Four Jersey Shore End-of-Summer Steals to Shop Now

It’s wheeling and dealing time at the Jersey Shore, folks. Not only will hotel room prices drop after this weekend, but you can also get everything from boogie boards to flip flops to island-branded t-shirts for far less than you’d have paid in May.

But if you know where to go (psst: we do) deals go much deeper than that. Here are four that should be on your list if you’re headed down the shore before school starts back up again.

Bikes, bikes and more bikes.

You know all those bike rental places that line the boardwalks and boulevards of Jersey shore towns? They sell a lot of those bikes at year’s end — and some are only three months old.

Why sell them off so quickly? Because they won’t last long in a shore environment. If you’ve ever seen a bike left out over the winter, you know how fast and badly rust builds up. So if you’re in the market for a beach cruiser or bicycle built for two, look for these sales to start soon. The timing depends on each bike shop and where you go: Some will start selling them off now, while others wait until Labor Day weekend or right after.

Stylish steals, part 1.

The Attic in Stone Harbor is next door to Mimi’s & Suncatcher, which is more Main Line in its clothing selection than some stores on the Main Line. What doesn’t sell in Mimi’s & Suncatcher ends up in the Attic. Price start low, and then slide down as the summer progresses.

Usually, everything in the store is $20 by Labor Day weekend. Full disclosure: That’s how I ended up with a Nicole Miller gown for practically nothing plus the cost of tailoring. They sell men’s, women’s and kids clothing, and accessories.

Stylish steals, part 2.

While you’re in Stone Harbor, you can check out the Merchants’ Day sidewalk sale this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. More than 100 stores participate. I’ve scooped up some good deals here, including holiday decorations (I know, I know, but 75 percent off is a great deal, even if I have to put the stuff in the basement for a few months).

Waterford Crystal, et. al.

Every August, the Waterford Crystal Inventory Reduction sale sets up shop within the Wildwoods Convention Center. It’s always wonderfully weird in both selection and crowds, a mix of couples trying to complete sets, bargain hunters and the curious, like myself. Here’s the kicker: Everything is new and 30 to 50 percent off. It’s not just crystal, either. Brands you’ll find other than Waterford: Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, Lighting, Marquis, Rogaska, Vera Wang and Gordon Ramsay cookware, bakeware and flatware. This year’s sale runs from August 28th through September 1st. You can find more details here.

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