What comes to mind when you think of March? Is it March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, the first day of spring? It is a month full of big events, but when you think about deals, it pays to think broader.

“March may seem lackluster on the consumer front, but there is good reason to buy certain items this time of year beyond green beer and Peeps,” says Brent Shelton, online shopping expert and spokesman for Fatwallet.com, a consumer website for deals and discounts.

Early March is mostly about clearing out the old, Shelton said. Now, late in the month, it’s the time to capitalize on the coming season.

Here are some of the best deals you can expect to find:

Clothing

Find outerwear including thermals, pullovers, coats, boots and more at 50-80 percent off, as well as the annual ski/snowboard equipment and accessories clearance sales. To get the best selection, start now, if you haven’t already.

Also watch for early-spring fashion sales, though this is particularly for warmer climates, Shelton said. “You may find special discounts as retailers try to create awareness for (spring) merchandise,” he says. But spring apparel will drop even more at the end of May.

Sports equipment

With warmer weather come more joggers looking to invest in a new pair of running shoes, but only buy a pair if you’re starting a new running routine, Shelton said. Expert runners won’t be interested in these moderate discounts.

Last year’s gear for baseball, softball and golf is heavily discounted to make room for newer items such as the newer, better, longer golf clubs advertised during the Masters.

Electronics

The small electronics and digital camera inventory has likely been picked through, but retailers are still clearing out old models. As new product announcements are made, the price of older models will drop even more.

HDTV models that didn’t sell during the Super Bowl have another chance with March Madness. “It points to all the new technology coming out and the economy loosening up a bit,” Shelton said.

Automotive

Just in time for spring, you’ll find deals on tuneups, cleaners and wax, tires, wipers and more for cars.

Shelton suggests checking local deal sites such as Groupon to find savings of 50 percent off or more on these services.

Travel

It’s spring break time, so look for travel packages, hotel deals and car rental discounts. Shelton said it is cheaper to travel during spring break season than Easter weekend.

Tax software

The discounts don’t stop until April 15. Find the best savings and benefits with online software services. “The online services are a better buy unless you are a person who has to be in control of all the files. Online services will back up your returns for you,” Shelton said.