August doesn’t always get the credit it deserves as a shopping month. It’s sandwiched between the Fourth of July blowouts and the October Halloween push, so it can feel like a quiet in-between. But here’s what savvy shoppers know: August is actually packed with some of the year’s best deals.
Think about it. Back-to-school season is in full swing. Retailers are clearing out summer inventory to make room for fall. New-model-year electronics are arriving, which means last year’s versions go on sale. And Labor Day is right around the corner, which means some of the biggest sales of the year are already starting to warm up.
The list below covers 10 categories worth putting on your August shopping radar, and the specific, seasonal reasons why now is the right time to buy each one.
1. Laptops and Tablets
Why August? Back-to-school season is the No. 1 driver, but there’s more to it than that. August is when retailers are pushing hard to move laptop inventory before new model years arrive in the fall. The combination of high retailer motivation to sell plus massive back-to-school demand creates genuinely good deals on laptops that don’t happen as reliably at other times of year.
Whether you need a budget-friendly Chromebook for a middle schooler, a solid Windows laptop for a high schooler or a powerhouse MacBook for a college student who’s going to be running seventeen browser tabs at all times, August is the time to pull the trigger. Shop early for the best selection, because the good ones go fast.
Where to shop: Best Buy, Apple, Newegg
2. Patio Furniture
Why August? End-of-summer clearance. Full stop. Retailers start aggressively discounting outdoor furniture in late July and hit peak markdown territory through August and September. Sets that were full price in May can drop significantly. We’re talking legitimate discounts, not just “10% off” window dressing.
If your current patio setup is held together by optimism and one wobbly chair leg, August is your moment. Buy now, enjoy the rest of summer on a nice set and have it ready when next spring rolls around. It’s a win on both ends of the calendar.
Where to shop: Lowe’s, Fortunoff Backyard Store, Ashley
3. Swimwear and Summer Apparel
Why August? End-of-season markdowns are in full effect. Retailers need to move summer clothing inventory before fall collections take over their floor space, which means swimsuits, shorts, sandals and sundresses are frequently discounted by 40% to 70% in August.
There are only a few weeks of summer left, but those weeks still exist. And a great swimsuit at 60% off is an even greater swimsuit. Plus, you’re basically shopping for next summer at this point, and your future self will thank you when June rolls around and you’re already stocked.
Where to shop: Andie, Quiksilver, Everything But Water, Vix Swimwear
4. Grills and Outdoor Cooking Equipment
Why August? It’s the same principle as patio furniture: Retailers want this stuff off the floor before fall merchandise arrives. August is when grills, smokers, outdoor pizza ovens and all the associated accessories start hitting end-of-season clearance pricing.
If you’ve been eyeing a full-size gas grill or a charcoal smoker all summer but couldn’t justify the full price tag, now’s the time. You’ll still get plenty of use out of it before the weather turns, and you’ll have it primed and ready the moment grilling season opens back up next spring.
Where to shop: Barbeques Galore, Ace Hardware, Pit Boss Grills
5. Air Conditioners and Fans
Why August? August is usually the last hurrah of hot weather, which means two things are happening simultaneously: You still actually need an AC unit or a quality fan, and retailers are already starting to discount them to make room for fall inventory. That overlap makes August a legitimately smart time to upgrade your cooling setup.
If your window unit, portable AC, tower fan or box fan has been struggling through the summer, replace it now at a better price than you’d find in June, and start next summer strong.
Where to shop: Target, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware
6. School and Office Supplies
Why August? This is peak back-to-school season, and retailers stock deeply and run promotions aggressively throughout August to capture that demand. Notebooks, pens, binders, backpacks, calculators and desk organizers are all well stocked and well priced right now.
The buy-in-bulk opportunity here is underrated. August is a great time to stock up on consumables such as copy paper, pens and sticky notes that you’ll use all year. You get back-to-school pricing on items that have no expiration date. Stock your home office, your kid’s backpack and your junk drawer all at once.
Where to shop: Staples, Office Depot, Zoro
7. Dorm Room Essentials
Why August? College move-in season peaks in August, and retailers lean into it hard. Everything a first-year student (or a returning one finally getting their act together) needs, whether it’s extra-long twin bedding, shower caddies, storage cubes, under-bed organizers, desk lamps or mini fridges, is heavily promoted and easy to find right now.
