Now that April — and spring — is in full swing, warmer days are anticipated to be ahead, which means discounts on seasonal apparel and outdoor essentials can be expected, according to the retail experts we spoke to. This is good timing for shoppers, many of whom are likely gearing up for outdoor excursions, cookouts, picnics — anything to make the most of the nice weather.
Matt Pavich, senior director of retail innovation at AI pricing solutions company Revionics, said that this will likely be the first April since 2019 where Covid will not be playing a “detrimental role” in shopper activities. During the first year or so of the pandemic, consumer spending shifted away from experiences towards goods, as Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights at the National Retail Federation, previously told us, and Pavich said the spending will now shift again. Though Covid cases have recently started to rise again in many states, TSA checkpoint travel numbers show that significantly more people are traveling now compared to 2021.
SKIP AHEAD What to buy | What to skip
“With the warmer weather approaching and fewer Covid restrictions/risks, there will be additional people going to ballparks or planning vacations or visiting family,” Pavich said. “On the flip side for retailers, this also means more people going to restaurants, bars and hotels, which could shift some consumption back to those channels and away from retailers.”
Even still, Pavich said that shoppers “have more power now than they’ve ever had” to find the right products at the right price. Shoppers have numerous ways of sourcing the goods they want, and retailers that have been facing challenges may want to be consumer-friendly in their approach to attracting business.
For those looking for discounts this month, we consulted retail experts on what sales and deals you may want to consider, as well as what you may want to hold off on buying. We also asked the pros what’s in store for the retail industry throughout 2022.
April sales to consider
We chose the sales below because we think you’ll find them interesting — they typically include multiple deals and, of course, not every product in a sale is going to be the best deal around.
- ASOS: Up to 70 percent off select styles during their Midseason Sale
- Rugs USA: Up to 75 percent off Rugs USA branded items while sale lasts
- Overstock: Up to 70 percent off during the Spring Black Friday sale
- Aerie: Up to 60 percent off clearance items and at least 25 percent off apparel, bralettes and more while sale lasts
- Old Navy: Up to 60 percent off sitewide
- Sur La Table: Up to 50 percent off select items during the Cookware Event through April 18
- Lowe’s: Up to 45 percent off select lighting and ceiling fans, 40 percent off select patio furniture, and daily deals on appliances and more
- Bloomingdale’s: Up to 30 percent off select styles with code SAVEMORE through April 17
- BioBidet: 25 percent off top-selling products through April 24
- Target: 25 percent off furniture and home decor through April 30
- 1-800 Flowers: 25 percent off Mother’s Day flowers and gifts on orders for delivery between May 2-8 with code 25MDAY through April 20
- Bed Bath & Beyond: 20 percent off select cookware and kitchen appliances during the Beyond Cooking Event through April 18
- Plants.com: 20 percent off office plants with code OFFICE20 through April 24
- W&P Designs: 20 percent off sitewide through April 24
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April deals to consider
Based on our previous coverage, we rounded up the best ongoing deals on highly rated products Select readers have shown interest in — we also note the value of each discount against historical pricing.
Girlfriend Collective Everyone Half-Zip Fleece
Girlfriend Collective — a Select reader favorite brand for its sweat shorts, skorts and more — launched this gender neutral fleece design in August. The half-zip is partially made with recycled plastic bottles, according to Girlfriend Collective, and when you’re done wearing it, you can send it back to the brand and they will recycle it into future clothes. We recommended it to readers at full price, but it can currently be nabbed at 30 percent off.
BioBidet BB-600 Ultimate Bidet Seat
This top-rated bidet from BioBidet is among several top-selling bidets on sale in honor of Earth Day from the brand. Experts say that bidets are better for your body and for the environment, as they can help reduce your toilet paper use. The BB-600 Ultimate Bidet Seat’s features include a heated seat, adjustable water pressure, adjustable nozzle position, side panel controls and a warm air dryer, according to the brand. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 3,600 reviews on Amazon. It’s available at its lowest price in six months, according to CamelCamelCamel.
W&P Porter Insulated Tumbler
This recently released product is on sale for the first time ever during the W&P sitewide sale through April 24. W&P — a Select reader favorite brand for its travel mugs and reusable silicone bags — recently launched the Porter Insulated Collection, which includes this new tumbler as well as a new Porter Insulated Glass. The stainless steel insulated tumbler can keep beverages hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. It can hold up to 20 ounces and can be personalized for an additional $10.
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What to buy this month
In April, shoppers often look to clean and upgrade their homes, and according to Vipin Porwal, founder and CEO of cashback browser extension Smarty, there should be sales to help. Shoppers can expect to find deep discounts on area rugs, window treatments, bedding and other home decor. Porwal also said that major retailers will offer discounts on cleaning supplies and tools, from vacuum cleaners to plastic storage containers and more.
Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor at The NPD Group, noted that in addition to home items, April will be a good month to find discounts on apparel that is in excess as a result of shipping delays as well as seasonal changes.
Porwal also believes that shoppers can expect to see some discounts and savings on hiking, camping and fishing gear as people begin to resume warmer outdoor activities. Historically, April is a good month to find deals on gardening equipment as well.
Around Earth Day, shoppers may find discounts and coupons on green home cleaning products, natural health & beauty products, reusable storage bags and other eco-friendly products.
What to skip this month
Shoppers should wait until Memorial Day or Fourth of July sales to find savings on home appliances and mattresses. For those looking to invest in a new TV or computer, Porwal said that prices will be more competitive around Fourth of July, Prime Day and back-to-school sales.
Additionally, Porwal noted that with a return to the office for many, shoppers will not see the same discounts on computers and home office equipment that have been available for the last two years.
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