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 September in Seattle stores.
Ski Bonkers Sale on winter gear
The annual SkiBonkers sale every Labor Day Weekend in downtown Bellevue is a great pre-winter sale of new skis, snowboards, and winter sport accessories. They’re located at the corner of Bellevue Way and Main Street (2 blocks south of Bellevue Square). It’s the longest running annual ski and snowboard sale in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some highlights of this year’s sale:
- Exclusive deals from Canadian and U.S. ski resorts, including Big White, Silver Star, and Sun Peaks (Canada) and Schweitzer and Snoqualmie Summit (I.S.).
- An opportunity to meet local ski schools Ski Masters and Mini Mountain, as well as a few local clubs, including Sisters in Action Sports, S’No Jokers, and Ski Buddies.
- Get trade-in credit for gently used gear during the sale only. Check their website or Facebook for details on trade-in credits that can be used at the SkiBonkers sale.
- Expect to see discounts up to 70% off equipment, apparel, and accessories for all ages and levels of skiers and snowboarders. Yes, you read that right, up to 70% off.
In addition to the SkiBonkers sale in downtown Bellevue, Sturtevant’s annual Summer Progressive sale also takes place Labor Day weekend at two locations:
- Sturtevant’s, 13131 NE 20th Street, Bellevue, WA.
- Ski Mart, 2220 South 37th Street, Tacoma, WA.
More info:
Labor Day Sales
At Labor Day sales Friday through Monday, expect to find steep discounts on anything summer related from apparel and shoes to sunglasses and summer recreational gear, and home goods for garden and patio. The real trick to saving on end of season goods is not to buy because it’s a good deal or because you want the item. Rather, keep a running list of items you need and will buy when the right deal comes along.
If you covet something not on your list, think carefully about why it’s not on your list and whether it’s a want or a need. Not buying frivolous items on sale saves more money than any deeply discounted purchase you don’t really need. In addition to summer gear, you’ll also find Labor Day discounts and deals on a variety of other clothing and shoes for men, women, kids, and tiny tots.
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Don’t forget to check for coupons online as well as in newspapers and neighborhood circulars. There are also regional consignment sales throughout September and October. Find more:
Consignment sales of children’s & maternity at Just Between Friends
Outdoor gear: grills, camping gear, lawn mowers, bicycles, and outdoor furniture
After Labor Day sales are done, the rest of September you will find the last holdouts on all kinds of outdoor items and summer-related goods such as barbecues, garden and camping gear, bicycles and accessories, patio furniture, and more.
The pickings get slim after Labor Day sales have ravaged the seasonal stock. But you can find screaming deals on outgoing goods. So, check out your current gear and think ahead to what you might need to replace for next year.
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Home goods: Mattresses, Furniture, Appliances, and Wedding gift items
Several types of home goods are also good buys, especially at Labor Day sales, including mattresses, indoor furniture, and home appliances. In addition, leftover stock from items typically found on wedding registries are also a good buy. Think china or dishware, housewares and décor items, and small appliances.
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Laptop computers
The four best months to buy computers are August, September, November, and December. Which month is best depends on your goals: price or features.
In August and September, the best deals are on the outgoing models. You don’t get the latest and greatest features, but you will find outgoing models more than adequate for most students and anyone with average computing and internet surfing tasks. Which is most of us.
Another option for the truly frugal is InterConnection. The non-profit organization refurbishes and sells low-cost computers, with FREE shipping to continental U.S. addresses:
- Anyone can visit the retail store or shop in the interconnection.org online retail store. The retail store is located in Seattle, WA. You’ll find refurbished laptops, desktop computers, and peripherals (mice, keyboards, monitors, etc.). Prices vary, but at last check began around $300. A refurbished computer is generally 30 percent less than a comparable new one. Plus, a refurbished computer helps the environment by reusing electronics and keeping them out of the landfill.
- If you qualify as an individual with low income or you are a U.S. non-profit organization, computers are as low as $109, come with a 12-month warranty, and include Microsoft Office pre-installed. Plus, you can get high-speed wireless Internet access for $140 a year. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. For more information or to register, visit: http://connectall.org/.
