3 Shopping Tips for Labor Day

Amanda Peterson

August 28, 2024  •  2 Minute Read

Holidays

Labor Day weekend is known for sales, but keep in mind that not all deals are created equal. Some are genuinely worth your time, while others might be better skipped.

Here’s a quick guide to help you spot the good & bad Labor Day deals — what's worth buying and what to avoid.

Electronics and Appliances

Labor Day is an excellent time to find discounts on electronics and appliances, particularly last year's models. If you've been eyeing a new TV or looking at upgrading your kitchen stove, this could be your chance to grab it at a lower price.

Good Deals:

Retailers are eager to clear out older inventory to make room for new arrivals, so you might snag a good deal on items like TVs and refrigerators.

What to Avoid:

Be cautious of high-priced items that might see even deeper discounts during Black Friday. If you can wait, it might be worth holding off for a better deal in the following months.

Outdoor Gear and Furniture

As summer winds down, outdoor gear and furniture often go on sale. This is an excellent time to upgrade your outdoor space or stock up on camping gear for next year.

Good Deals:

This is the perfect time to score discounts on grills, patio sets, and camping gear as retailers clear out seasonal stock. I will attest to this theory. The husband managed to score a $1200 patio set for $300 last year, shopping Labor Day end of season sales. There are definitely deals to be had.

What to Avoid:

Watch out for deals on lower-quality items that might not hold up over time. Also, avoid making last-minute purchases without doing some research — make sure you're getting a true bargain by comparing prices and checking reviews.

Clothing and Fashion

End-of-season sales make Labor Day weekend a great time to refresh your wardrobe. Stock up for next year or find deals on versatile items you can layer into fall.

Good Deals:

Summer items are typically marked down, making it a great time to update your closet for next year. If you're lucky, you may even find versatile pieces you could wear year round.

What to Avoid:

Fall fashion items are just arriving in stores and are likely at full price. It’s better to wait for these items to hit the clearance racks later in the season, rather than paying a premium now.

For instance, my daughter found a dress she liked while school shopping. It was marked at $17. I told her to put it back. A few months later, it was on the clearance rack (still new, with tags) marked down to $5. We purchased it then and saved $11.

Conclusion

Labor Day sales offer a mix of good and bad deals, so it’s important to shop smart. By focusing on specific categories like outdoor furniture, home improvement supplies, and last year model appliances, you can keep some money in your pocket. However, it’s equally important to avoid impulse buying (just because it's "on-sale") and to consider waiting on items that may be cheaper later in the year. With a bit of planning, you can make Labor Day weekend a time of smart shopping and real savings. Keep following us here at CreditSoup.com for more tips on saving money!