Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and one of the most important sales events on the retail calendar. It ranks just behind Black Friday and Prime Day for total consumer spending, and in certain product categories like mattresses, large appliances, and outdoor furniture, Memorial Day offers the best deals of the entire year. For restock hunters, this weekend represents a convergence of deep discounts, inventory clearance, and seasonal transitions that creates genuine buying opportunities.
What makes Memorial Day sales different from other shopping events is the breadth of categories affected. Black Friday is dominated by electronics. Prime Day is Amazon-centric. Memorial Day touches everything: mattresses, TVs, major appliances, fashion, outdoor gear, sneakers, home improvement, and more. The three-day weekend also gives shoppers more time to compare and purchase, which means deals tend to last longer than the flash-sale format of Black Friday.
This guide covers every major Memorial Day deal category, identifies which discounts are genuine versus inflated, provides a retailer-by-retailer breakdown, and shares the restock strategies that will maximize your savings over the long weekend.
What Actually Goes on Sale for Memorial Day
Not every “Memorial Day Sale” represents a genuine deal. Understanding which categories see real discounts versus marketing-inflated prices is essential.
Categories with Genuine Memorial Day Discounts
| Category | Typical Discount | Why It’s Discounted | Best Retailers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattresses | 20-40% | Industry tradition, new models incoming | Direct brands, Mattress Firm |
| Large appliances | 20-40% | Seasonal clearance, new model transitions | Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy |
| TVs | 15-30% | Continued CES model transition | Best Buy, Amazon, Costco |
| Outdoor furniture | 20-35% | Peak season stock push | Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair |
| Fashion | 25-50% | Spring clearance, summer inventory | Nordstrom, Gap, J.Crew |
| Sneakers | 20-40% (select) | Spring model clearance | Nike.com, adidas, Foot Locker |
| Grills and outdoor | 10-25% | Season-opening promotions | Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon |
| Home improvement | 15-30% | Summer project season | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
Categories to Be Cautious About
| Category | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Laptops | Modest discounts; wait for back-to-school or Prime Day |
| Smartphones | Carrier deals only; no significant unlocked phone deals |
| Gaming consoles | Rarely discounted for Memorial Day |
| Apple products | Minimal if any discounts; other shopping events are better |
| Luxury goods | Marketing-only “sales” with minimal real discounts |
Mattresses: The Marquee Memorial Day Purchase
Memorial Day has been the premier mattress shopping weekend for decades. The tradition is so ingrained that mattress brands plan their annual promotional calendar around it. If you are in the market for a new mattress, this is the time to buy.
Why Memorial Day Mattress Deals Are Real
Several factors make Memorial Day mattress deals genuine:
- New model introductions: Many brands update their lines in spring, making outgoing models available at clearance prices
- Competition: The mattress industry is intensely competitive, and Memorial Day is when brands fight hardest for market share
- Sales targets: Mattress retailers have Q2 targets to hit, and Memorial Day weekend is their biggest Q2 event
- Consumer expectation: Shoppers expect deals and will not buy without them, so brands comply
Memorial Day Mattress Deals by Type
| Brand/Type | Regular Price | Memorial Day Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casper Original (Queen) | $1,100-1,300 | $750-900 | 25-35% |
| Purple Mattress (Queen) | $1,400-1,600 | $1,000-1,200 | 20-30% |
| Tempur-Pedic (Queen) | $2,000-3,000 | $1,600-2,400 | 15-25% |
| Saatva Classic (Queen) | $1,400-1,700 | $1,100-1,400 | 20-30% |
| Nectar (Queen) | $800-1,000 | $500-700 | 30-40% |
| Tuft & Needle (Queen) | $700-900 | $500-650 | 25-35% |
Mattress shopping tips:
- Most online mattress brands offer 100-night trial periods, making the purchase low-risk
- Compare prices across the brand’s own website and retailers like Amazon and Mattress Firm
- Watch for “free accessories” bundles that include pillows, sheets, and mattress protectors
- Check if your old mattress can be removed as part of the delivery (many services include this)
- Read our beginner guide to restocking for general purchasing strategy principles
Large Appliances: The Second-Best Memorial Day Buy
After mattresses, large appliances see the most significant Memorial Day discounts. The combination of model transitions, seasonal demand, and holiday pricing makes this an excellent window for major purchases.
