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In the month ahead, you’ll likely stumble on sales for appliances, apparel and even exterior and interior paint.
To help you shop smart and save money, we created a guide for what to buy (or skip) during the month of May.
Buy: Blinds, furniture and appliances
May is prime time for sprucing up the home. Memorial Day sales are packed with markdowns on indoor and outdoor furniture, appliances and home improvement products.
Expect discounts from the major players like Lowe’s, Best Buy and Wayfair. Check specialty stores and websites for discounts on pricey items like blinds. We’ve seen up to 50% off at Blinds.com for Memorial Day in the past.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 25 this year, but sales often begin a week earlier and can last into June.
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Skip: Home electronics
You might as well wait until Prime Day if you want great deals on gadgets. Amazon's big sale usually happens in July, sparks competition from other retailers and offers Black Friday-like prices in summertime.
After that, November is the top time for tech, when prices on laptops, tablets, gaming consoles and other electronics are usually at their lowest, thanks to actual Black Friday sales.
» Looking for more ways to save money? We got you.
Buy: Small appliances
While you’re outfitting your home with a new sofa, chair or table at Memorial Day sales, check out coffee makers, blenders and other small kitchen appliances.
In the past, department stores and home and kitchen specialty stores, like Williams Sonoma, have offered savings on kitchen essentials.
Count window air conditioners as small appliances on discount too, according to Consumer Reports. You could get a deal for beating the heat. Check Amazon, Costco and Home Depot for good prices in May.
Skip: Swimwear and lingerie
The sale fliers will flood your mailbox in May, but the month after is the better time to buy. That's because Victoria’s Secret sets the schedule for swimwear and lingerie deals, and the store’s Semi-Annual Sale traditionally starts in June. Other retailers follow suit.
In past installments, Victoria’s Secret dished out discounts of up to 60% off almost 2,000 styles.
Last year’s sale started on June 4, 2025. Follow the retailer on social media and sign up for the store’s mailing list for sale date announcements.
Buy: Spring apparel
Now that warm-weather styles have been in stores for a few months, you can expect retailers to bring down prices on clothes.
Our best advice for finding these deals? First, check retailers’ sale sections online or clearance racks in stores. Then, register for your favorite clothing store’s email list for exclusive deals. Finally, fill your cart with sale-priced shirts and shorts while you’re shopping on Memorial Day.
Bonus buy: Paints
The combination of warmer weather, seasonal sales and the start of the DIY season make May a good time to buy paint. You’ll want to shop the sales at popular paint and general hardware destinations the week leading up to Memorial Day for the best deals, according to Consumer Reports.
If you’re hiring out your painting job, ask your contractor for a break because you heard paint can be cheaper this time of year.
Also in May: Food deals and Star Wars Day
Cinco de Mayo isn't the celebration of Mexican independence —that's in September. Still, May 5 in the U.S. usually brings food and drink specials at restaurants, both Mexican and not.
Look for more discounts and freebies on National Buttermilk Biscuit Day on May 14 and National Hamburger Day on May 28.
Don't forget about Star Wars Day on May 4. It hits just ahead of "The Mandalorian and Grogu" movie, which will be in theaters May 22.
For May the fourth, we’ve previously spotted price cuts on toys, apparel and even jewelry inspired by the iconic movies. If prior years are any indication, expect savings on products from makers like Hasbro and Huffy.
Lego is launching deals on Star Wars sets on May 1 again this year.
May the discounts be with you.
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So much news. So little time. NerdWallet's new weekly newsletter makes sense of the headlines that affect your wallet.
