Summer is known for vacations, backyard barbecues, and trips to the beach, but it is also one of the best seasons to save money on certain purchases. During the warm-weather season, retailers cut prices to make room for new inventory or to take advantage of an influx of people in their stores. Consumers in the know can get significant discounts on everything from electronics to household items. For those who know they need to purchase a particular product, timing their purchase around these sales cycles can be advantageous. Here are eight things you should consider buying during the summer months for the best deals.
Grills and Outdoor Cooking Equipment
New grills come into stores months before summer, assuming customers will plan ahead for the summer season. Many consumers purchase a new grill in anticipation of the season, and have it set up and ready to go for those warm-weather BBQs. But after this pre summer surge in grill purchases, retailers begin discounting certain models as the summer progresses. After all, stores are eager to clear inventory before fall merchandise arrives and aisles are covered in autumn leaves and pumpkin-inspired items. If you’re in the market for a new grill, plan accordingly and shop when mid-to-late summer sales are in full swing. Shoppers can save impressive amounts on grills, smokers, and outdoor cooking-related accessories. Patio furniture sets are discounted alongside BBQ equipment. If you have been thinking about upgrading your backyard setup, summer can be the best time to buy.
Mattresses
Major mattress retailers are famous for holding large sales around summer-adjacent holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. These promotions seem to be plastered all over our TVs to an obnoxious degree, yet they do include some steep discounts. If you need any sleep-related products, these deals are worth checking out, even if you have to brave the sales team. Stores offer extras like free delivery and accessories (pillows, mattress protectors, etc.). Mattress companies know that people generally have more time on their hands to think about large purchases during the summer months. And because all mattress stores engage in these promotions, competition can drive prices even lower. If you’re getting a mattress anyway, it’s well worth waiting until these mega sales take effect. Proper timing can easily save hundreds of dollars.
Patio Furniture
Like grills, patio furniture is in demand in the months leading up to summer, as people prepare their backyard setup for summertime fun. But during the summer, retailers start discounting items. By July and August, stores often reduce prices significantly. They have to clear inventory, as Christmas merchandise would look silly displayed next to wicker patio chairs. This can be an excellent opportunity to buy any outdoor furniture, from dining sets to lounge chairs to umbrellas. If you’re starting from scratch or need an entirely new setup, you can likely save over $1000. Keep in mind that the selection may narrow later in the season, but if you’re willing to sacrifice slightly, bargains can be plentiful. Waiting until mid to late summer to redecorate your patio can lead to heavy savings.
School Supplies
Luckily, school supplies are at their best prices when everyone is prepping to go back to school. It seems that these days, the entirety of summer is back-to-school season. This period of time creates some of the year’s lowest prices on office supplies. This includes basic classroom fare like notebooks, pens, and highlighters, as well as equipment like printers and laptops. These discounts are marketed towards those with school aged children, but they can benefit anyone with office supply needs. You might think “I’ll just buy 2 notebooks to start and get more in a few months”, but stocking up in the summer season can help you avoid paying higher prices later. Consider purchasing enough discounted supplies to last for an entire year.
Appliances
Many stores introduce new appliances in the fall, to align with Christmas shopping. This seasonal timeline prompts retailers to discount current appliances throughout the summer, driven heavily by Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day sales. You can find refrigerators, dishwashers, and washer/dryers all marked down. And because appliances are almost always the priciest items in our homes, it can be worth pre-planning to replace aging appliances in the summertime. Holiday weekends sometimes mean additional promotions, as well as financing offers (though we recommend waiting until you can pay for the appliance outright). If you don’t care about having the newest refrigerator on the market, shop during the warm-weather months when you can get a good deal on an older or current model. The discounted models are still excellent products.
Laptops and Computers
Back-to-school promotions aren’t just for three-subject notebooks and number 2 pencils (do kids still use those?). These sales include great deals on computers and electronics too. Retailers know that when students are shopping for folders and highlighters, their parents are with them. They take advantage of this by offering mom and dad discounts too, with numerous devices on clearance. These promotions aren’t just for basic laptops; they extend to monitors, accessories, and software. Even people who are not students can take advantage of the sales. If you notice your current computer is slowing down in February, try to hang in there until summer for optimal savings.
Gym Memberships and Fitness Equipment
Many people focus on fitness goals at the beginning of the year, which means gyms and stores selling gym equipment know you’re willing to pay full price for memberships and products. They still might offer January promotions, but they don’t have to work too hard to get customers in the doors. By summer, that New Year’s get-in-shape passion has cooled somewhat. During this slower season, some businesses offer promotions to attract new customers. Gyms market discounted memberships and waive enrollment fees. Retailers of exercise equipment mark down inventory as demand drops. It might be best to reassess your health goals during the summer, instead of the first of the year.
Linens and Bedding
Historically, department stores held so-called “white sales” during the summer months. Though the popularity of traditional department stores has drastically dwindled, stores still have big bedding sales, even across online platforms. These events have discounts on all things bedding, including sheets, comforters, and pillowcases. Other items like towels or curtains might also be included. We all need new sheets periodically (maybe for that new mattress purchased over Memorial Day), so anytime you’re in the market for bedding, remember summer is the time to buy. It’s nice to know you can partake in small luxuries like upgraded bedding while staying within budget.
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