What to Expect by Appliance
| Appliance | Typical Discount | Best Brands to Watch | Best Retailers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | 25-40% | Samsung, LG, Whirlpool | Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy |
| Washers and dryers | 20-35% | LG, Samsung, Maytag | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
| Dishwashers | 20-30% | Bosch, KitchenAid, Samsung | Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy |
| Ranges and ovens | 20-35% | Samsung, GE, KitchenAid | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
| Microwaves | 15-25% | Samsung, LG, GE | Home Depot, Best Buy, Amazon |
Appliance Bundle Deals
The biggest savings on appliances come from bundle deals where you buy multiple appliances from the same brand:
- Kitchen packages (refrigerator + range + dishwasher + microwave): Save an additional 10-20% beyond individual sale prices
- Laundry pairs (washer + dryer): Save $100-300 when bought together
- Brand loyalty rebates: Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool offer manufacturer rebates that stack with retailer sale prices
Home Depot and Lowe’s compete aggressively on appliance packages during Memorial Day. Check both retailers and ask about price matching if one has a better deal on the specific items you want.
TVs: Extended CES Clearance
Memorial Day TV deals continue the clearance cycle that began after CES in January. By Memorial Day, retailers are more motivated than ever to move previous-year models as current-year inventory arrives.
Memorial Day TV Deals
| TV Type | Size | Regular Price | Memorial Day Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget 4K (TCL, Hisense) | 55” | $300-400 | $220-300 |
| Budget 4K (TCL, Hisense) | 65” | $400-550 | $320-420 |
| Mid-range (Samsung, LG) | 55” | $600-800 | $450-600 |
| Mid-range (Samsung, LG) | 65” | $800-1,100 | $600-850 |
| OLED (LG, Sony, Samsung) | 55” | $1,200-1,500 | $900-1,200 |
| OLED (LG, Sony, Samsung) | 65” | $1,600-2,200 | $1,200-1,700 |
| Large format (any brand) | 75”+ | $1,000-3,000 | $750-2,200 |
The best Memorial Day TV deals are on previous-year OLED models. When the new OLED lineup arrives, last year’s models become outstanding values. Our TV restock buying guide covers specific model recommendations and deal evaluation.
Fashion: Spring Clearance Meets Summer Launch
Fashion retailers use Memorial Day to clear spring inventory and launch summer collections. This creates two simultaneous opportunities:
Spring Clearance Deals
| Retailer | Typical Discount | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nordstrom | 25-40% on spring items | Designer and premium brands |
| Gap / Old Navy / Banana Republic | 40-60% storewide | Casual and workwear |
| J.Crew / J.Crew Factory | 30-50% plus extra off sale | Smart casual |
| Nike.com | 20-40% on select styles | Athletic and sneakers |
| adidas | 25-40% on outlet + extra off | Athletic and lifestyle |
| Lululemon | ”We Made Too Much” section refreshed | Athletic and athleisure |
| Macy’s | 25-50% storewide | Department store brands |
Sneaker Deals
Memorial Day is one of the better weekends for sneaker deals, particularly on non-limited releases:
- Nike.com: Member-exclusive discounts on select styles, plus sale section markdowns
- adidas: Extra percentage off outlet and sale items
- New Balance: Sale section restocks and additional discounts
- Foot Locker and Finish Line: Storewide promotions including select Jordans and Dunks
- ASICS: Outlet pricing with additional Memorial Day discounts
These deals primarily apply to general release sneakers, not limited-edition drops. However, the savings can be substantial on everyday wear sneakers. For limited release strategies, our sneaker restock calendar covers upcoming drops.
Outdoor and Home Improvement
Memorial Day kicks off the outdoor project season, and retailers price aggressively to capture early-summer spending.
