Some months are known for great deals on certain products. September is mattress month, for example.
Labor Day is Sept. 7, and retailers typically observe the federal holiday with deals. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of shoppers plan to shop Labor Day weekend sales, according to data from online coupon site RetailMeNot.
» Shopping online a lot? 13 ways to find the best deals
Buy: Mattresses
Traditionally, Labor Day sales include discounts on items for the home, and it’s one of the best times of the year to buy a mattress.
In past years, we’ve seen worthy deals from Purple, Serta, Casper and more. Check these sellers (and others) this year if you’re in the market for a new bed.
Look for these deals while August is still rolling along.
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Skip: Electronics
If Labor Day is known for home deals, holiday sales are known for electronics deals. Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year, always falls on the day after Thanksgiving. This year, that’s Nov. 27. Cyber Monday hits after the weekend on Nov. 30 this year.
Hold off on buying electronics now in anticipation of what’s coming in the months ahead. In previous years, we’ve seen hundreds of dollars off TVs at Target and laptops for less than list price at Best Buy.
Buy: Appliances
Labor Day is a good time to buy appliances, too. Find Labor Day appliance sales at the big box chains. Look at local appliance businesses, too, because why not buy from a smaller shop if the price is the same or better? Fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and ovens are all fair game.
Watch for end-of-summer sales on air conditioners, as well, if you need a new window unit.
Skip: Shoes
Back-to-school sales make for a good time to get shoes, and those events took place already. If you missed the deals — like when Nike offered up to 30% off and New Balance had up to 55% off in early August — you might have a hard time finding a comparable deal now. Black Friday is probably your next best bet for deeper discounts on kicks.
Nerdy tip: Have a go-to brand and model of running shoe? You can usually find discounted models from previous years on Amazon or the brand’s site directly. If the Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is the latest model, for example, find the 28 or 29 on discount.
Buy: Outdoor items
Want to build out your outdoor entertaining space? Look for discounts on grills, patio furniture, folding chairs and drinkware as stores try to make room for holiday inflatables and snow blowers.
“Retailers don’t want to babysit a patio sectional all winter long,” says Stephanie Carls, retail insights expert for RetailMeNot.
Nerdy tip: Ask for markdowns on floor models, which may have a little more wear. (But they’re going outside anyway, amiright?)
“It’s always worth asking, and it’s OK if it’s a ‘No,’ because you at least asked,” Carls says.
Skip: Decorations
Another category to skip? Fall and holiday decorations. Decorations get cheaper when the holiday gets closer. As long as you’re OK with doing things last-minute, wait until mid-October for Halloween decorations and mid-December for Christmas decorations.
Buy: Older iPhones
Apple is rumored to unveil the next set of new iPhones in September. While the new models won’t come with a discounted price (perhaps an increase, instead), retailers are sure to mark down previous models. The savvy cell phone shopper buys at least one model back.
» Want to save even more? Where to buy a used iPhone
Buy: Summer apparel and pool toys
By the end of summer, retailers will be ready to clear out summer inventory.
Clothing items, like shorts, T-shirts and even flip-flops, might be a good score for those who live in places where it stays warm into the fall months, according to Jane Boyd Thomas, professor of marketing at Winthrop University in South Carolina.
Thomas suggested pool toys as another under-the-radar product category that could be marked down significantly. Use them now if the weather stays warm, or save them for a sunnier day.
“Depending on where you live, you could even give pool toys as a Christmas or birthday gift,” she said in an email interview.
Skip: Fall fashion
There may be a chill in the air (eventually), but stick with last year’s sweaters if you can. Fall clothing is generally full-price at this time of year.
“It’s very tempting,” Carls says. “But you’ll have more room for markdowns later in the season.”
Bonus: Coffee and a cheeseburger
Wait, what? No, not together. Sept. 18 gives you a good excuse to indulge since it’s National Cheeseburger Day. And you might be able to find a free cup of coffee on Sept. 29, which is the national day of America’s favorite caffeinated beverage.
As always, follow your favorite burger joints and coffee shops on the socials for first notice of any deals or freebies.
» Ready for more shopping tips? Find the best things to buy every month
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