Memorial Day is a time to reflect and pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives fighting to protect ours. Each year, families and friends get together to toast to freedom. That used to look like big gatherings and barbecuing, but it may look a little different this year. However, there are still ways to celebrate. Plus, on the retail side, there are still discounts and deals for everyone to enjoy!
RETAILMENOT'S MEMORIAL DAY DEALS BY CATEGORY:
I caught up with Sara Skirboll, RetailMeNot's Shopping and Trends Expert. She told me that Memorial Day weekend sales break down into four solid categories: mattresses, outdoor entertaining, small appliances and apparel.
MATTRESSES:
For mattresses, I know many people used to enjoy testing them out in store and in person, but you can snag awesome deals online. Sara said, "You just have to make sure you read the fine print. Know if you can return your item, what your window is. And the good news is that there are lots of deep discounts. Wayfair, for instance, is offering up to 70% off. Mattress Firm is offering 16% cashback plus an additional 11% off."
SMALL APPLIANCES:
Next, check out small appliances. With recent graduations and Father's Day around the corner, retailers know you might be thinking about gifts for others. That means discounts for you on those items! "Think Instant Pot. Think KitchenAid mixers. Think Air Fryers. So, you'll get really deep discounts at places like Lowe's, 40% off appliances. Home Depot has up to 20% off all kitchen appliances. Also, Macy's is having a huge Memorial Day blowout sale, 20% off most items in store," Sara shared.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING:
When it comes to outdoor entertaining, you have many options. Sara said, "Bed Bath and Beyond is having up to 40 percent off select dining items if you want to pick up some things for the backyard barbecue. Pier 1 has 20% cash back. At Home Depot, get a new grill or outdoor furniture for up to 40% off."
Sara shared that when it comes to apparel, many retailers that don't normally offer sales on clothes and shoes may surprise you this time around. However, you need to steer clear of summer apparel and swimwear. Those discounts will be better in the fall.
Also, Sara advises you to wait on electronics. Those are typically best during Black Friday. The second best time is on Amazon Prime Day, and we're hearing, unofficially, that might be pushed back to August.
On the RetailMeNot site, you can see the best deals by category, as well as cashback offers. Click here to view.
Know that more stores are opening here in Arizona, places like Biltmore Fashion Park, Burlington, DSW Shoes, several outlets, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack. Last Chance and more! Be sure to check with your retailer to see if they're open before you drive over.
FOOD DEALS FOR MEMORIAL DAY:
Just in case you're only wanting grub deals, we've got you covered too! Click here to view a list of food deals, freebies, and coupons from Offers.com.
OTHER MEMORIAL DAY DEALS:
Click here to view Memorial Day discounts from DealNews, and click here to see other holiday sales from Consumer Reports.