Grills
| Grill Type | Regular Price | Memorial Day Price | Best Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charcoal (Weber Kettle) | $150-250 | $120-200 | Home Depot, Amazon |
| Gas (Weber Spirit) | $400-600 | $320-480 | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
| Gas (Weber Genesis) | $800-1,200 | $640-960 | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
| Pellet (Traeger) | $500-1,500 | $400-1,200 | Home Depot, Amazon, Traeger direct |
| Kamado (Big Green Egg) | $900-2,000+ | Rarely discounted | Authorized dealers |
Outdoor Furniture and Patio
Patio furniture is one of the most discounted Memorial Day categories:
- Patio dining sets: 25-40% off at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair
- Outdoor sofas and sectionals: 20-35% off, free delivery promotions
- Fire pits: 20-30% off, peak season opening promotions
- Patio umbrellas and shade: 15-25% off
Home Improvement and Tools
| Category | Typical Discount | Best Retailers |
|---|---|---|
| Power tools (DeWalt, Milwaukee) | 15-30% or free battery promotions | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
| Paint | $5-15 off per gallon | Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sherwin-Williams |
| Lawn mowers | 15-25% | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
| Pressure washers | 15-25% | Home Depot, Amazon |
| Lumber and building materials | 10-15% on select items | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
Our Home Depot restock guide covers their specific deal patterns and how to maximize savings at the home improvement giant.
The Memorial Day Shopping Timeline
Two Weeks Before (Early May)
- Research products you need across all categories
- Set price alerts for specific items
- Check price history to establish baseline pricing
- Create a prioritized shopping list with target prices
One Week Before
- Monday-Wednesday: Preview sales begin at many retailers. Some brands launch “early access” Memorial Day pricing.
- Thursday-Friday: Most major retailers have launched their Memorial Day sales by now. Best selection is available.
- Saturday: Pre-weekend shopping with strong deals and full inventory.
Memorial Day Weekend
- Saturday: Full Memorial Day sales are live. Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s typically launch weekend-long events.
- Sunday: Continued sales, some items beginning to sell out in popular configurations.
- Monday (Memorial Day): Sales continue but best sellers may be out of stock. Some retailers add additional flash deals for the holiday itself.
After Memorial Day
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Some sales extend through the week. Clearance items get additional markdowns.
- Following weeks: Returns from Memorial Day purchases appear as open-box and clearance deals.
Retailer-by-Retailer Memorial Day Strategy
Home Depot
Home Depot is the Memorial Day deal leader for appliances, grills, and outdoor products:
- Memorial Day sale launches: Typically the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend
- Pro Xtra members: Additional discounts on select items
- Special buy items: Deeply discounted “while supplies last” products
- 11% off rebate: Select stores offer 11% rebates on all purchases (check local flyer)
- Delivery deals: Free delivery on appliance purchases over a threshold
Lowe’s
Lowe’s competes directly with Home Depot and often matches or undercuts on price:
- MyLowe’s members: Early access and exclusive offers
- 5% off with Lowe’s credit card: Everyday savings that stack with Memorial Day deals
- Installation deals: Free installation promotions on select appliances
- Price matching: Lowe’s matches Home Depot and other competitor pricing
Best Buy
Best Buy focuses its Memorial Day efforts on TVs, appliances, and computing:
- Best Buy Plus/Total: Member-exclusive pricing on TVs and appliances
- Open-box deals: Best Buy’s open-box inventory is refreshed for Memorial Day
- Financing offers: 0% interest financing on large purchases
- In-store experience: Demo models help you make decisions on TVs and audio
Amazon
Amazon’s Memorial Day presence has grown significantly:
- Memorial Day sale event: Amazon runs a multi-day sale around the holiday
- Lightning Deals: Rotating flash deals throughout the weekend
- Amazon Warehouse: Post-holiday return inventory at reduced prices
- Prime Early Access: Prime members get early access to some deals
Our Amazon restock hacks guide covers platform-specific tactics.
