Labor Day marks a rare opportunity to stretch your dollars further, especially when every purchase promises lasting value.
Whether you are planning for retirement or already enjoying it, strategic shopping right now can stretch into months or even years of utility and enjoyment. For savvy shopping shortcuts, this is a great way to save more money and still treat yourself wisely.
From mattresses to travel, tech to home essentials, these 12 standout deals are worthy of your attention.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Mattresses
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Labor Day is the prime time to upgrade sleep, and mattress discounts often range from 30% to 60% off, sometimes bundled with pillows or bedding. Retailers like Macy's, Mattress Firm, and
Costco carries deep discounts; online brands such as Saatva and Nectar are also offering promotional codes this weekend. Investing in a good mattress today means better sleep for years to come, perfect for strengthening mind and body in retirement.
For instance, there's a Beautyrest Queen-sized mattress at Macy's that's 56% off right now, an absolute steal at $387.00.
Home Appliances
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Major appliances are often discounted up to 35% off around this holiday. Lowe's, Home Depot, Maytag, Best Buy, and LG are all rolling out deep markdowns on washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers, which are for replacing aging units before winter.
Save over $200 on this Whirlpool Dryer at Lowe's, which has a 4.4-star rating and is a fan-favorite bestseller.
LG Smart TV
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LG's early release of its Labor Day event promises bargains on smart TVs, kitchen appliances, and washer-dryer bundles, with exclusive email-only offers and bonus delivery options.
Signing up now through the LG website could unlock the best savings.
Patio Furniture & Grills
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As summer winds down, outdoor gear like patio furniture and grills head for markdown, which is perfect timing if you're planning fall gatherings. Look for clear-out prices at Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, and Amazon.
This 3-piece outdoor bistro set from Walmart is a particularly great deal for the upcoming fall months, at only $49.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
Kitchen Appliances
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From air fryers to smart assistants, small appliances and home-tech gear are frequently discounted. Best Buy and Amazon often have summer clearance pricing that continues into Labor Day, making this a good time to upgrade convenience.
For instance, the reliable brand Ninja has a 4-quart air fryer for less than $90 this Labor Day on Amazon.
Clothing & Apparel
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Many retailers are offering sizable discounts, especially on comfortable classics like REI, Gap, Lululemon, J.Crew, UNTUCKit, and LOFT, as well as most major brands and retailers, which have Labor Day markdowns.
LOFT has lots of deals at 40% off, like this gorgeous Dotted Tulle Blouse for $50 that can elevate any look.
Health & Wellness Items
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Oral hygiene and air filtration items, such as the Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush, are available for a discounted price at Best Buy.
Also, bedside air purifiers sometimes sell at record-low prices during Labor Day. While not as flashy, they have some great daily wellness benefits, especially for seasoned shoppers.
Indoor Furniture
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Stores like Ashley Furniture, Joybird, and other major home stores are discounting area rugs, sofas, and more during their Labor Day sales, which is great for refreshing rooms before colder months arrive.
One great product from Ashley Furniture this Labor Day is this reclining loveseat, on sale for $1,699.98, compared to its original $2,399.97.
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Travel Deals
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Labor Day is also a travel deal season, with many end-of-summer deals available. That's also when airlines and hotels discount for fall and winter travel, which is perfect for retirees with flexibility.
Check Expedia, Southwest Airlines, and hotel email lists for limited-time flash offers that can be up to 50% off.
Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke
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Thoughtful planning can help you maximize your travel experience without draining your wallet. Here are some tips on how to balance your adventure with a budget:
- Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for lower prices
- Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
- Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
- Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself
You never know where your most memorable moments will come from. So consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience to find the things that are truly worth your money.
Outdoor & Tools
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If you have held off on fall prep, this is the time to stock up on tools, garden equipment, and even lawn gear, as they are often marked down during Labor Day sales at Home Depot and Lowe's.
Home Depot, in particular, has tools, outdoor power equipment, lawn mowers, leaf blowers (such as this one for $50), and power tool kits on sale.
Rugs & Bedding
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Looking for comfort underfoot this upcoming fall? Rugs, throws, and bedding often see markdowns up to 30% or more.
Wayfair and Ruggable, for example, are including soft goods in their Labor Day markdowns, such as this beautiful Persian rug, now 54% off, bringing its price to less than $90 on Wayfair's website.
Technology
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Labor Day is not just about mattresses and grills; it is also a prime time for tech upgrades. Apple products rarely go on deep sale, but right now, you can find the Apple iPad A16 for as low as $299 (down from $349) on Amazon, and the AirPods 4 are also available for only $99 on Amazon.
Bottom line
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Labor Day only comes once a year, and the smartest shoppers focus on items that combine big discounts with long-term usefulness.
Whether you are upgrading appliances, refreshing your home, or booking a winter getaway, these deals can help you get more for your money. Stack them with the best cash back credit cards to stretch your savings even further.
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Annual Fee
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Drawbacks
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- No bonus categories
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