Spring $teals and Deals
Ahhhh - Spring! The flowers are beginning to bloom, the sunshine is lasting longer and you can hear the sounds of merchants making room for the new season!
Acting as "The Early Show Saturday Edition"'s "Bargainista" this week, ConsumerSearch.com Editor in Chief Christine Frietchen spotlighted the best deals of the brand new season, whether they're online or in a store near you.
Simply put: This isn't just the time to scoop up bargains on grills and lawn gear!
Running and hiking shoes
New 2010 shoes are now in stores, so there are great deals on last year's versions.
In most cases, the differences are only color and styling.
The killer deals: Top-rated Asics Gel 1140 for men and women. Was $90, now $50 to $60 at Dicks, Sports Authority
Also: New Balance 1063 for men and women - a top shoe last year for $125, now $65.
Shop fast - the popular sizes will sell out quickly.
Try online - sites like Zappos and Sports Authority offer free shipping and returns on shoes
Seen on the show:
Running shoes:
Asics Gel 1140 - $60 at Dick's Sporting Goods
New Balance 1063 - $65 at Sports Authority
Bedding
How much can I save? 20% to 50 percent
Big sales Macy's, Kohl's, Bed Bath and Beyond
Kohl's has the best deals. You can get a 20-piece queen or king set for 1/2 price
Or try Bed, Bath and Beyond: We found a 10-piece bed set for $70 - includes the comforter, sheet set, bed skirt, shams and two pillows.
Designer stuff is also on sale - we found a DKNY comforter and sham set for $150 - 30% off.
A new bed set is a great way to create a new look without making it a major project
Seen on the show:
Karly 10-piece Bed Ensemble - $70 from Bed Bath and Beyond
DKNY Color Block Comforter Set - $125 from DonnaKaranHome.com
Trench coats
How much can I save? 50 percent or more compared to other brands
Target is known for affordable fashion - but the good stuff always sells out fast. Last year's trench coats were sold out by mid-April.
New stock is just hitting stores - more than 10 styles in lots of colors for $30 to $50
A few choices: Red zip-front rain slicker with paisley lining: $49
Navy painter-back lightweight trench: $39
Classic green trench with contrast stitching: $39
Seen on the show:
Mossimo Red Trench - $49 from Target
Mossimo Volume Back Trench in Blue - $39 from Target
Merona Long Trench Coat in Springfest Green - $39 from Target
All-season tires
How much can I save? $40 to $80 rebate for four tires, or free stuff
Continental will give you a free TomTom GPS with four-tire purchase, including the highly-regarded Continental ExtremeContact DWS all-season tire
Dunlop and Goodyear offering $50 to $80 rebates with a four-tire purchase.
Costco: $70 off set of 4 Bridgestone
BJ's and Sears: $70 off Michelin a set of four tires
ACT FAST: Most of these offers expire around April 18.
Seen on the show:
Continental ExtremeContact DWS Ultra-High-Performance Tire - $100 each from TireRack.com
Goodyear Assurance TripleTred - $140 each from Sears
"Cash for Clunker Appliance Rebates
How much can I save?
For most states, instant or mail-in rebates of between $50 and $200 per qualifying appliance. Deals vary widely state-to-state. Be sure to seek the Enery Star label.
All state programs differ, but most start April 1 or shortly thereafter.
Money is expected to run out FAST, so decide now what you want to buy.
Most states are offering rebates on Energy STAR washers, fridges, dishwashers and room air conditioners.
Check your state's Web site BEFORE you buy to make sure you qualify.
Look for Energy STAR labeling on appliances.
Seen on the show:
Air conditioner: Friedrich 6,000 Btu Energy STAR Air Conditioner - $220 from Amazon