What to Buy (and Skip) in June
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You’ll probably be buying gifts for the dads, grads and newlyweds in your life this month. After all that shopping, get a deal on something for yourself, because June will be packed with savings.
From scooping up swimwear to saving money on movie tickets, here’s what you should buy — and a few things you should hold off on — in June.
Buy: Movie tickets
If you’re looking to go to the movies for less, June is a perfect time. Each summer, movie theaters offer programs that let kids beat the heat and see children’s movies at discounted prices.
Check with your local theater to see if it will offer such a program. We’ve already spotted the Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse, where participating locations will sell a $5 punchcard pass for 10 movies while supplies last, or charge $1 per person, per movie at the box office.
Skip: Grills
Summer officially starts in June, which means almost everyone has grilling on their mind. This higher demand means higher prices. If you can get by without hosting a barbecue in June, wait for prices to cool off later in the summer. As with most other timely purchases, the further into the season you go, the more you’ll save.
Buy: Swimwear and lingerie
Add swimwear and lingerie to your “to buy” list. Why? In January and June, Victoria’s Secret hosts an insanely popular semiannual sale, and other retailers follow suit. This is the time to save big on bras, panties, swimsuits and the like.
Last June, Victoria’s Secret customers snapped up savings of up to 50% off more than a thousand styles. In 2016, discounts included: Up to 50% off lingerie, up to 40% off loungewear, a $19.99 or less bra clearance and a $4.99 or less panty clearance.
Victoria’s Secret phased out its swimwear collection, but its Pink brand still sells swim styles.
Skip: Brand-name clothing
If you’re a fan of designer clothes, shoes and purses, you’ll want to wait another month before overhauling your wardrobe.
Designer clothing sales will be great in July, in large part due to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. During this high-end department store’s once-a-year sale, shoppers can save hundreds of dollars on top brands. In the past, the store has discounted items from labels such as Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs. This year’s sale begins July 20.
Shop: Semiannual sales
Victoria’s Secret isn’t the only store with a semiannual sale. Since June is the halfway point of the year, many retailers celebrate with the second installment of their twice-yearly sales (the others happen in January).
Keep an eye out for these throughout the month. In past years, we’ve seen stores like Bath & Body Works and Brooks Brothers hold semiannual sales in June.
Bonus: Father’s Day sales
Father’s Day is June 17, and if you need just the right present to show Dad how much you appreciate him, retailers will be there to help you out.
In the past, we’ve spotted Father’s Day deals at places such as Sears, Harbor Freight Tools and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Many of these Dad-oriented sales will happen in the days leading up to the holiday, so in this case, it can pay to procrastinate.
Bonus: Freebies
Father’s Day and the first day of summer are always June highlights, but there are some lesser-known occasions during the month as well. Mark your calendar for the following days, which could offer discounts or freebies: National Doughnut Day on June 1 and National Sunglasses Day on June 27.
