How to shop Memorial Day like a pro — what to buy and skip this year

Deals and SalesThe 4 best things to buy during Memorial Day sales — and the 2 you should absolutely avoidYes, everything feels more expensive right now, so taking advantage of the right deals this week goes a long way.May 18, 2026, 4:21 PM EDTZoe MalinReporterSkip to table of contentsRetailers want to get rid of warm weather essentials while shoppers are thinking about them, so look out for deep discounts on grills, patio furniture and more.Getty ImagesOver 50 percent of shoppers plan to participate in Memorial Day sales this year, but they’re expected to spend way less than usual, according to a recent survey from RetailMeNot. You might be one of them: You’re looking for deals on a couple of wish list items, but between rising gas and grocery prices, your budget is tighter. That makes it more important than ever to know what to buy versus skip during Memorial Day sales, and learn about savings strategies that can put extra money back in your pocket. Below, I’m sharing everything you need to know after I spoke to three retail experts. You can start using their tips today — early Memorial Day sales have already started.RelatedselectselectHow to save on gas at the pump and on the road: loyalty memberships, credit card perks and moreWant more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.What are the best things to buy during Memorial Day sales?Seasonal home and outdoor goodsSales are most effective for retailers when what they want to sell and what shoppers want to buy align, says Stephanie Carls, a retail insights expert at RetailMeNot. That’s very much the case during Memorial Day. Retailers drop prices on grills, outdoor cooking equipment like pizza ovens, outdoor furniture and other warm weather essentials (I included a few examples below) to get rid of inventory before the end of the season — these types of products are exactly what shoppers are looking for as they prepare for summer. Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, a shopping and saving...