What Goes on Sale and What to Buy on Clearance in October

October shopping doesn’t have to be full of scary high prices as long as you shop in season and according to the October sales schedule as much as possible.  Of course fruit and vegetables are cheaper and tastier when you buy them according to their national growing season -  which is a blessing for those of us who can’t garden or buy locally grown in the fall and winter months.

Seasonal sales and shopping can save money on other items besides fresh food. October has many industry awareness days, weeks, and months that usually lead to sales on things as diverse as pet adoption fees (my personal favorite) to pasta.

October is also the last big cycle of staple food and grocery items which will not typically go on sale during the November and December holiday season. If you have a need and the room to store it (sadly I don’t) October is the time to buy a few extra to get you through to the January sale cycle.

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For extra savings, pair the sale with a coupon from my printable online coupon database (affiliate link) because money saving coupons often follow national sales cycles too!


October has several industry awareness months and days that usually lead to sales and savings on the following household  items. (The good and grocery industry sale days appear later in this post because there are a ton of these in October!)

They are:

Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month - Look for sales on dog food, treats, toys, products, pet adoption and spay and neuter specials.


National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Look for sales and promotions for free breast cancer screening and self check tools. If you choose, there will be specials on participating charity products.

Columbus Day Sales – appliances, small kitchen electronics.

Halloween –The best prices on candy, decorations, costumes, etc. will be the day after Halloween although there may not be much of a selection. You’ll have to play this one by ear.

Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Look for sales on alarm clocks, flashlights,  batteries, safety equipment, smoke detectors, and car care products.

National Cruise Vacation Week (Oct. 21 to 27) – Look for sales on cruises.

Sweetest Day (third Saturday of October) – Look for sales on chocolate, flowers, perfume, restaurant deals, etc. The best deals will be after Sweetest Day but do it to celebrate later at your own risk!
 
 

October Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Vegetables on Sale

October Seasonal Fruit

 

Grapes
Pears
Apples
Cranberries
Kiwis
Lemons
Oranges
Almonds
Chestnuts
Pomegranates
Pumpkins
 

October Seasonal Vegetables

 
Winter squash
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Yams
Turnips
Parsnips
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbages
Artichokes
Carrots
Celery
Argali
Chard
Spinach
 
 
 

October Seasonal Grocery Sale Cycle

 

October has several food industry awareness months and days that usually lead to sales and savings. You may not want to take advance of some of them (no thank you Greasy Food Day) but you might want to consider stocking up to get your through the December grocery sales lull (hi,  National Healthy, Affordable, Sustainable Food Day I’m talking to you.)

They are:


Halloween - Candy, fresh pumpkin, and pumpkin spice flavored everything.

National Apple Month – Look for sales on apples, apple food products, cider, etc.

National Chili Month – Look for sales on chili, chili ingredients, bowls, crackers, cheese,etc.

National Cookie Month – Look for sales on cookies, and cookie baking tools and ingredients. Start stocking up now so you won’t have to pay the higher holiday prices in November and December.

National Dessert Month – Look for sales on prepared and frozen desserts, mixes, and ingredients.

National Greasy Foods Day (October 25th) – Look for sales on fast food restaurants may be running specials or freebies.

National Healthy, Affordable, Sustainable Food Day (October 24^{th) -} ,Look for sales on healthy, affordable, sustainable food, groceries, and eco-friendly products.

National Pasta Month – Look for sales on pasta, sauces, and restaurant specials.

National Pizza Month – Look for sales on frozen pizzas, pizza ingredients, and pizza restaurant specials.

Popcorn-Popping Month – Look for sales on popcorn and related products such as popcorn poppers, etc.

National Pretzel Month – Look for sales on pretzels!

National Sausage Month – Look for sales on sausage, bratwurst, knockwurst, kielbasa, etc.

National Seafood Month – Look for sales on fish and seafood not only at the grocery store but restaurants as well.

National School Lunch Week: (October 4-10) – Look for sales on  healthy snacks and packaged lunch items for kids.

Thanksgiving (end of October) – Look for sales on turkey, canned pumpkin, cranberries, sweet potatoes, etc..

Other grocery and food items that go on sale in October are:

Baking ingredients - Look for sales and of discounts on canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, baking chips and pie crusts, chocolate chips

Nuts and dried fruit – for holiday baking

Spices 

Oils

Broths

Coffee
 
Tea
 
Hot chocolate
 
Apple cider

Household, Home, and Garden Seasonal Sale Items to Buy in October

Appliances – Stores put last year’s models on sale to make room for the new models arriving in October.

Cars – Dealerships are selling last year’s models at better prices to make room for the new model cars that came in during the summer.

Jeans and Denim - Typically they are leftover from back to school season but it never hurts to buy a pair or three once the weather a little cooler if you need them. 

Patio Furniture and the last of summer clearance - Stores are trying to get rid of the last of summer merchandise. The selection or availability may not be what it was during the height of summer but neither are the prices. I’ve had better luck with this one shopping on line than in a brick and mortar store. As always, your mileage may vary.

Gas Grills – Stores are trying to get rid of the last of summer merchandise. The selection or availability may not be what it was during the height of summer but neither are the prices.

Air Conditioners – Stores are trying to get rid of the last of summer merchandise. The selection or availability may not be what it was during the height of summer but neither are the prices. 

Plants -  Depending upon your growing season or if you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse you might be able to take advantage of the end of season plant sales.

Summer Sporting Goods -  tennis rackets, bikes, and  golf clubs especially. The new tennis racket models come out in October so you can save on last year’s models in particular. 

Gardening and outdoor tools – Look for serious out of season discounts as gardening centers clear the last of the summer merchandise to make room for Halloween pumpkins and Christmas trees. 
 
Camping equipment – Stores are clearing the last of their summer stock. If you are looking for an replacement or upgrade, October is the time to buy.  Sleeping bags, etc. make great holiday gifts! Buy them now and save them for December.
 
Toys & Games – It seems like the December holiday sales start earlier and earlier every year as of this writing, many toy stores are either starting their holiday sales or putting merchandise on sale to make room for the new holiday toys. Either way, it is a good time to keep your eyes open and start your holiday shopping a little early if you can. 
 
Travel Deals – October is shoulder season because most families are not traveling because their children are in school. European travel can be up to 50% off if you go in October! There will also be travel deals for cruises because of Cruise Week, resorts, and resort travel.

Wedding Supplies – October is considered Second Wedding Season (the first is June.) Not as many people get married in the fall and winter which may make negotiating venue rentals, fees, and supplies easier or at a discount.

Cookware, kitchen accessories, and small appliances -  Typically these things go on sale during the unofficial Second Wedding Season.

Digital Cameras – The best deals are usually around the beginning of the year but the older models will go on sale in October after the tech companies announce their soon to be released new products.

Snow removal gear – snow shovels, snow blowers, ice scrapers, de-icer, etc. Most likely this is last winter’s stock but if you know you are going to need it eventually (raises hand) why not buy it now for less? 

Halloween costumes and decorations – the best prices will be after Halloween or the week of but availability could be an issue if you or yours have your heart set on being a particular character for your Halloween party.

Fine jewelry - Jewelers will be holding sales and specials during the October jewelry buying lull so now is the time to buy those November and December holiday gifts! By the way, if my husband is reading this post, I am perfectly fine with you buying me a gift of jewelry and holding onto it until my birthday or Christmas, FYI.

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