Why Memorial Day Sales Matter More Than Ever
Memorial Day sales is more than just a long weekend or a time to fire up the grill—it’s also one of the biggest shopping events of the year in the United States. For many, it marks the unofficial start of summer. But for deal hunters, it’s a prime opportunity to snag discounts on everything from mattresses and appliances to patio furniture and tech gear.
What makes Memorial Day sales particularly special is their timing. Retailers use this moment to clear out spring inventory, tease new summer arrivals, and compete aggressively for consumer dollars. The result? Deep discounts and limited-time offers you won’t see again until late summer or Labor Day.
In recent years, I’ve made Memorial Day sales shopping part of my seasonal routine. It’s when I replaced my aging washer and dryer with a high-efficiency model at nearly 40% off. Another year, I scored a complete outdoor patio set that would’ve cost double if I’d waited until June.
What I’ve learned is that the key to winning big during Memorial Day sales sales is preparation. You can’t just wander into a store and hope for the best—especially in 2025, when online shopping is faster, smarter, and often better priced than in-store.
What’s even more exciting is how retailers are expanding their Memorial Day sales windows. It’s no longer limited to a single weekend. Some start the Wednesday before the holiday and extend all the way to the following Tuesday.
That gives shoppers more flexibility, less stress, and a better chance to compare deals. And in a world where inflation and budget-consciousness are top of mind, getting ahead with Memorial Day purchases can be a smart move financially. Think of it not just as shopping—but as strategy.
Categories That Shine During Memorial Day Sales
Some product categories always lead the charge during Memorial Day sales—and knowing which ones to target can make all the difference. Home appliances are among the top discounts every year.
Brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE slash prices on washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. If you’re planning a kitchen or laundry upgrade, this is the time to act. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy typically run sitewide sales with some of the deepest price cuts of the year.
Mattresses are another hot-ticket item. Memorial Day sales has become almost synonymous with mattress sales, and for good reason. Brands like Casper, Tempur-Pedic, and Purple offer hundreds of dollars off select models, with free delivery and trial periods.
Many online mattress retailers also offer bonus items like pillows or mattress protectors. If you’ve been sleeping on an old mattress and waking up sore, this is your moment to invest in better rest without breaking the bank.
Outdoor furniture and grills also dominate Memorial Day sales promotions. With summer just around the corner, this is when retailers clear out last year’s models to make room for new stock. Expect major deals at Walmart, Target, Wayfair, and Amazon.
Whether you’re looking for a new dining set, a fire pit, or a state-of-the-art gas grill, these sales can save you hundreds. I’ve even seen steep markdowns on luxury outdoor brands that rarely go on sale any other time of year.