But, if you are into gaming or programming, then you usually want the latest, greatest computer with the highest speed, maximum storage capability, and latest cutting-edge features. If you can wait just a bit, prices will drop for November Black Friday or December Christmas gift shopping deals.
Finally, if you are getting rid of an old computer, consider donating your used computer to InterConnection. They accept all computers for free, regardless of whether or not it is in working condition. And, your donation is tax-deductible. If you live in the Seattle area, there are drop-off location throughout the Puget Sound region. Find out more about how to donate or recycle your old computer and other electronics here: http://interconnection.org/donate-personal.php?id=dropOff
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Back-to-school supplies
It’s a very good idea not to buy all the back-to-school supplies for the year in August. Rather, buy the minimal needs to get the kiddos started, and then buy again when prices drop. Such as right after school starts. Like…now.
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New & used car shopping
Now through December is one of the best times of the year to get a deal on a brand new car, though it’s not necessarily the lowest price.
If the latest new model is your goal, then fall is the best time to buy. Prices are lowest at the end of the month and the end of the year (October-December). So, start shopping in September, but hold off on your purchase for a month or so.
If the lowest price new car (regardless of model) is your goal, then late summer you’ll find discount prices on outgoing models, and September with the lowest prices.
If a good used car is your goal, the best time to buy tends to be later summer to late fall, when buyers of new cars will want to trade in or sell their older car.
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Holiday airfare and travel luggage
September is the time to peruse tickets for flights over the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. After September, prices start to increase every month. The highest airfares are always those within 30 days of your trip.
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Wine and coffee
Grapes are harvested in fall to make wine. Which means existing inventory needs to be moved to make room for new stock. This makes September a good time to shop for wine. Think ahead and stock up on a case or more for the holidays, whether for parties or gift giving. Buying by the case saves you an additional 10%-15% over buying individual bottles. As long as you can store it in a cool location (55°F-65°F), it keeps months, if not years.
National Coffee Day occurs every September 29 and International Coffee Day is every October 1. Keep in mind that ground or whole bean coffee lasts only 6 months in your pantry (less if the temperature fluctuates above 70°F) or up to two years in a freezer. Coffee goes “bad” by losing flavor and aroma, so if you aren’t particular, then you may not notice the effects of longer storage. But there’s no reason to buy more than a year’s worth of anything—it just ties up money you might want to spend on something else.
By-the-way, the freezer in your refrigerator (32°F) is not nearly as cold as a standalone “deep” freezer (-10°F to +0°F), so storage life in the former considerably shorter (6 months to 1 year).
If you prefer instant coffee, it lasts a long, long time. So stock up once a year and be done with it.
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Seasonal produce
Washington grown produce in season includes:
Fresh fruit at peak season in September include grapes, melons, plums, and the season’s first apples and pears.
In September, you’ll see the last of corn, eggplants, peppers, tomatillos, and tomatoes. So buy early in the month because if the weather turns, these crops can disappear suddenly.
Vegetables and herbs at their peak in September include greens of all kinds, rabe (flowering green vegetables, often broccoli), cabbages, cucumbers, artichokes, broccoli, green beans, carrots, turnips, onions, and all kinds of green herbs.
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Season Tickets
Many Seattle live performance seasons run fall through spring, making September a good time to plan some entertainment options for the next year. Season tickets are a possibility, even for those on a budget.
Season tickets are a great way to save money on a night out. You often have a choice in the numbers of performances you see, as well as substantial savings over single ticket purchase, lower (or no) ticket fees, plus the ability to exchange tickets if your plans change, and other benefits for season ticket holders. Check out the following performance art venues (adult prices listed, discounts may apply for students, seniors, etc.):
- ArtsWest (provocative theater as a powerful agent of change): 2018/2019 season: Tskeleton Crew (September 20 – October 14, 2018), Jane Eyre (November 15 – December 23, 2018), M. Butterfly (January 24 – February 17, 2019), John (March 14 – April 7, 2019), Office Hour (May 2 – May 26, 2019), The Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion (June 20 – July 28, 2019). See all six plays beginning at $190 for the season.