Wayfair
For furniture and home goods, Wayfair runs aggressive Memorial Day events:
- Way Day: Wayfair’s biggest sale event sometimes coincides with or precedes Memorial Day
- Clearance section: Deep discounts on discontinued styles
- Open-box deals: Returned items at significant markdowns
- Free shipping: Wayfair offers free shipping on most orders over $35
How to Spot Fake Memorial Day Deals
Not every “sale” is a genuine discount. Here is how to identify inflated or misleading pricing:
Red Flags
- Inflated “original” prices: Retailers raise the “regular” price before applying the discount, making the sale look bigger than it is
- “Up to X% off” marketing: The headline discount applies to a tiny selection, while most items see modest reductions
- Memorial Day “exclusive” products: Some brands create lower-quality versions of products specifically for sale events
- Bundles with unwanted extras: A “deal” that includes accessories you do not need is not saving you money
- Financing as a “deal”: 0% financing is convenient but it is not a discount; you are still paying full price
How to Verify Genuine Deals
| Verification Method | Tool/Source | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| Price history check | CamelCamelCamel, Keepa | Whether the “sale” price has appeared before |
| Competitor comparison | Google Shopping | Whether the deal is actually the lowest available |
| Model number verification | Manufacturer website | Whether the product is the standard model or a sale-event variant |
| Community validation | Reddit (r/deals), Slickdeals | Whether experienced deal hunters consider it genuine |
Memorial Day Restock Opportunities
Beyond sales, Memorial Day weekend creates restock opportunities for products that have been out of stock:
Why Restocks Happen Around Memorial Day
- Spring shipment cycles: Manufacturers ship spring inventory that arrives by Memorial Day
- Return processing: Returns from spring purchases are processed and relisted
- Seasonal inventory adjustments: Retailers reallocate inventory for summer demand patterns
- Promotional stock: Brands produce additional inventory specifically for Memorial Day promotions
Products Most Likely to Restock
- Popular sneaker colorways that sold out earlier in spring
- Patio furniture in previously sold-out configurations
- Grills in specific models that were backordered
- TVs in popular sizes that sold out during January-April clearance
- Appliances receiving new shipments for the promotional event
Set up alerts using the tools from our restock monitor tools guide to catch these restocks as they happen.
FAQ
Is Memorial Day the best time to buy a mattress?
Memorial Day is tied with Black Friday as the best time to buy a mattress. The discounts are typically identical (20-40% off depending on brand), so either weekend works. The advantage of Memorial Day is that you get your new mattress before summer, and the 100-night trial periods offered by most online brands mean you have plenty of time to decide if it is right for you.
How long do Memorial Day sales last?
Most Memorial Day sales run for 5-7 days, starting the Monday or Tuesday before the holiday and extending through Tuesday after the holiday. Some retailers, particularly Home Depot and Lowe’s, run month-long “Memorial Day” promotions with deals rotating throughout May. The deepest discounts are typically available Saturday through Monday of Memorial Day weekend.
Should I buy a TV on Memorial Day or wait for Black Friday?
If you need a TV now, Memorial Day offers excellent pricing, especially on previous-year OLED models. If you can wait, Black Friday typically offers 10-15% deeper discounts on a wider selection. The trade-off is that Memorial Day has better availability of outgoing models, while Black Friday focuses more on current-year inventory. Check our TV restock buying guide for model-specific timing advice.
Are appliance deals better at Home Depot or Lowe’s on Memorial Day?
Pricing is usually within $20-50 of each other for the same brand and model. The differentiator is often delivery scheduling, installation services, and haul-away of old appliances. Compare both retailers on total cost including delivery and installation. Both will price match each other, so you can leverage one against the other.
What outdoor gear is worth buying on Memorial Day?
Grills see the best Memorial Day deals relative to other buying windows. Weber and Traeger grills in particular see meaningful discounts. Patio furniture is also strong, though selection of popular styles may already be limited. Power tools see decent but not exceptional discounts since Black Friday and Father’s Day are both stronger tool sale events.
Do Memorial Day deals apply to online purchases or only in-store?
Nearly all Memorial Day deals are available both online and in-store, though specific items may be exclusive to one channel. In-store shopping sometimes provides access to unadvertised manager specials and clearance items not shown online. Online shopping provides the advantage of price comparison and easier returns. For large items like appliances and grills, in-store purchase with delivery is often the smoothest experience.
