Get Movin' Monday: April's Best Buys

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- This week we say goodbye to March and hello to April. If you're stuck indoors waiting out the rain or snow showers, you'll have an excuse to spend more time shopping for the best deals. To help guide us, Pioneer Press lifestyles reporter Nancy Ngo gets us movin' with what's smart to buy this month. If you want to take advantage of the best buys in April, be prepared to pamper yourself and think spring.

Cruises
April is the month to take advantage some of the best rates you'll see all year round on cruises. That's because April isn't a traditional vacation time for cruises, so companies are offering deep discounts as an incentive to travel during this time. So if you have cabin fever, it's not too late to treat yourself to that warm weather vacation while getting a great deal on it too.

Spa Treatments
Spa Week happens twice a year, and the next one from April 11 to 17. Spa Week takes place across the country. And locally, you can find participating businesses offering great spa, beauty and fitness deals on things like facials and massages. Check in with your favorite local spa and salon to see if they are participating.

Shoes
Winter is a slow season for shoe sales. As a result, retailers tend to offer big markdowns in the spring to not only whittle down that stock, but retailers are pushing their new spring stock as well. So it's great sales on shoes across the board. How's that for keeping you on your feet? It's worth noting that sneakers are especially at deep discounts this time of the year, so maybe nab those running shoes for the outdoor season.

Thrift Shopping
Thrift stores, flea markets, consignment shops, you name it. With spring cleaning comes a lot of new inventory trickling into these secondhand or gently-used shops. As a result, these retailers are trying to get rid of their old inventory by offering extra bargains so they can bring in the new. So if you love thrift shopping, this is the time to go. This is the time of the year when you'll see even more markdowns on already low priced items from clothing to home goods.

Eco-Friendly Goods
This is a great time to buy earth-friendly items. Earth Day is April 22. And to mark the occasion, look for retailers offering specials on environmentally-friendly items across the board -- organic foods, furniture, skincare, just to name a few. With deals like this, it's easy being green.

Also, Tax Day is April 15. It is one of the most popular days for restaurants to offer something free, keep an eye out for tax day freebies at fast food joints.