From Ham to Vacuums, the Best Deals for Spring Shoppers

AH, SPRING: When a shopper's mind turns to flip-flops, skimpy summer dresses and pastel jackets.

Big mistake — at least for those who are looking for a bargain.

Good deals do abound during the spring months. Those who still have the fortitude to seek out warm sweaters, space heaters and other cold-weather merchandise will find them at clearance prices. But not all seasonal deals are so obvious. Here's our guide of what's best to buy between March and June, on the cheap:

All-Weather Clothing

In May, look for wardrobe staples like black suits and heavy trench coats at clearance prices, says Kathryn Finney, author of "How to Be a Budget Fashionista." "With the weather getting warmer, most people just aren't looking for these items," she says. But a well-made suit or lined trench can be worn through three of the four seasons in many parts of the country.

Boats

March marks the end of the winter boat shows and the beginning of the boating season. "People start thinking about getting out on the water," says Thomas Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a trade group. You'll find sales on the unsold new models at shows, plus plenty of previously owned boats on the market (as their owners ogle new boats at the shows, or decide the summer slip fee just isn't worth it anymore).

Children's Formalwear

Stores pull out the formal attire for babies and toddlers just twice a year — at Easter and Christmas, says Alan Fields, co-author of "Baby Bargains." If you have a wedding or other fancy event to attend with baby before November, now's your best chance of picking up a suit or dress for a fraction of the regular retail price.

Condiments

How many bottles of ketchup do you really need? Manufacturers know you'll probably pick up one to get you through the summer picnic and barbecue season — and they want it to be their brand, says Teri Gault, founder of The Grocery Game, a site that helps consumers maximize savings by pairing in-store sales and manufacturer's coupons. Look for pre-Memorial Day sales of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pickles and other picnic must-haves. By planning ahead, you can stock up without paying more than half price.

Designer "Resort" Clothing

With so-called "resort collections," high-end labels have essentially created a fifth season, says Finney. These collections debut in January, when wealthy consumers are heading off to tropical locations. By late March, what's left is on sale — just in time for warming temperatures at home. "It's perfect for those of us who don't have a second home in Saint Tropez," she quips.

Ham and Pork Products

Smart shoppers know to pick up an extra turkey at Thanksgiving, when the tasty birds are at their cheapest per-pound price. At Easter, the equivalent best buy is ham, says Gault. "But they're slaughtering an awful lot of pigs to get those hams," she notes. So look for sales on other pork products, including chops and bacon, as butchers aim to sell off the rest of the pig.

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