When to $hop

USA Weekend offers these tips
Before you shop for that big-ticket item, check the calendar for the best time to buy. Selection is best early; prices are better later, says Mandy Walker, senior project editor for Consumer Reports. Here's when to shop for:

Cars. August and September, when dealers are clearing inventory to make room for new-model-year cars.

Gas grills. September through December.

Lawn mowers. October; it's also the best time to buy winter coats.

Camcorders. November; also best for GPS devices and bicycles.

Appliances. December through January. Post-holiday prices are best on appliances both large (refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers) and small (toasters, blenders).

Exercise equipment January; prices drop in time for New Year's “get in shape” resolutions.

Furniture (indoor). February.

TVs. March — also best for DVD and Blu-ray players, MP3 players and digital cameras.
Computers. The end of each financial quarter — April, June, October and January — when sellers need to move inventory.

Athletic shoes and apparel. May.

Tools. June, also the best time to buy electronics.

Furniture (outdoor). July starts end-of-season close-out sales.

http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20100730/MONEY/8010306/For-deals-worth-waiting-for--know-when-to-shop