How to Navigate July 4th Sales

Salute Your Savings! How to Navigate July 4th Sales

In addition to backyard BBQs and firework shows, millions of consumers will flock to stores and shopping malls to take advantage of Fourth of July sales

With thousands of stores and sites promoting huge holiday savings, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and overspend on items you don’t need. While there are certainly lots of good deals to be had, there are also plenty of duds to avoid. Make the most of your time and money by following these 8 strategies.

Shop pre-sales.

Don’t miss family festivities in an effort to snatch up savings. Most retailers will roll out sales before the actual holiday, so you’ll find a bigger selection of discounted goods and beat the crowds by heading to the stores early on Friday, July 2. Keep in mind, some stores inflate original prices on various merchandise come sale time to make a deal appear like a better value. Therefore, it’s important research prices before the weekend to avoid this trap and use the ShopSavvy price-comparison app to find the best price in town.

Get BBQ essentials.

If you’re hosting a backyard bash for the 4th, snag decor items on sale the morning of your festivities. Retailers will be eager to sell these items before they’re no longer desired. It’s also a good time to find deals on cookware, BBQ tools and more. For instance you can save 40% on this 17-piece BBQ tool set at Kohls. You can even find outdoor patio furniture and umbrellas on sale for 20 to 50% off at stores like Pottery Barn and Sears.

Head to the outlets.

The best time to shop at an outlet mall is during popular holiday weekends as most of these stores offer additional savings and exclusive coupons on already-reduced merchandise. Get ahead of the sales by registering with your local center to receive a coupon booklet for extra savings. Expect additional discounts of up to 50-percent off!

Pick up summer clothing clearance.

You’ll find the biggest discounts on summer merchandise now as retailers gear up for fall and back-to-school. Keep in mind, t-shirts and tank tops can be used throughout the year as layering pieces, while women’s dresses and skirts can be worn with leggings for warmth through the winter. Swimwear is also a great deal, so if you’ve been putting off the task of finding a swimsuit, now is the time!

Prep for back-to-school.

Look for deals on backpacks, tablets, smartphones and sneakers. For instance, FinishLine and Nike are both offering up to 50-percent off footwear, plus coupons for extra savings. eBags has savings of up to 65% on backpacks, and you can even pick up ink for your kids’ various book reports at 20% off at Staples.

Search for big-ticket items.

New styles of furniture debut in August, making July a great time to browse showrooms for deals on both indoor and outdoor furniture. Patio sets will only get cheaper as the season comes to a close, but July offers the best selection. In addition to specialty stores, warehouse clubs, home improvement stores and even grocery stores will be slashing prices on their patio furniture inventory.

Scope out daily deals.

Daily deal sites like Groupon are even getting into the patriotic spirit by offering additional savings on select local deals. Now is a great time to scoop up a discount voucher for a new restaurant, spa service or activity. Don’t go overboard and buy a bunch of deals before reviewing the terms and and make sure you’ll have time to use those certificates before they expire.

Book a trip.

Airlines, hotels, car rental companies and third-party travel booking sites are all promoting Fourth of July deals this weekend. For instance, Hotels.com is offering up to 50% on accommodation in select cities. Be flexible on where you go and you could save a bunch of money on your trip!

What items are you hoping to find deals on this holiday weekend?