- Edmonds Driftwood Players (mystery, drama, comedy, musicals). Something’s Afoot (September 14 – 30, 2018), Peter and the Starcatcher (November 30 – December 23, 2018), Silent Sky (February 8 – 24, 2019), The Addams Family – A New Musical (April 12 – May 5, 2019), See five plays at $115 for the season.
- Meany Center at UW Seattle. Choose your own package of four or more performances from a variety of programs.
- Pacific Northwest Ballet (classics, new, and innovative productions). 2018/2019 season: Jerome Robbins Festival (September 21 – 29, 2018), All Premiere (November 2 – 11, 2018), The Sleeping Beauty (February 1 – 10, 2019), Director’s Choice (March 15 – 24, 2019), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (April 12 – 21, 2019), Themes & Variations (May 31 – June 9, 2019). See all six ballets beginning at $166 for the season. Plus, save 20% on George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker for the holidays.
- Seattle Opera (classics, new, and innovative productions). 2018/2019 season: Porgy And Bess (Aug. 11–25), 2018, The Turn Of The Screw (Oct. 13–27, 2018), Il Trovatore (Jan. 12–26, 2019), The (R)Evolution Of Steve Jobs (Feb. 23–Mar. 9, 2019), Carmen (May 4–18, 2019). See all five operas beginning at $199 for the season. Opera goers ages 21–39 are invited to join the BRAVO! young professionals group with still lower pricing, beginning at $172.
- Seattle Repertory Theatre (diverse perspectives, classic and new works). 2018/2019 season: A Thousand Splendid Suns (October 5 – November 10, 2018), A People’s History (October 17 – November 25, 2018), In the Heights (November 23 – December 30, 2018), Last of the Boys (January 18 – February 10, 2019), The Woman in Black (February 22 – March 24, 2019), A Doll’s House, Part 2′ (March 15 – April 28, 2019), Nina Simone: Four Women (April 26 – June 2, 2019), Lydia and the Troll (May 17 – June 23, 2019). See all eight plays beginning at $197 for the season.
- Seattle Symphony (various series, classics to pop). Many choices, such as 5-performance of classic masterworks beginning at $225, or up to 22-concerts beginning at $660. Pops series of 6 concerts beginning at $186. Family series of 4 concerts at $72/adult, $52/student or senior. Many other choices available.
- The 5th Avenue Theatre (musicals). 2018/2019 season: Come From Away (Oct 9 – Nov 4, 2018), Annie (Nov 23 – Dec 30, 2018), Rock of Ages (Feb 1 – Feb 24, 2019), Little Dancer (Mar 22 – Apr 14, 2019), Urinetown (Apr 6 – Jun 9, 2019), The Lightning Thief (Apr 23 – Apr 28, 2019), West Side Story (May 31 – Jun 23, 2019). See all six plays beginning at $225 for the season.
- Village Theater (classics, new, and innovative productions): 2018/2019 season: – The Noteworthy Life Of Howard Barnes: September 13 – October 21, 2018 (Issaquah) And October 26 – November 18, 2018 (Everett). Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical: November 8 – December 30, 2018 (Issaquah) And January 4 – February 3, 2019 (Everett). I Do! I Do! A Musical About Marriage: January 17 – February 24, 2019 (Issaquah) And March 1 – 24, 2019 (Everett). The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time: March 14 – April 21, 2019 (Issaquah) And April 26 – May 19, 2019 (Everett). Million Dollar Quartet: May 9 – June 23, 2019 (Issaquah) And June 28 – July 28, 2019 (Everett). See all five plays beginning at $190/Issaquah ($150 for preview) and $170/Everett for the season.
Other possibilities: ACT, Theater Schmeater seasons run from spring to the end of the year, so check late in the year for next season subscription information.
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