AARP Hearing Center

June 20 marks the official start of summer — and if bargain hunters can squeeze in some shopping between beach trips and barbecues, there are some great deals out there.
Consumers will see nice discounts for Father’s Day, high school and college graduations, and wedding season, as well as some high-profile semiannual sales in June. Read on for a list of products that typically go on sale this month.
Spring clothing
Retailers are eager to make room for warmer-weather clothing. Although markdowns began in May, you’ll see even bigger discounts in June on spring apparel like light jackets, pastel dresses and floral prints.
“When shopping end-of-season clothing sales, don’t let the allure of lower prices tempt you to waste money on trendy items that won’t look current when next spring rolls around,” advises Kay Harms, a stylist who specializes in dressing women over 50. “Instead, focus on elevated basics like solid-colored tees, lightweight layering pieces you can continue to wear through the summer, and jackets and jeans you can wear again in the fall.”
While you may find a slimmer selection toward the end of the month, you’ll also find the steepest price cuts. Check outlet stores for additional savings.
Where to find deals: J.Crew, Nordstrom, JCPenney
Potential savings: Up to 80 percent off
Lingerie
In addition to great deals on underwear, you’ll find discounts on adjacent products such as robes, pajamas and other loungewear. Harms suggests focusing on items that you can wear year-round, rather than apparel you might wear for only a short while before the colder months arrive.
“Victoria’s Secret leads the way in this category with its semiannual sale [that typically occurs in June], but then all of its competitor retailers and brands mimic a lot of those discounts,” says Kimberly Palmer, a consumer expert with NerdWallet.
Where to find deals: Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, Soma Intimates
Potential savings: Up to 60 percent off
Cookware
Our Place and Williams Sonoma typically host semiannual sales in June. Their competitors often follow suit with their own promotions on pots, pans and other kitchen essentials throughout the month, making it a great time to stock up on wedding gifts or presents for grandchildren who recently graduated from college and are moving into their first apartment. You’ll find the best deals on cookware sets, but you can also score discounts on individual pieces, says Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews.
Where to find deals: Macy’s, Sur La Table, Made In Cookware
Potential savings: 20 percent to 30 percent off
Athletic apparel
With the weather heating up, buying a few new activewear items may help motivate you to start exercising outdoors more and reach your fitness goals. (The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity movement for those age 65 and older.) You’ll see discounts this month on athletic apparel such as sports bras, tank tops and shorts.
More From AARP
25 Great Ways to Save at Warehouse Clubs
Learn how to make the most of a Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s Wholesale Club membership
9 Big-Ticket Purchases Retirees Often Regret
Think twice before pulling the trigger on that boat or RV
The 10 Best Things to Buy Used
Used pet supplies, patio furniture, books and lots more can save you big bucks