October is the lull between back to school and start of holiday shopping, said George John at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. That's one explanation for a boatload of bargain warehouse sales this week.

Thymes soaps and scents (Oct. 11-13). After taking a break last year from its mega warehouse sale in 2012, the big sale is back this year, but at the headquarters location (629 9th St. SE., Mpls). Save 50 to 75 percent on soaps, body washes, lotions, candles, diffusers, bubble baths and gift sets. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 13.

Red Wing Shoes (Oct. 10-13). More than 15,000 pairs of shoes for men and women will be 50 to 70 percent off including the Red Wing brand as well as the Irish Setter and Vasque hiking boots brand. All of the shoes are first quality with previous and newer styles. This is the second year the company has done the sale, which is put on at its historical Plant One facility at 127 Main St. in Red Wing. Hours are from 9

a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 10-11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13.

Stroke of the Heart (Oct. 8-11). Locally-designed greeting cards, notecards and kitchen magnets at 50 to 85 percent off. The sale runs from noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 9-10, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11. The sale is at 3792 Williston Rd. in Minnetonka.

Angel's Foundation: This will be the last sale to benefit the Angel Foundation, a successor to the American Cancer Society's World's Largest Garage Sale. The large sale runs Oct. 12-16 at the Four Seasons Mall in Plymouth (4108 Lancaster Lane N.) with clothing, art, toys, antiques, furniture, furniture, electronics and sporting goods depts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $3 on the first day.

Historic Studio (Oct. 12). Save 50 percent off all home furnishings, vintage and accessories from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at 4950 W. 35th St., St. Louis Park. New for this sale: a shipment of furniture from IMS at wholesale prices.