September is a major month of change: school has started, summer is coming to a close, and a lovely fall is on its way. Plus, with Labor Day deals and markdowns from the seasonal shift, expect plenty of savings.
As always, we’ve used our internal discount data to calculate the average savings shoppers can expect to find this month. Read on to discover the top categories you should consider shopping, five we recommend avoiding for now, and a complete list of all the best sales. On our interactive calendar above, you can shop top deals directly or save reminders to your personal calendar with just a couple of quick clicks. The savings are ready for you to enjoy!
Top sales to shop in September
- RMN Fall Style Guide: We’ve curated a go-to list of the season’s most fabulous styles. Check it out to shop or gather inspo!
- Walmart Fall Beauty Event: Score up to 60% off during Walmart’s Fall Beauty Event, running through Sept. 4.
- RMN September Cash Back Boost Event: Amplify your Labor Day savings with up to 20% cash back from some of your favorite brands and retailers. Shop Sept. 2-7 to get these sweet savings.
- The Home Depot Labor Day Event: Labor Day at The Home Depot means you can save up to $500 on select generators, up to 45% on RYOBI tools, and up to $100 on leaf blowers. Shop by Sept. 9.
- Carter’s Labor Day Sale: The Carter’s Labor Day Sale runs through Sept. 7! Save 50% sitewide.
- Ulta 21+ Days of Beauty: The ultimate beauty event is here through Sept. 17. Enjoy daily 50% off steals on top makeup, skincare, and hair essentials.
- Best Buy Labor Day Sale: Through Sept. 7, save up to 60% on top tech, appliances, and electronics during the big Labor Day event at Best Buy.
- adidas Running Styles Deal: All month long at adidas, score up to 50% off top running gear. Plus, take an extra 15% off at checkout with our code RMN15.
- The Home Depot Up to 30% Off Deal: Enjoy up to 30% off top-rated picks at The Home Depot like furniture, rugs and kitchenware through Sept. 16.
- Walmart Baby Event: Have a baby at home or need a shower gift? Find hundreds of rollbacks on top gear all month long.
- Expedia 25% Off Deal: This month, get an exclusive 25% off coupon available only in the Expedia app. Book your dream trip now!
- Tripadvisor Rewards Deal: Any day this month, finish summer strong with an exclusive $30 discount on tours, experiences, and activities when you join Tripadvisor Rewards!
The 5 smartest things to buy in September
1. Health & beauty (average discount: 31% off)
When the beauty deals are this good, it’s time for a haul. Kiss your summer beauty routine goodbye and get ready to make some timely swaps for fall. Get everything your skin needs for a smooth transition, and don’t forget to grab some stunning fall shades of your favorites to try.
Here are our favorite spots to shop for savvy health and beauty hauls:
- Ulta
- Musely
- Dyson
- CVS
- Tarte Cosmetics
- ALASTIN Skincare
2. Fashion & apparel (average discount: 24% off)
September is a great time to shop clothing for several reasons. Late back-to-school events, Labor Day sales, summer clearance, and early fall markdowns all overlap this month. Keep your eyes out for good apparel deals, and you’ll find them for both summer and fall styles.
Take a look at some of our favorite fashion retailers:
- Macy’s
- adidas
- Levi’s
- Princess Polly
- American Eagle
- Nike
3. Home furnishings & decor (average discount: 19% off)
Seasonal transitions are a great time to find some awesome deals. While you’re giving other parts of your life a refresh, don’t forget about your home sweet home. Between lingering back-to-college deals and the onslaught of Labor Day sales, you’ll find markdowns on all kinds of decor and home essentials from small to large that will make your space feel new.
Here are some of our favorite brands for a home refresh:
- The Home Depot
- Target
- Lowe’s
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Ace Hardware
- At Home
4. Travel (average discount: 17% off)
As summer nears its end, travel companies know you’re hoping to squeeze in one last getaway for the season or get a head start on an autumnal or winter escape. You’ll find discounts on airfare, hotels, and much more at this time of year. Get into planning mode and make some bookings while the low prices last!
Browse exciting stays, deals, and more here:
- Hilton
- Hotels.com
- Expedia
- Priceline
- Bagsmart
- VRBO
5. Tech & electronics (average discount: 16% off)
Here’s where the back-to-college and Labor Day deals really work in your favor: expensive electronics are largely marked down this month! Whether you need a new laptop, a new phone, or other tech gear to help you in your everyday life, check out the brands we love for sweet deals throughout the month.
Check out these tech brands we love to shop:
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Office Depot OfficeMax
- LG
- Samsung
The 5 things NOT to shop for in September
1. Toys
Toys will largely be at full price at this time of year. It’s not a category that sees a lot of Labor Day markdowns, so if you wanted to get a head start on holiday gift shopping, hold off a little longer. Toy markdowns will hit closer to the holidays from November to mid-December, with major savings during Black Friday events.
2. Winter gear
While summer and fall apparel are fair game this month, winter gear is a no-go. Winter gear will be sold at premium prices this month on brand-new floor displays. Throw last year’s gear into rotation to stay warm throughout the rest of the year, and shop winter gear during clearance events that typically run from January to March.
3. Fitness equipment
Your workout routine can stay the same at this time of year, but new fitness gear is going to have to wait. There are steep prices on treadmills, weights, and other essentials now, but you’ll see prices drop in January when retailers offer promotions centered around New Year’s resolutions.
4. Jewelry
You may have seen jewelry prices lower recently, as they can be in early summer, but they’re sitting high once again and will be throughout the holiday season (aside from the occasional package or promotion). For future reference, you’ll typically find the lowest jewelry prices in July and August.
5. Small kitchen appliances
Some small kitchen appliances could have little markdowns due to college sales or Labor Day events, but they hit their lowest prices during Black Friday and the holiday gifting season. If you need some new gear in your kitchen, hang tight and shop in November or December instead.
The post Save the Dates: What to Buy in September appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
