In March, we await the arrival of spring and hope that winter will just move on already. In addition to welcoming (we hope) pleasant temperatures, we welcome a new crop of smart seasonal buys.
While March doesn’t have the big blowout sales like February’s Presidents Day or November’s Black Friday, it’s right at the intersection of spring break, summer travel planning and Easter prep (Easter falls on March 31 in 2024).
The biggest dates to save, though are March 4 through March 10, which is when RetailMeNot will be throwing its second annual Spring Savecation event, with travel discounts, savings on everything you need to pack and limited-time cash back offers.
To help you take full advantage of the best spring savings, we used our internal discount data to calculate average discounts March shoppers can expect in popular categories – and zero in on the Top 5 categories to shop this month.
The 5 Smartest Things to Buy in March
Whatever you need to (or want to) buy in March, there are plenty of sales to shop and smart buys to make.
1. Tax Software (Average Discount: 28% Off)
While more than half of Americans file in February, plenty likely still need to file — especially those who need extra time due to complicated tax returns. And the top tax software companies will continue duking it out over their business. In addition to promo codes for straight-up discounts, check for other valuable savings like free expert help from tax pros.
Most tax-filing services allow you to import tax returns you filed with a competitor last year. So you can truly pick the best deal, rather than remain blindly loyal. Here are some of the best deals for March tax filers:
- RetailMeNot has an exclusive discount with H&R Block this year — 30% off DIY tax-filing products. Plus, get $15 cash back.
- Get 10% off TurboTax products.
- Get 25% off federal filings from TaxSlayer (this deal ends March 28). Plus, get 10% cash back through April 30.
- Get 1% cash back when you file with TaxAct.
2. Outdoor Gear (Average Discount: 22% Off)
As winter wanes, the outdoors start to seem more appealing to those in cold climates. Those who flocked to gyms in the new year might be finding the indoors a little stuffy. And retailers are ready to welcome them into the outdoors with everything from running shoes, to kayaks, to sporting equipment, to transitional athletic clothing. Check out Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors and Cabela’s the moment you flip the calendar to March.
Plus, don’t forget to shop ski apparel and equipment deals, plus winter outdoor clothing on clearance!
Here’s what’s going on in March, when it comes to deals on outdoor clothing:
- REI is offering up to 50% off winter clearance items until March 11.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering 30% off outdoor sports apparel the entire month.
- Get 1% cash back at L.L.Bean.
3. Travel: Hotels & Resorts (Average Discount: 21% Off)
According to our survey, most Americans (64%) will travel in March or April this year. And summer vacation is just around the corner, too.
Luckily, RetailMeNot is throwing its second annual Spring Savecation event March 4-10, which will offer extra savings and cash back on all things travel, from tours to stuff you need to pack! Top retailers such as Expedia, IHG, Viator, Booking.com, Macy’s, and adidas are already confirmed to participate with special offers during the event.
March in general is a great time to save on hotels and resorts (if you haven’t booked yet), as properties will be offering deals to fill inventory that hasn’t been sold yet. While hot spring break beach and skiing destinations may already be booked up, you can find a treasure trove of deals in cities and other destinations that aren’t getting swarmed.
Top deals for March include:
- Booking.com: Get $15 off your first 2024 trip if you book before April 1. And stack that with our 10% cash back offer.
- Travelocity: Get 7% cash back when you book by March 31.
- Priceline: Get 4% cash back through March 31.
- Viator: Get special last-minute deals on Spring Break 2024 trips, as well as 6% cash back through March 31.
4. Kids Apparel (Average Discount: 18% Off)
While adults might be able to wear last year’s clothing another year (or more), kids grow! So a new season means the need to go shopping if you don’t have a hand-me-down connection. Retailers compete by cutting parents a break, offering deals on clothing for toddlers and children. Plus, Easter is just around the corner, so you’ll likely see some enticing offers on little Easter dresses, Easter suits and Easter outfits.
Timing is everything, though: For the biggest discounts on kids’ formalwear and spring clothing, shop toward the end of the month for last-minute Easter sales and the first blossoms of spring clearance sales as retailers get ready to stock summer fashion in April (yes, already).
For example, heading into March, we are seeing:
- 70% off clearance at Carter’s for all of March.
- 20% off at Janie and Jack until Mach 21.
Throughout March, check out Target, Carter’s, Macy’s and Kohl’s for deals on clothes that your kid will likely get grass stains on.
5. Home & Garden (Average Discount: 17% Off)
Home goods are seasonal, just like clothing is. In March, you’ll see some clearance deals on colder-weather stuff (think outdoor heaters) and the emergence of sales geared at warm-weather prep — think patio furniture, outdoor rugs and more. It’s true that outdoor furniture and patio deals will get even better at the end of summer. However, if you need to spruce up your outdoor spaces for this season expect an average discount of 17% in March.
You’ll find some of the best deals at Wayfair, Home Depot and Lowe’s. Plus, if you’re a member, be sure to check out deals on patio sets from Sam’s Club and Costco.
The post Save the Dates: What to Buy in March appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.