What to Buy (and Skip) in June

In June, you may have to buy gifts for Father’s Day, graduations and weddings — or at least one or two of those occasions. After all that shopping for dads, grads and newlyweds, get a deal on something for yourself, because June will deliver plenty of savings. From scooping up swimwear to saving money on movie tickets, here’s what you should buy — and a few things you should hold off on.

Buy: Swimwear 

Add swimwear to your “to buy” list. Why? In January and June, Victoria’s Secret hosts its insanely popular Semi-Annual Sale and other retailers follow suit. Last June, Victoria’s Secret customers snapped up savings of up to 60% off almost 2,000 styles. In the 2017 summer sale, discounts included up to 50% off more than 1,000 styles. After previously phasing out swimwear, Victoria’s Secret now sells swimsuits again, as does its Pink brand.

Skip: Grills

Summer officially starts in June, which means many people have grilling on their mind. This higher demand means higher prices. If you can get by without hosting a barbecue in June, wait for prices to cool off later in the summer. As with most other timely purchases, the further into the season you go, the more you’ll save.

Buy: Movie tickets

If you’re looking to go to the movies for less, June is a perfect time to score cheap movie tickets. Each summer, movie theaters offer programs that let kids beat the heat and see children’s movies at discounted prices.

Check with your local theater to see if it will offer such a program. We’ve already spotted the Regal Summer Movie Express. Admission to the Summer Movie Express is only $1. Tickets available for purchase at the box office and all movies start at 10:00 am. Each week both scheduled movies play on both days. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute.

Skip: Brand-name clothing

If you’re a fan of designer clothes, shoes and purses, you’ll want to wait another month before overhauling your wardrobe.

Designer clothing sales will be great in July, in large part due to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. During this high-end department store’s once-a-year sale, shoppers can save hundreds of dollars on top brands. In the past, the store has discounted items from labels such as Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs. This year’s sale begins July 19.

Shop: Semiannual sales

Since June is the halfway point of the year, many retailers celebrate with the second installment of their twice-yearly sales (the others happen in January).

Keep an eye out for these throughout the month. In past years, we’ve seen stores like Bath & Body Works and Brooks Brothers hold semiannual sales in June.

Bonus: Father’s Day sales

Father’s Day is June 16 this year, and if you need just the right present to show dad how much you appreciate him, retailers will be there to help you out.

Father’s Day deals are usually common at places such as Sears, Harbor Freight Tools and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Many of these Dad-oriented sales will happen in the days leading up to the holiday, so in this case, it can pay to procrastinate.

Bonus: Freebies

Father’s Day and the first day of summer are always June highlights, but there are some lesser-known occasions during the month as well. Mark your calendar for the following days, which could offer discounts or freebies: National Doughnut Day on June 7 and National Sunglasses Day on June 27.