Labor Day sales: Expert highlights top deals and items to avoid

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 2 and along with it being the unofficial end of summer season, it also means big sales from major retailers.

The sales start Friday, Aug. 30, and run through the long holiday weekend.

Some of the best deals will be on summer clearance items.

“The main categories that I would look at would be summer clearance, and so that can be warm weather clothing, outdoor furniture, things like that. And then also, we do see some sort of the tail end of back-to-school shopping. And then also your large furniture, mattresses, couches, thing like that,” saidTrae Bodge, shopping expert at truetrae.com.

As for how good the sales will be, Bodge said to look for 40% and higher.

“My favorite denim brand, Silver Jeans, has up to 40% off. Mephisto, which is a beautiful, handcrafted shoe line up to 50% off. And that’s the kind of discount that I would be looking for in order to pounce on a sale,” Bodge said.

All the big box stores will be participating.

SEE ALSO | Looking to buy a home? You may now need to factor in the cost of your agent’s commission

“We’re seeing Labor Day sales from your Target, Walmart, Amazon, Wayfair, Best Buy… You should compare prices on your phone, and if you find a lower price online, often these retailers will match that price,”Bodge said.

But not everything is a good buy and Bodge says it’s best to wait for lower prices on some items.

“So tech is an iffy one for me. I am seeing some deals, especially on TVs, and then some straggling back-to-school laptop deals and some phones as well,” Bodge said. “The other category that I would avoid right now is fall apparel.”

You’ll get a better price on fall clothing and some tech items if you wait a little later in the season. And the next big sale is not far off. All the major retailers will have big sales in mid-October, and that will be the kickoff to the holiday shopping season.