When Joyce Grant’s son Bennett was five, he outgrew his froggy rainboots and was ready for a big-kid style. But the Toronto mom had a problem: “It’s impossible to find the clothes you’re looking for in season. You’re pretty much guaranteed the store won’t have the product, the size or the price you’re looking for.”

When Grant found a sale on Sorels for 60 percent off, she bought not one, but five pairs. Now eight, Bennett still has two pairs left. “They’re great boots,” says Grant, “and every time he puts them on, I think, Bargain!”

We may not all be so lucky, but here’s how you can make the most of a shopping season that seems as brief as the first warm afternoon in March.

Start in winter

“Adults shop for themselves closer to the season,” notes Vincent Power, director of corporate communications for Sears Canada, “but parents want to make sure their kids have their outerwear early.” Raincoats, jackets and splash pants show up in Sears stores in January (December in BC’s Lower Mainland), and real early birds can shop from the company’s spring catalogue during Boxing Week.

At other stores, spring items generally appear throughout February. “That’s when you’ll find the best selection, best sizes, new colours and patterns,” says Kevin Meloche, general merchandise manager for children’s wear at Zellers.

Most stores replenish stock until the end of March, and longer if the weather warrants it. Zellers stores on the east and west coasts stock splash pants and rubber boots year-round.