Labor Day 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Sales, Savings, and Shopping Strategies

As the summer sun begins to set, Labor Day weekend arrives, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy one last beach day, fire up the grill for a barbecue, and take advantage of the myriad sales retailers are rolling out. According to a recent survey by RetailMeNot, consumers are expected to spend an average of $354 during Labor Day 2024, focusing on essentials like food, clothing, home appliances, and electronics. With so many deals available, it’s crucial to know what to buy and what to skip. Here’s your comprehensive guide to navigating Labor Day sales effectively.

What to Buy During Labor Day Sales

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, prompting retailers to heavily discount warm-weather merchandise to make room for fall and winter inventory. Bella Gerard, a shopping and trend advisor at Rakuten, emphasizes that shopping off-season is a savvy way to save. Here are the categories to focus on:

1. Summer Apparel and Footwear

Expect significant markdowns on summer clothing and shoes, with 43% of consumers planning to shop in this category, up from 29% in 2023. Look for deals on shorts, bathing suits, sundresses, and warm-weather activewear, particularly from department stores.

2. Outdoor and Patio Items

Retailers often offer discounts of up to 50% on outdoor furniture, grills, lights, rugs, and umbrellas. This is an excellent time to invest in summer gear like coolers, kayaks, and camping equipment, as well as yard tools and gardening supplies from home improvement stores.

3. Big-Ticket Items

Labor Day is known for slashing prices on home and kitchen appliances, furniture, and mattresses. Pay close attention to deals on washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, which can be marked down by up to 40%. Retailers often clear out older models to make way for new releases, making this a prime time for appliance shopping.

4. Electronics

If you’re in the market for a new computer monitor, laptop, or tablet, Labor Day sales often coincide with back-to-school promotions, making it an ideal time to shop for tech.

5. Home Goods

Look for deals that include free pillows, bed frames, or mattress toppers with mattress purchases. Some retailers even offer king-for-a-queen specials, allowing you to stretch your budget further.

What Sales to Skip During Labor Day

While Labor Day offers fantastic deals, some categories are better left until later in the year:

1. Tech Gadgets

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, it’s wise to hold off on purchasing tech items like headphones, TVs, and video games. Prices are likely to drop significantly during the holiday shopping season.

2. Fall Apparel

Fall clothing and shoes tend to be priced at their highest during early autumn. If you can wait, you’ll find better discounts on cold-weather styles later in the season.

When Do Labor Day Sales Start?

Labor Day sales typically kick off about two weeks before the holiday, with many promotions already live. As the holiday approaches, expect more brands to launch their sales.

Should You Shop Early Labor Day Sales?

Most retailers maintain consistent discounts throughout their Labor Day sales. However, if you’re looking for summer clearance items, shopping early can offer a wider selection. Just remember that waiting until the holiday weekend allows for better price comparisons across retailers.

When Do Labor Day Sales End?

Labor Day sales generally wrap up once the holiday is over or the day after, so be sure to take advantage of the deals while they last.

Are There Better Deals In-Store or Online?

Both online and in-store shopping offer similar deals during Labor Day. However, online shopping typically provides a broader range of discounts and easier price comparisons. Plus, you can stack promo codes and cash back offers, maximizing your savings.

If you prefer in-store shopping, big box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Macy’s usually have great deals. Just be mindful that in-store stock may dwindle as the holiday weekend progresses.

What Stores Are Open on Labor Day?

While Labor Day is a federal holiday, many big box retailers and grocery stores remain open. However, hours may vary by location, so it’s best to check a store’s website before heading out.

Expert Shopping Tips: How to Make the Most of Labor Day Sales

To ensure you get the best deals without overspending, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Make a Shopping List: Focus on what you need rather than what you want. This will help you avoid impulse purchases.
• Compare Prices: Before buying, check multiple retailers to find the best deal, considering shipping fees and promo codes.
• Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Joining retailer-specific loyalty programs can unlock exclusive discounts and rewards.
• Enroll in Cash Back Programs: Take advantage of cash back offers to save even more on your purchases.
• Consider Using a Credit Card: Some cards offer cash back or points for purchases, providing additional savings.

Conclusion

Labor Day 2024 is not just a time for relaxation and celebration; it’s also an opportunity to score significant savings on a variety of products. By knowing what to buy, what to skip, and how to shop smart, you can make the most of this holiday weekend. Happy shopping!