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Best Things to Buy in August 2024
Look for hot deals on laptops, air conditioners, barbecues and booze
AARP (Source: Getty Images (8))
It may be hard to get relief from the dog days of summer, but this month shoppers may get some relief from high prices on products ranging from laptops to gardening tools, if they know where to look.
“August is a relatively slow month for deals,” says Kimberly Palmer, a consumer expert with Nerdwallet. “But there are definitely some standouts.”
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Most of the bargains will be on end-of-season summer goods, as retailers continue clearing out inventory and floor space to make room for fall merchandise. Shoppers can also expect to see the launch of early Labor Day sales at the end of the month. The three-day weekend starting on August 30 is an opportunity to find deals on bigger-ticket items like mattresses and appliances.
There are two fun “holidays” to watch for in August. National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day falls on August 4, where you might see deals or freebies from the likes of Crumbl and Levain. And, National Frozen Custard Day arrives on August 8, which brings potential deals from 16Handles and Pinkberry.
You can also take advantage of sales tax holidays offered in 14 states this month.
Here’s what else to keep an eye out for if you’re looking for deals this month.
Laptops
Aside from Black Friday, back-to-school season is the best time of year to purchase a new computer. The markdowns are meant for students, but anyone can take advantage of the deals. Interested in saving more? Consider a refurbished model.
“If you have a big electronics purchase to make that [tax-free weekend] is the time to do it,” advises Sarah Jankowski, director of user growth and integrated marketing at Shopkick.
Where to look for deals: Dell, HP, BJ’s
Potential savings: About 30 percent off
Patio furniture
While prices on patio furniture will likely fall further after September, the selection declines as well. August is the sweet spot for getting a good price with more items to choose from.
Where to look for deals: Wayfair, Kohl’s, local shops
Potential savings: up to 70 percent off
Barbecues
Like patio furniture, grills and their accessories may be further discounted through the fall. That said, if you purchase one now, you’ll still enjoy a lower-than-average price — and potentially have a few more weeks to use it before it gets too cold to eat outside.
Where to look for deals: Lowe’s, Costco, Weber
Potential savings: Up to 60 percent off
Lawns and garden equipment
Retailers are discounting everything from large equipment like lawnmowers to smaller items like pots, planters and handheld tools like spades and tillers. Even if you’re wrapping up your gardening for the season, it’s a great time to stock up on supplies for next year.
“Especially with stores that specialize in gardening, this is their last chance to move all of their summer inventory,” says Palmer. “You’re going to see sales on everything that you need for a garden, before they close down and shift gears for winter.”
Where to look for deals: Sam’s Club, John Deere, local garden centers
Potential savings: 10 to 20 percent off
Pool and beach gear
Retailers know they only have a few weeks left to sell items such as floats, towels and chaise longues. That means, you’re likely to find them marked at the lowest prices of the season.
“Stock up on any pool toys you can,” Palmer says. “And look for sales on anything related to swimming, like bathing suits and goggles.”
Where to look for deals: CVS, Target, HomeGoods
Potential savings: 30 to 60 percent off
Air conditioners
Even though temperatures remain elevated this month, retailers know they’re unlikely to sell many more air conditioners in 2024. Given that these can be higher-ticket items, retailers may be eager to mark them down to recoup potential losses on unsold inventory.
Where to look for deals: Home Depot, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart
Potential savings: 30 to 40 percent off
Booze
Labor Day marks the last big party weekend of the season, so retailers may be looking to move beer, wine or liquor before sales start to slow in the fall. You’ll find deals across the board but there may be better discounts on summertime drinks like rosé or seasonal summer ales and shandies.
Where to look for deals: Total Wine, local liquor stores, supermarkets
Potential savings: 20 percent off
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