What to Buy During Memorial Day Sales

What to Buy During Memorial Day Sales: Smart Deals for Your Home, Wardrobe, and Pantry

Memorial Day weekend brings more than BBQs and a break from routine—it’s one of the best times to score deals on everything from appliances and outdoor gear to groceries and seasonal clothes. If you’re planning to shop, you’ll want to know where the real savings are and what to skip until later in the year.

Retailers use the long weekend to kick off summer sales, and if you know what to look for, you can save hundreds, or even thousands on home upgrades, summer essentials, and your next grocery haul.

Let me break down the categories that consistently offer the best Memorial Day deals—and where you should consider stocking up.

1. Major Appliances

Big box stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, and even Costco run some of the deepest discounts of the year on refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and ranges. Expect 20–40% off, plus free delivery and haul-away offers.

Quick Tip:
Last year’s models often carry the biggest discounts without much difference in features. Ask about open box deals too, they are often like new and come with full warranties.

2. Mattresses and Bedding

Memorial Day is one of the best times to buy a mattress. Whether you’re eyeing a hybrid, memory foam, or adjustable base, retailers slash prices and throw in extras like pillows or sheets. Don’t be afraid to bring in your flyers and ask for them to meet or beat the competition.

Don’t Miss:
Retailers like Casper, Saatva, and Mattress Firm often have flash sales. Keep an eye out and act fast if you find a good one.

3. Outdoor Furniture and Patio Upgrades

This is prime time for upgrading your outdoor space. You’ll find markdowns on dining sets, hammocks, loungers, umbrellas, and more.

Bonus Savings:
Many retailers offer bundle discounts (table + chairs + cushions), which adds up quickly.

4. Grills and Outdoor Cooking Equipment

Memorial Day signals the start of grilling season. Expect great deals on gas and charcoal grills, smokers, pizza ovens, and accessories.

Best Places to Shop:
Check Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and even Amazon for deals. Many offer free assembly or delivery.

5. Tools and DIY Supplies

If you’ve got summer projects planned, this is your weekend. Power tools, tool sets, and accessories from brands like DeWalt, Ryobi, and Milwaukee are heavily discounted.

Helpful Hint:
Be sure to compare kits, they are often a better deal than buying pieces individually.

6. Clothing and Shoes

Retailers are moving out spring stock, which means great prices on sandals, shorts, tees, and light layers. You can find 30–60% off at stores like Old Navy, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom.

Best Buys:
Stock up on staples like underwear, workout clothes, and kids’ summer outfits.

7. Electronics and Smart Home Gadgets

While Memorial Day isn’t the biggest tech sale of the year, you’ll still find solid deals on TVs, Bluetooth speakers, smart doorbells, and home security kits.

Watch For:
Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart often mark down previous-gen models to move inventory.

8. Travel and Luggage

With summer vacations around the corner, Memorial Day is ideal for grabbing new luggage or backpacks—and some travel sites even offer flight and hotel deals.

9. Groceries and BBQ Staples

Don’t skip the grocery store! Memorial Day weekend brings amazing grocery deals—especially on items perfect for cookouts and summer meals.

Look for sales on:

Hamburger and hot dog buns
Ground beef, steaks, chicken, and ribs
Ketchup, mustard, and other condiments
Watermelon, strawberries, and seasonal fruits
Chips, soda, and picnic-ready snacks
Charcoal and propane tanks
Ice cream and frozen treats
Paper goods and disposable tableware

Smart Shopping Tip:
Many stores run “buy one, get one free” (BOGO) deals and multi-buy discounts, so be sure to check my article for a detail list of What to Buy and Stock Up on in May.

What Not to Buy on Memorial Day

While you’ll find great prices on many things, some items are better purchased later:

Back-to-school supplies: These don’t hit rock-bottom prices until mid-July or early August.
Back to School Sales What You Need to Stockpile
How to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies: 10 Practical Tips
Fall fashion: It’s too early for meaningful markdowns—wait until October or November.
How to Save Money on Fall Clothing for the Family
New-release electronics: You’ll save more during summer clearance events or Black Friday.
Cold-weather gear: Unless it’s on clearance, you’ll find better prices in the fall.

Shopping Tips to Maximize Memorial Day Deals

✅ Make a List

Avoid impulse buys by planning ahead. Know what you’re looking for and set a budget.

✅ Compare Prices

Don’t assume the first deal is the best. Use tools like Google Shopping or price trackers to see what others are charging.

✅ Use Coupons and Cashback Sites

Retailers often stack promo codes or offer cash back. Check Rakuten, Honey, or your credit card perks for extra savings.

✅ Shop Early

Popular items can sell out fast—especially big-ticket appliances and furniture bundles. Start checking sales the week before Memorial Day.

✅ Check Return Policies

Especially for large items like mattresses or grills, understand restocking fees, return windows, and warranty terms.