August can be a great month to save, with back-to-school promotions underway and early Labor Day deals beginning to appear.
Consumer Reports says shoppers can find discounts on everything from school supplies to major home purchases—but timing matters.
As summer winds down, many families are trading beach bags for backpacks. Consumer Reports says August is one of the best times to stock up on pencils, notebooks, backpacks, children’s clothing, dorm furniture, and other school essentials.
Consumer Reports shopping expert Samantha Gordon says back-to-school prices can change throughout the month, so it’s important to watch the items you need and buy when the price drops. Waiting too long could also mean finding fewer choices as popular products disappear from store shelves.
August is also when many retailers begin offering early Labor Day discounts. Shoppers can often find lower prices on large appliances and mattresses, along with sitewide sales on other home products.
Based on Consumer Reports’ price-tracking data, vacuums, grills, and freezers are also likely to see discounts around the holiday weekend.
For other major purchases, however, it may pay to wait. Consumer Reports says the holiday sales season has been starting earlier, with major promotions often appearing in October from Amazon and other retailers.
The bottom line: buy school essentials before shelves get picked over, watch for Labor Day deals on home items, and consider holding off on other big purchases until early holiday sales begin.
One more tip for parents: check your child’s required school-supply list before shopping. That can help you avoid buying items you don’t need—and prevent a last-minute scramble later.