The first day of spring, which falls on March 20 this year, typically serves as a reminder to clean out closets rather than add more to them.
But if you’ve been meaning to upgrade your digital camera, repaint a few rooms, or improve the sound quality of your TV, you’ll find plenty of sales this month.
Consumer Reports market analysts track prices year-round, so we can tell you when products are on deep discount, month by month.
Here are some products on deep discount in March, according to our calendar of deals.
Digital Camera Discounts
The camera in your smartphone may work well for selfies and everyday shots, but some occasions call for a real camera. Unless you’re willing to pay full price for the latest and greatest, March is the perfect time to find last year’s model on sale as new models hit the shelves.
Buying a digital camera can be confusing, so it pays to do your research ahead of time. There are hundreds of models available online or in stores, with prices ranging from $75 to several thousand. Some cameras are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Others are large and can weigh up to 2 pounds. Some are easy to use. Others look like you need an engineering degree to operate them.
To find the best option available in your budget, focus on the features you want most. Our digital camera buying guide and ratings give you the details on different models as well as information on features and brands.
Exercise Equipment
Summer will be here before we know it, which means deals on exercise equipment will be easy to find this month as people spend more time outdoors.
Ellipticals. The moving hand grips and adjustable resistance on an elliptical machine allow you to turn this cardiovascular exercise into a full-body workout. Take advantage of deep discounts this month to buy a better-quality machine, which will probably make a better long-term investment.
The more expensive ellipticals in our ratings tend to feel more solid, operate more smoothly, and have more features than the under-$1,000 models. You might also get superior ergonomics, a wider range of features, and a more generous warranty.
Whether you want to shop online or purchase a machine from a store, be sure to try it out in person first. You might notice a problem that you couldn't detect by sight or reviews alone. For more shopping tips and product information, check out our elliptical buying guide.
Treadmills. Treadmills are the most popular workout machines in the U.S. There’s an option for every budget and fitness goal, which can make the decision-making process a bit more complicated. The key is to find one that's easy and comfortable to use, which means trying it out in person.
Putting together a new treadmill can be a workout itself. It generally takes our experienced engineers about 1 to 2 hours to put one together depending on the number of steps. For help evaluating dozens of models, check out our treadmill ratings and buying guide.
Deals on Interior Paint
One of the easiest ways to freshen up your home is with a fresh coat of paint. If you need additional motivation to tackle this home-improvement project, March sales on interior paint should do the trick.
You don’t have to splurge to get paint that has staying power. Consumer Reports' experts have found that some of the best-performing paints are the more affordable options from premium brands. Add coupons and store sales on top of that, and you’ll have money leftover to keep the redecorating going.
Despite a seemingly endless array of available colors, whites and off-whites remain the top-selling interior colors. Whatever hue you choose, our interior paint buying guide and ratings can help you select the best brand for your budget.
Sound Bar Speakers
If you scored a sleek new TV during the Super Bowl sales in February, you may find yourself in the market for a better sound system soon. The good news is that you can find deep discounts in March for an easy and less expensive fix: sound bar speakers.
As TVs slim down, the quality of their sound often follows suit. The reason is fairly simple: There’s less room for a powerful sound system. (That's why only a handful of the 200-plus televisions in our TV ratings earned at least a Very Good for sound.)
Buying separate home-theater components can be time-consuming and expensive, and connecting them can be a challenge. That's why sound bar speakers are becoming an increasingly popular option. Most are long, thin enclosures that are mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf above or below the TV.
In terms of our ratings, a sound bar speaker is held to a different standard than a TV. A Good score for a sound bar speaker will sound better than a TV with a Good score.
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms
Although you’re probably happy to pay full price to ensure your family’s safety, there’s no harm in saving a few bucks on a carbon monoxide or smoke alarm. If you’re considering upgrading to a smart system, deep discounts this month could make the shift more affordable.
Interconnected smoke alarms communicate between devices and provide integrated, whole-house protection. The alarms are hardwired or wirelessly connected, and with such a system, when one alarm detects smoke or CO, all of them will sound.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms protect only when they're installed correctly and their batteries are replaced annually. Before buying a new alarm, make sure you understand what you’re getting by reviewing our buying guide and ratings.
Price Cuts on Boxed Chocolates
No need to overlook a box of chocolate on deep discount. Eating a little chocolate occasionally may be healthful. Some research has linked it to a lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
If you want to buy high-quality chocolate, the best time to do so is when it’s on sale, and prices often drop between Valentine's Day and Easter. The shelf life of chocolate—and most candy—is 10 days to two weeks.
To understand which flavors, textures, and other characteristics are worth the splurge, check out our chocolate buying guide and ratings.
