Best things to buy in July

Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for July in Seattle-Tacoma area stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your spending to take advantage of the times of the year when what you buy is at the lowest possible price.

Special events with shopping discounts and deals include Independence Day on July 4th. For more events and things to do, see our July events and entertainment – Greater Seattle on the Cheap

Flip-flops are the ultimate summer shoe. Image: Depositphotos_70136185

Discounted seasonal items to buy in July

Sales for summer clothing & gear

Even though summer is just getting started, you can find deals on summer clothing, swimwear, and footwear (sandals and flip-flops) as stores begin to clear the way for back-to-school merchandise in August. Especially for the Fourth of July holiday, you’ll find discount on summer apparel. If shopping appeals to you, then head to the malls and outlet stores. However, there will be steeper discounts on summer clothing in August and September, but also less selection. So, if you want a summer outfit for an upcoming outdoor event, shop now. If you are strictly after the cheapest prices you can find—perhaps on clothing a size or two up for the kiddos—wait a month or two.

Recreational equipment and apparel related to summer recreation, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping will be discounted as retailers begin to clear out summer stocks to make way for…dare we say it…winter gear. <shudder>

Closeouts on Fourth of July merchandise

Red, white, and blue are the colors of the month, and you’ll find them on everything from clothing to party accessories. Wait until July 3^rd to start seeing discounted items, and of course early on July 5^th if you want the best possible prices. Red and white items can be used for other holidays, including Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Discount on Outdoor furniture

You’ll start to see discounts on outdoor furniture, though the advice is the same as other seasonal purchases. Small discounts now with great selection, or steeper discount later with less selection.

Do it yourself and home renovation tools – DepositPhotos.com

New products to buy in July

Indoor furniture

Furniture shopping in summer is something you might reserve for a cloudy day, when you won’t miss being outside. There are some deals to be had in mid-summer on a variety of furniture for your home, including sofas, tables, chairs, and bedroom sets.

Tools

Retailers may have an excess of tools left over from Father’s Day gift buying. So, if you’re in need of anything from pliers to pressure washers, you’ll want to check for sales on any kind of tool you might need.

July travel

Most holidays you can score low prices on airfare and hotels—although travel in 2022 is seeing a general rise in prices. The trick is to be flexible in your travel dates and your destination. In addition to holiday airfare for travel on July 4^th, mid-week tickets (especially Tuesday and Wednesday) are often discounted compared to other dates. Hotels in unlikely places also offer discounts; for mid-summer (this means hot locations). The southeast is one possibility (especially Mississippi, Florida, or South Carolina). In the West, try New Mexico, Arizona, or perhaps a road trip to the Grand Canyon. Closer to home try Mt. Hood in Oregon or sunny Spokane in eastern Washington. For good getaways on a budget in our own backyard check our list of Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State.

Seasonal produce

July-September is peak season for a lot of Washington grown produce. For the best prices, you may want to pick your own crops. Here’s a list of Month-by-month u-pick crops around Puget Sound. Or, find a farmers market in the Puget Sound region. In July, especially look for the following fruits and vegetables:

Fresh fruit at peak season in July include apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, plums, and raspberries.
Most vegetables and herbs are peaking in July, although locally grown asparagus is done for the season.
Wait until August for hot weather vegetables including corn, eggplants, peppers, tomatillos, and tomatoes.
Winter squash and sweet potatoes are not in season until September-October.

2022/2023 Season Tickets

Think ahead for entertainment in fall and beyond into the new year. Season tickets are a great way to save money on a night out and a great entertainment option, even for those on a budget. You often have a choice of the numbers of productions you see, as well as substantial savings over single ticket purchases, lower ticket fees, ticket exchanges, and other benefits.

Below, we list several performing arts venues around the Puget Sound region. We include the lowest full price adult ticket. Higher priced premium seats are often available, as well as discount for students, seniors, or military, etc. Most theater and performing arts seasons run fall through spring. So, summertime is a good time to think about purchasing entertainment for the coming year. And don’t forget about volunteering—if you can commit some time, you might get your entertainment for free as well as get a behind the scenes view and make new like-minded friends.

ACT (innovative, challenging, entertaining and relevant work). See four plays beginning at $136.
ArtsWest (provocative theater as a powerful agent of change. See six plays beginning at $228 for the season.
Edmonds Driftwood Players (mystery, drama, comedy, musicals). See four mainstage plays at $98 for the season.
Meany Center at UW Seattle (music and other performing arts). Choose your own package of four or more performances from a variety of programs and prices.
Pacific Northwest Ballet (classics, new, and innovative productions). See six ballets beginning at $120 for the season.
Seattle Opera (classics, new, and innovative productions). See five operas beginning at $285 for the season. Three and four opera packages are also available. Opera goers ages 21–39 are invited to join the BRAVO! young professionals’ group with lower pricing (up to 50% discount).
Seattle Repertory Theatre (diverse perspectives, classic and new works). See eight plays beginning at $203 for the season. See five “second stage” plays beginning at $95.
Seattle Symphony (various series, classics to pop). Many choices in music styles and number of concerts, including classic, pop, family concerts, and holiday specials.
The 5^th Avenue Theatre (musicals). See six plays beginning around $260 for the season.
Village Theater in Issaquah and Evertt (classics, new, and innovative productions). See five plays beginning at $160 (Issaquah only) and $225 (both venues).