Memorial Day weekend is more than just the unofficial start of summer – it’s also one of the best times of year to score major savings. Retailers across the country offer deep discounts on everything from mattresses to appliances, making it a great opportunity to stretch your dollar further. But with so many sales and promotions happening at once, it’s important to shop smart. With a little prep, a keen eye, and the right tools at your disposal, you can take advantage of the best deals without overspending. Here are some tips and tricks for maximizing your savings over the long weekend.
Know What Will Be on Sale
Memorial Day is known for big discounts across the board, but some product categories consistently see better deals than others. Knowing what’s typically marked down can help you focus your shopping and resist impulse buys. Many retailers use this time to clear out spring inventory or offer early summer promotions. Prioritize your purchases around items with the steepest and most reliable discounts.
– Mattresses and bedding often see some of the deepest price cuts.
– Look for major discounts on home appliances, both large and small.
– Items for outdoor activities, like gardening and camping, are popular sale items.
– Spring fashion and older model electronics may be marked down to make room for new inventory.
Favorite deals: The Memorial Day Sale from Bear Mattress, which specializes in mattresses and sleep accessories (I love their pillows). They are offering 35 percent off sitewide PLUS two free pillows with the purchase of a mattress through Memorial Day.
If you need bedding, Mellanni is offering 20 percent off already discounted Iconic sheet sets on Amazon, and The Company Store is offering 40 percent off with code MDW25.
Plan Ahead and Research Prices
Don’t wait until the weekend is in full swing to start browsing deals. Many retailers release previews or early access sales in the days leading up to Memorial Day. Doing your research ahead of time can give you a better sense of pricing and help you spot a truly great deal. Set a budget and plan your must-have purchases in advance to avoid overspending on things you don’t actually need.
– Sign up for store newsletters to get advance notice of sales and exclusive promo codes.
– Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or Yahoo Shopping to track historical pricing and ensure you’re getting the best deals.
– Bookmark your favorite retailers and start checking their sale sections a few days early.
– Appliances and furniture often hit their lowest prices on Memorial Day, but the selection may be picked over by then.
Stack Coupons and Cashback Offers
Memorial Day sales already offer great discounts, but you can increase your savings by stacking deals. Using promo codes, rewards points, and cashback offers can take sale prices to the next level and stretch your budget even further. Just a little extra effort can translate into additional savings on top of the advertised price.
– Check for online promo codes or coupons before checking out.
– Use cashback tools like Rakuten or RetailMeNot when shopping online.
– Redeem loyalty points from stores like Target, Kohl’s, or Best Buy.
– Apply store credit cards or member-only discounts when available.
Shop Online and In-Store Strategically
Not every deal is better online – some brick-and-mortar stores offer in-person exclusives during holiday weekends, and if you’re open to unboxed items or floor models, the discounts could be significant. Conversely, many online retailers feature site-wide promotions and free shipping incentives. Shopping strategically between both channels ensures you’re getting the best price, no matter where you buy.
– Compare online prices to in-store tags to see which option is cheaper.
– Look for “buy online, pick up in store” options to skip shipping fees and save time.
– Some retailers offer in-store clearance racks that aren’t reflected online.
– Remember to factor in shipping costs and in-store-only coupons.
Don’t Forget Travel and Entertainment Deals
Savings over Memorial Day weekend aren’t limited to retail. If you’re planning a trip or looking for local experiences, this is also a prime time for travel discounts and entertainment packages. Whether you’re staying close to home or heading out of town, look for seasonal promotions that can lower your costs.
– Book hotel stays or vacation packages early for special holiday weekend rates.
– Look for discounts on theme parks, museums, and local attractions.
– Use group-buying sites like Groupon to score fantastic dining and activity deals.
Favorite deals: Through World of Hyatt rewards, you can book a glamping getaway at one of 14 Under Canvas camps, which are located near some of the most iconic U.S. national parks. Perfect for unplugging and connecting with nature. You’ll earn points that can be redeemed around the globe with World of Hyatt, plus earn 1 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus mile per $1 spent on stays at Under Canvas camps until September 15. There are also travel gear deals at Sea to Summit, where you can save 50 percent off tents, Outdoor Research is offering 25 percent off Echo apparel styles, and Biolight will be offering up to 25 percent off items like mobile chargers and solar lights.
The Tech Conundrum
Tech is not typically a strong category for Memorial Day Weekend. But, because higher prices are anticipated later in the year, I would keep my eyes peeled for offers on items you have on your list.
– Look for sales, 0 percent financing offers or Buy Now Pay Later payment terms.
– There will also be “pre-tariff” or “inflation-proof” offers. For example, if you need a printer, HP has announced that their All-In Plan will be inflation-proof. Plans start at $6.99 and include a new printer, automatic ink delivery, and 24/7 customer service support. The price will remain the same as long as you are on the plan. May is also Small Business Month, and HP will be offering additional savings on small business-centric devices. – Look for bundle deals where you can save. Mint Mobile will have the Google Pixel 9 for $400 off, plus you get a year of their Unlimited service for $15/mo. So that’s a smoking deal too. Mint runs on the massive T-Mobile network, so this is an ideal opportunity to save some money on mobile if you’re currently with one of the big providers.
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