The best time to buy anything this year

Lifehacker has released their recommendations as to when to shop for various items, based on commercial activity at various times of the year. I must admit, I'd never known there were so many factors to take into account! Here, for example, are their recommendations for what to shop for in January (see the article itself for links embedded in their text).

• Bicycles & Sporting Goods: The dead of winter isn't when most people are buying their summer gear, so you're likely to get some good deals. Again, this could vary if you're in a warmer climate.
• Broadway Tickets: Broadway's slower months are in the winter and fall, so January's a great time to seek out some discounts. You probably won't find them for the more popular shows, but if you're looking to branch out, this is the time to do it.
• Calendars: Paper calendars make a great stocking stuffer, so if you aren't too picky about what you get, grab them after the holidays for some bargain bin deals.
• Carpeting & Flooring: According to Carpet SuperSite, most people buy carpets at the end of the year in preparation for the holidays. Once January rolls around, prices will go down.
• Digital Cameras: After the big trade shows like CES come around in mid-January, you'll see that older model cameras drop in price to prepare for the newly-announced ones.
• Furniture: Most furniture companies release new products twice a year: in February and August. That means they'll be giving some sweet deals in January to make room for the new products next month.
• Gift Cards: You wouldn't think there would be a best time to buy gift cards, but you'd be wrong. Just after the holidays, you're bound to find better deals on gift card exchange sites like Plastic Jungle, where everyone's trading in their unwanted cards for cash.
• HDTVs & Home Theater Gear: These stay on sale pretty much right up until the super bowl, so even if you aren't a football fan, you can take advantage of the sales brought on by extra competition.
• Digital Frames: Because this is one of those things everybody seems to give for Christmas.
• Linens and Bedding: Ever since John Wannamaker started the first "white sale" in 1878, January has been the best month to get bedding and other linens. Of course, just as with clothing, keep an eye out all year round, since retailers will put last season's stuff on sale when new products come out.
• Motorcycles: It's really cold outside. Not to mention icy. It doesn't make for great cycling weather, but if you've been mulling over a motorcycle purchase, get it in January and then wait to ride it when the snow melts.
• Office Furniture: Business is best for office furniture retailers in January, likely due to new offices buying up stock for the new year. Grab your new ergonomic office chair now, or in April after tax day.
• Video Games: Most new video games come out in late fall for the holiday season, and they'll go on sale after the holidays are over. Check out Steam and other gaming retailers for discounted prices.
  

There's much more at the link. Interesting and potentially very useful reading.

Peter