Stretch Your Dollars: The Best Things to Buy in August
Trying to shop smarter this month? August is packed with clearance deals, seasonal markdowns, and back-to-school sales that make it one of the best times of year to save. Whether you’re prepping for a new school year or stocking up for fall, these are the best things to buy in August to keep more cash in your pocket.
1. Back-to-School Supplies and Dorm Essentials
Not just for students. School supply sales often include everyday home and office staples—like pens, notebooks, paper towels, and cleaning products. Dorm gear such as bedding, mini fridges, and storage carts also gets marked down heavily.
Tip: Look for deals at Staples, Target, and Walmart. Woot often runs dorm bundles with extra promo codes that stack your savings.
2. Summer Clothing and Swimwear
Retailers are clearing out summer stock to make room for fall fashion. That means deep discounts on sandals, shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits—sometimes up to 70 percent off.
Tip: Now’s the time to grab name-brand summer shoes or that second swimsuit you meant to buy in June.
3. Outdoor Furniture and Grills
As summer winds down, prices drop on patio sets, umbrellas, fire pits, and grills. Expect the best markdowns after mid-month as stores prepare for fall inventory.
Tip: Check Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Wayfair for end-of-season clearance plus free shipping deals.
4. Laptops and Tech Gear
With school starting, August is a great time to find deals on laptops, tablets, printers, and headphones. Many retailers run student-focused sales and bundle promotions.
Tip: Look for bonus gift cards or student discounts at Best Buy, Amazon, and Apple.
5. Garden Tools and Lawn Equipment
Once peak growing season ends, you’ll start seeing big discounts on gardening supplies. That includes tools, hoses, raised beds, and outdoor planters.
Tip: Don’t forget to check clearance bins for herbs, seedlings, and solar-powered lights.
6. Air Conditioners and Fans
August is your last chance to grab cooling products before they disappear for the season. Prices on portable air conditioners, window units, and tower fans tend to drop quickly.
7. Tax-Free Shopping Holidays
Many states offer tax-free weekends in August, especially for school supplies, clothing, and electronics. That means you can double down on savings by avoiding sales tax.
Tip: Look up your state’s tax-free dates and plan to stock up during that window.
Smart Buy Strategy:
Skip major appliances this month—those deals get better in September and October. But if you’re eyeing smaller kitchen gadgets, early Labor Day sales might work in your favor.
-
Express Sale Deals: Save Up to 70% on Styles
Express Sale Deals include hundreds of markdowns across women’s clothing right now. Select styles are currently marked down as much as 70%. You can browse the current markdowns for sweaters, dresses, trousers, tops, skirts and more. There are more than 500 women’s sale styles available. One standout of these Express Sale Deals is the Textured…
-
Banana Republic Factory Sale: 50% Off Everything
The Banana Republic Factory Sale is offering a major discount on fall clothing right now. Shoppers can get 50% off everything, plus an extra 20% off select Fall Favorites. This is a good time to browse the current selection for sweaters, dresses, trousers, jackets and accessories. The promotion includes options for both women and men….
-
World Market Finds: Save on Furniture, Décor & More
World Market Finds include some impressive markdowns for anyone refreshing their home. More than 1,000 sale items are currently available across furniture, décor, kitchen and other categories. One of the biggest discounts is on the Brynn Feather Filled Swivel Chair. It is currently $251.99, down from $629.99. You can browse the current markdowns to see…
-
DSW Clearance Deals: Take an Extra 10% Off Shoes
DSW Clearance Deals are even better right now with an extra 10% off many clearance styles. That additional savings comes on top of already-reduced prices. You can browse the current clearance selection for sneakers, sandals, pumps, boots and more. There are thousands of clearance shoes available across women’s, men’s and kids’ departments. One especially inexpensive…
-
Athleta Extra 30% Off Sale Styles at Checkout
Athleta Extra 30% Off sale styles makes some of the current markdowns even better. The additional discount is taken at checkout on qualifying pieces. Start by browsing the current markdowns for leggings, tops, pants, dresses and cozy layers. Several styles have already dropped significantly before the additional savings. The Interval Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging…
-
Pottery Barn Deals: Save Up to 60% on Home Finds
Pottery Barn Deals are offering some great savings for a fall home refresh. Right now, shoppers can find discounts of up to 60% across several home categories. You can browse the current markdowns for furniture, bedding, rugs, lighting, pillows, décor and more. There are options for both larger room makeovers and smaller seasonal updates. Bedding…
