Plan ahead now for snagging the best Labor Day sales
Don't spend your Labor Day weekend laboring at work, at home or in the yard. Instead, put your energy toward some serious bargain hunting.
These tips will help you shop Labor Day sales like a pro.
Plan, plan and plan some more
Savvy shoppers know that the first step in saving big is spotting a super sale.
In the days and weeks ahead of Labor Day, sign up for email lists offered by your favorite retailers and even follow their social media pages. This way, you'll never miss news about a deal.
Last year, retailers rolled out sales a whole week before Labor Day even arrived. And with stores competing to entice customers, it's a pretty sure bet you'll see a similar trend again this year.
But your work isn't done once you've zeroed in on a sale event you like. Always read the fine print of any deal, as you may need to enter a specific coupon code or have a physical coupon in-hand at checkout to guarantee you'll get the advertised price. Familiarize yourself with a retailer's return policy before you buy, too.
Stay home and shop online
To maximize your Labor Day savings, hit the Web instead of the retail store floor.
Browsing online makes it easier to compare product prices across an endless selection of stores and search for any applicable coupon codes. Plus, if you bundle your items right, you might be able to reach a retailer's free shipping minimum. Target, for example, offers free shipping on orders of $25 or more, and Wal-Mart's threshold is $35.
Choose clothing carefully
The beginning of September is one of the best times to score summer clothes at a steal.
And if popular apparel and accessory retailers offer deals this year that are anything close to last year, you could be in for a real treat. In 2014, for example, Aeropostale marked down the entire store by 50% to 70%; Old Navy boasted 50% savings on online and in-store purchases; and Banana Republic offered a coupon code shoppers could input to take 40% off entire orders.
But be careful when shopping for clothes suitable for cooler weather. Historically, fall apparel prices reach their lowest levels a little bit later, usually in October.
Know what to buy (and what not to buy)
Clothes aren't the only thing to think about on this shopping holiday. Don't get taken in by slashed prices and flashing sale signs, because not every sale will be a good deal.
Here are a few products you should skip buying on Labor Day:
• Electronics. If you really want a great price on a new gaming system or laptop, hold off a little while longer. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is historically known to have the lowest prices on small consumer electronics.
• Bedding and linens. If you can postpone your purchase of sheets and comforters, you'll find the lowest prices on linens in January when department stores host their annual "white sales."
Here are a few products you can probably get good deals on:
• School supplies. School may have already started, which means stores are ready to move academic-related products off their shelves. Use this weekend to check off the last few items on your back-to-school list.
• Grills. Summer nights (and summer cookouts) are coming to a close, so now is a good time to stock up on affordable outdoor essentials.
• Holiday airfare. If you're planning on traveling this Thanksgiving or Christmas, Labor Day discounts will help you book your holiday trip for less.
Where we'll be shopping this year
• Amazon. Whether you need to purchase a new grill or a backpack, Amazon is your one-stop shop. It'll be announcing tons of new limited-time sales and deals in the weeks leading up to Labor Day, so make sure to check frequently. Amazon is also offering a special "Off to College" section that might be of particular interest to students heading back to school.
• Staples. If you're looking for back-to-school supplies, Staples is probably your best bet. Not only will it be offering deep discounts over the long weekend, it'll also have tons of savings available in the weeks leading up to Labor Day.
• JCPenney. Is last year's school uniform looking a little shabby? Maybe you need a new pair of kicks. Whatever it is you're shopping for, JCPenney will be a great option this holiday weekend. Last year, the department store discounted clothing, furniture and home decor. Plus, all Labor Day weekend long, shoppers can take 20% off with their JCPenney Credit Card or 15% off with any other form of payment.
• Macy's. Beginning Sept 2., the department store will launch a Labor Day furniture and mattress sale. Shoppers can even reserve their purchases now before the sale begins.
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