Best Things to Buy in September 2025

Don’t miss out on Labor Day sales and end-of-summer deals this month

Beth Braverman,

AARP

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Published August 29, 2025

a collage of things on sale in september, including swimwear, cosmetics, appliances and luggage

AARP (Getty Images, 2; Shutterstock, 3)

Temperatures may be beginning to cool, but retailers are offering some hot deals, especially on big-ticket purchases and summer merchandise.

“Many people don’t think of it as a great month for shopping, but September brings a whole range of opportunities to score major savings, whether you’re shopping for seasonal essentials, planning ahead for the holidays or looking to check off a few of those big-ticket items,” says Stefanie Carls, a retail analyst at coupon website RetailMeNot.

Shoppers can expect end-of-summer clearance sales on many warm-weather goods. They’ll also see appliances and other high-priced items on sale over Labor Day weekend, with some retailers extending their holiday sales through the first week of the month.

Ready to find the best deals? Here is a list of products that will go on sale in September.

Smart speakers

If you’re looking for an easier way to stay in touch with your loved ones, smart speakers may be the answer. You can use this voice-activated technology to make and receive calls without fumbling with buttons or holding a device to your ear, in addition to listening to music and audiobooks.

Many electronics companies roll out new products in the fall, so retailers often drop prices in September to clear out older models. You can cut costs even further, Carls says, by trading in old smart speakers for a gift card that you can put toward new ones or by buying refurbished smart speakers.

Where to look for deals: Amazon, Costco, Walmart

Potential savings: 20 to 25 percent off

Summer apparel and swimwear

This month, you’ll find the best prices of the year on summer clothing, including shorts, swimsuits and tank tops, as retailers seek to free up racks for cooler-weather apparel. Expect large price cuts — and the best selection — during Labor Day sales, says Vipin Porwal, founder and CEO of shopping rewards app Smarty.

Where to look for deals: JCPenney, Kohl’s, Target

Potential savings: Up to 80 percent off

Luggage

With summer travel wrapping up, many retailers offer discounts on suitcases, duffel bags and travel accessories in September. That makes this month a good time to purchase new luggage, especially if you’re planning to take a trip to visit family or friends for the holidays.

“Going back to the summer theme, luggage that’s in brighter colors might be marked down a little bit more than the others,” Carls says.

Where to look for deals: Away, Samsonite, Tumi

Potential savings: 20 to 35 percent off

Mattresses

If your bed is worn out, consider shopping for a new one over Labor Day. “We actually see mattress retailers and also department stores have some of their biggest mattress sales on Labor Day weekend,” says Kimberly Palmer, a spokesperson with personal finance website NerdWallet.

Mattress retailers may also offer perks in September, such as complimentary delivery or free pillows or other bedding. And there might be room to negotiate. Consumer Reports recently surveyed more than 6,000 of its members and found that of the 22 percent brave enough to haggle, nearly 70 percent were successful, saving a median of $258.

Where to look for deals: Nectar, Saatva, Sealy

Potential savings: Up to 50 percent off

Smartphones

Google launched its Pixel 10 on Aug. 20, and retail analysts expect Apple to unveil its iPhone 17 series in the first half of September. So expect stores to lower prices on older models and offer promotions on the new phones to motivate customers to upgrade.

“Some phone plans also feature senior discounts, so it’s worth checking on that too,” Palmer says.

Where to look for deals: AT&T, Best Buy, T-Mobile

Potential savings: 10 to 15 percent off older models

Large appliances

Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and other large appliances see significant markdowns over Labor Day weekend. “The appliance sales sometimes extend even a few days beyond the Labor Day weekend itself, so you can find deals later in that week,” Palmer says. You may be able to score a larger discount by purchasing two or more appliances from the same manufacturer or retailer.

If you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, take note: Some appliances offer features that accommodate aging in place, such as refrigerators with side-by-side doors and drawer-style dishwashers that make for easier loading and unloading.

Where to look for deals: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair

Potential savings: 25 to 40 percent off

Cosmetics

Makeup and skincare companies recognize that many people change their beauty routines when the season changes, Carls says. Take the opportunity to stock up on discounted products with more of a summer feel, like tinted sunscreens, thicker moisturizers or powders that stand up to humidity.

Where to look for deals: Credo Beauty, Sephora, Ulta

Potential savings: Up to 50 percent off

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Beth Braverman is a contributing writer who has covered shopping and personal finance for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in Consumer Reports, CNNMoney.com, CNBC.com, and dozens of other outlets.