year's second wedding season. Bridal goods are on sale. "Late September and October are the second-busiest bridal season," Butler says. Many items that end up on bridal registries, such as tableware, stemware, bedding, crystal, silverware and "everything in the china department" often can be found at 25 percent to 40 percent off.
For the same reason, you can also find buys on small home electronics: blenders, coffee makers, waffle irons and the like.
Online retailers are a source of bargains, too. E-commerce sites are doing everything they can to get the consumers' attention before the holiday season begins, Butler says. Look for online specials and coupons and free shipping in advance of holidays.