One German family, however, will go into the hot phase of the last days of the month armed with possibly the ultimate in summer sales armory: a converted military tank.

The Schoeneich family from Neu Anspach stand a very good chance of getting all the last-minute bargains they desire thanks to their six-ton Fox tank, which they use for shopping trips and days out in the surrounding countryside.

Dad, Joachim, has even fitted a baby seat to the British-built armored vehicle for his 2-year-old son Paul.

Armor and gun gives family an advantage

Armed with a disabled 30mm gun and protected by three-inch thick armor plating, the Schoeneich family runaround will surely put the fear into even the most hardened summer sales commando.

"We take the tank to go shopping and little trips," laughed Joachim. "It is a bit hard to find a parking place, but we get right of way at every junction."

The only drawback is fuel consumption as the 30,000 euro ($47,270) tank's 4.2 liter engine struggles to better 47 liters per 100 kilometers or a bit more than 1.75 miles/gallon.

"But the driving experience makes up for it," said Joachim.