Staying Fit
After weeks of relatively ho-hum deals for shoppers, May marks the return of some major shopping holidays. With Mother’s Day in the middle of the month and Memorial Day at the end, you can find a whole host of products on sale throughout May.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend your holiday weekend hitting the stores to take advantage of many of the biggest Memorial Day sales, since lots of stores begin their promotions a week or more before the holiday itself.
“It’s a good idea to start looking for sales around mid-May,” says Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews. “You’ll see sales on virtually everything, including large and small appliances, mattresses and clothing.”
One “bonus” holiday to keep in mind: May 4. If you or your loved ones are Star Wars fans, you’ll find some extra deals on May 4, as retailers capitalize on the pun “May the fourth be with you.” (Look for sales online or at stores like Target or Kohl’s.)
Can’t tell the difference between a Mandalorian and a Millennium Falcon? Look for deals on these items instead in May.
1. Small electronics
The closer you get to Mother’s Day, the smaller the discounts you’ll see on traditional Mother’s Day gifts like jewelry and flowers, Ramhold says. But you will be able to find more substantial discounts on less traditional gifts that Mom will still enjoy, including tech items like headphones, cellphones and e-readers.
Where to find deals: Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon
Potential savings: Up to 60 percent off, depending on the product
2. Grills
May is National Barbecue Month, and Memorial Day is the unofficial start of cookout season, so it’s a great time to find deals on a new grill. In addition to shopping on price, Jeanette Pavini, author of The Joy of Saving, suggests looking for a retailer that will throw in free delivery and assembly, or even haul away your old grill without an extra charge.
Where to find deals: Lowe’s, Walmart, local hardware stores
Potential savings: Up to 40 percent off
3. Patio furniture
Retailers are also hoping you’ll pick up some new outdoor tables and chairs for your guests to enjoy whatever you’re preparing on that grill. Some stores will offer discounts on full sets, while others might have larger discounts on specific pieces.