Even if you’re not outfitting a dorm room, this category is worth noting for anyone setting up or refreshing a bedroom or home office. The dorm-shopping moment drives broad deals on compact, practical home goods that are genuinely useful everywhere.
Where to shop: Kohl’s, Target, Sam’s Club
8. Mattresses
Why August? Labor Day is consistently one of the best mattress-sale events of the entire year, and savvy retailers start those promotions in mid to late August. If a new mattress is on your list, you don’t need to wait until September; the deals are already rolling in, and the selection is at its best before the holiday weekend rush.
A mattress is one of those purchases you put off until you absolutely can’t anymore, and then you buy the first one you find. Don’t do that. August gives you time to shop thoughtfully, compare options and still land a Labor Day price.
Where to shop: Macy’s, Mattress Firm, Nectar
9. Fall Fashion Basics
Why August? New fall collections start hitting stores in August. Think sweaters, boots, lightweight jackets and layering pieces. The instinct is to wait, but the smarter move is to shop for fall clothing early. Core autumnal pieces in popular sizes sell out quickly, and prices on new arrivals are typically at their lowest right when they land.
Classics such as a good denim jacket, a neutral cardigan, ankle boots and a versatile tote don’t need to be “on sale” to be a smart buy; they’ll cost more or be sold out by October. August is the window when selection is widest and demand hasn’t yet outrun supply.
Where to shop: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s
10. Fitness Equipment and Activewear
Why August? Two forces converge here. First, the back-to-school energy creates a natural “fresh start” motivation that makes people actually follow through on fitness intentions. New semester, new gym routine, new gear. Second, summer-specific fitness equipment (think: outdoor workout gear, running shoes, athletic shorts) often hits clearance pricing as retailers rotate into fall inventory.
Activewear from spring and summer lines is frequently marked down in August, and the back-to-school promotional push means good deals on resistance bands, yoga mats, foam rollers and home gym basics. Whether you’re outfitting a college student’s dorm workout corner or finally replacing your sad, flat yoga mat, August is a quietly excellent time to shop in this category.
Where to shop: Nike, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Scheels
Earn Cash Back on All of It With Rakuten
Here’s the part where your August shopping haul gets even better. When you shop through Rakuten, you’ll earn Cash Back on eligible purchases at hundreds of partner stores, including retailers that carry everything on this list.
The real magic is the stack. Rakuten doesn’t just give you Cash Back; it also surfaces available coupons and promo codes for partner stores. That means you can layer a store sale, a promo code and Rakuten Cash Back all on the same purchase. Three savings layers, one checkout. That’s the Rakuten way.
A few ways to make sure you never miss out:
Rakuten has paid out over $4.6 billion to more than 17 million members. Your August shopping cart deserves a piece of that.
FAQs: Shopping Smart in August with Rakuten
Why is August such a good month to shop?
August sits at the intersection of several major shopping moments: back-to-school season, end-of-summer clearance on seasonal merchandise (outdoor furniture, grills, swimwear, cooling appliances) and the early ramp-up of Labor Day sales. Retailers are highly motivated to move inventory in August, which translates to genuine deals across a wide range of categories.
How does Rakuten Cash Back work?
When you shop through Rakuten at a partner store, you’ll earn Cash Back on eligible purchases. Simply activate Cash Back through the Rakuten website or app before you shop, complete your purchase at the partner store and your Cash Back is tracked automatically. It’s that simple. No complicated rebate forms, no jumping through hoops.
Can I stack Rakuten Cash Back with store sales and coupons?
Yes, and you should. Rakuten Cash Back stacks with store sales and available promo codes. Start your shopping trip at Rakuten, apply any available coupons at checkout and let the savings compound. Sale price + promo code + Cash Back is the full stack.
Is the Rakuten browser extension worth installing?
Absolutely. The browser extension automatically detects when you’re on a partner store’s site and alerts you to available Cash Back and coupons, so you never have to remember to manually activate before shopping. It’s the easiest way to make sure you’re always earning.
When do Labor Day sales start?
Many retailers begin Labor Day promotions in mid to late August, particularly for big-ticket categories such as mattresses, appliances and furniture. You don’t need to wait until the actual Labor Day weekend to find Labor Day pricing, and shopping early means better selection.
Does Rakuten work on mobile?
Yes. The Rakuten app is available for iOS and Android and lets you activate Cash Back, browse coupons and shop partner stores directly from your phone. It’s a handy companion for back-to-school supply runs and in-store price checking.
