Best Things to Buy at Labor Day Sales
Best Things to Buy at Labor Day Sales
Shoppers are unlikely to see discounts this big again until Black Friday
Getty Images Sure, your plans for the last unofficial weekend of summer may include the beach or a backyard barbecue, but you might also want to make some time to hit Labor Day sales.
Like Memorial Day and President’s Day weekends, Labor Day is not only a great time for sales on big-ticket items like appliances and mattresses, it’s also an opportunity for consumers to find end-of-summer deals and back-to-school discounts. “Retailers know that the market for that kind of stuff is coming to an end, and they don’t want to be stuck with it,” says Kristin McGrath of , a coupons and deals company. This year may see particularly large markdowns because many retailers over-ordered their inventory before inflation slowed consumer spending. As a result, they need to cut prices further to move out their summer inventory and make room for fall items. “After Labor Day, you’re not going to see another big sales event until the start of Black Friday season,” says Sara Rathner, a spokesperson for personal finance website If you’re planning to hit Labor Day sales, either in person or online, these are some of the discounted items you may want to put on your shopping list. Mattresses
Most retailers now offer a trial period for a new mattress, so before you make a purchase, ask about the company’s return policy. If you’re shopping in the store, you may also be able to negotiate with your sales rep or get them to match a competitor’s price. Where to find deals: Mattress Firm, Serta, Casper Potential savings: 20 percent to 30 percent off, plus freebies like a set of sheets or pillows Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. Appliances
In addition to the advertised appliance sales, you may find additional store-level deals based on the inventory that a specific location has on hand, says Brad Godwin, senior vice president and head of partnership at , a shopping rewards app. “You may have to go into the store and walk around to see what the values are,” he says. Where to find deals: Best Buy, Home Depot, local appliance stores Potential savings: Up to 40 percent off Luggage
As summer travel season comes to an end, retailers may be lowering prices on individual luggage pieces or sets. “You can usually get some good discounts on luggage over Labor Day, although they might be last year’s designs,” says Jeanette Pavini, a savings expert and author of The Joy of Saving. Where to find deals: Amazon, Macy’s, Samsonite Potential savings: Up to 50 percent off Televisions
Retailers want to entice you to upgrade your TV during the last big sales holiday before football season begins. While sales won’t be as good as those you’ll see during Black Friday, if you’re hoping to upgrade before then, Labor Day is an opportune time to do it. Where to find deals: Walmart, Target, Costco Potential savings: Hundreds of dollars off per set (depending on size and specifications) End-of-summer items
Many retailers view Labor Day weekend as their last chance to move any products related to summer. This covers everything from summer clothing like bathing suits and sandals to outdoor entertaining items like patio furniture and grills. You’ll also find deals on summer sports gear like camping or hiking equipment. “You won’t see the best selection because people have been buying those items all summer, but you will see rock-bottom prices,” says Andrea Woroch, a consumer money-saving expert. Where to find deals: Macy’s, Kohl’s, Lowe’s Potential savings: Up to 80 percent off clearance clothing items; up to 60 percent off bigger-ticket items like grills or tents Office supplies
This is the last big weekend for back-to-school shopping in many parts of the country, which means you can still find deals on office supplies like paper and printer ink. You may also find deals on bigger-ticket office items like desks, chairs and laptops, although the inventory may be more limited. Where to find deals: Staples, Office Depot, Walmart Potential savings: 40 percent to 50 percent off Beth Braverman is a contributing writer who has covered shopping and personal finance for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in Consumer Reports and dozens of other publications and on CNNMoney.com and CNBC.com. Also of Interest
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