Air conditioning units for sale during a heat wave in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
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Labor Day deals are underway now, with deep discounts on summer clothing, appliances and outdoor furniture.
“Sales have already started,” said Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst for DealNews.com.
For cash-strapped consumers, this could be a very good time to close a deal. The three-day holiday weekend usually marks a big sales push, so it’s a great time to stock up, and in 2022, retailers are marking things down a bit more.
Still, the offerings are worth perusing.
“It seems like a great deal right off the bat, but remember that starting prices are much higher in many cases,” thanks to inflation, Ramhold said.
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Seasonal supplies are the most discounted
To make the most of Labor Day sales, stick to seasonal items like summer clothing, patio furniture and grills, Ramhold advised.
Clothing retailers must make room for new merchandise, so expect deals of up to 50% off at Gap and Lands’ End.
Target and Wayfair will slash outdoor furniture prices, along with Lowe’s and Home Depot. “Look for discounts of up to 80%,” said Ramhold.
“Grills can be ridiculously cheap,” he said. Last year, Lowe’s offered a three-burner propane gas grill, which typically costs $300 or more, for $99. And with a few more weeks of warm weather, it’s a good time for an update, Ramhold added.
Appliances, which have been in short supply due to supply chain constraints, are still hard to come by, but nearly all refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, and washers and dryers are on sale.
Home Depot is getting up to 63% off major appliances, even more than last year, and watch for Best Buy to offer significant savings as well, Ramhold added. “Last year, there were Labor Day discounts on all the big brands, including Samsung, LG, GE, and Whirlpool, among others.”
Back-to-school supplies, which have been a major source of tension this year, are also on sale. Most schools are back in session, so retailers need to liquidate that inventory, Ramhold said.
“It’s definitely a good time to look for discounts on backpacks and lunch boxes,” she advised. In fact, “this is probably the best chance you have to get a settlement on those items.”
Lastly, mattresses may be one of the best purchases of all of Labor Day this year. “If you’re in the market for a new bed, it’s a great time to buy,” said Ramhold, before many retailers close out the fiscal year.
Look for discounts of up to 40% or even more at stores like Macy’s or extra accessories like free pillows or bedding. “Between mattress retailers and department stores, you should have a fair amount to choose from,” she said, and “expect to save hundreds.”
How to rack up savings for Labor Day sales
In addition to shopping at the best price, take advantage of sales tax breaks, credit card rewards or cash back bonuses, said Beverly Harzog, US News & World Report consumer finance analyst.
Some states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee, have sales tax holidays that overlap with Labor Day sales.
Plus, there are cash back cards that offer 2% back on all purchases or up to 5% back on specific categories or extra rewards on some purchases like gas, groceries, meals, and travel. (Here are some tips on choosing a cash back credit card.)
Then use a cash back site like CouponCabin.com to get money back on online purchases from retailers like Macy’s, Target, and Walmart.
What not to buy on Labor Day
It’s worth the wait if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, television or fall and winter clothing, Ramhold said.
Apple is expected to unveil the next iPhone lineup in September, and Google may release its latest Pixel phone in October, which should be matched by discounts on older models.
Alternatively, if you wait until Black Friday, “there’s no doubt the deals will be much better” on electronics, Ramhold advised.
The same goes for fall clothing. It may be included in some current sales, but “the discounts will be modest at best,” she said, and “you probably won’t need those items for a month or more.”
Similarly, televisions could be included in some Labor Day sales., but better deals are likely on the horizon. “There may be a diamond in the rough,” Ramhold said, but if not, Amazon plans to hold a “Prime Fall” deals event and that means much better deals, like a Fire TV for just $90, almost half the price. retail. price.
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Source: www.cnbc.com