6 Best Things to Shop for at Memorial Day Sales 2022

Look for deals starting in mid-May and running through the holiday weekend

Food grilling on a stainless steel grill. A patio table, chairs, and American flag decor is on the deck railing in the background.

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Beth Braverman

En español

Published May 18, 2022

Here’s an insider tip for shopping 2022 Memorial Day sales: You don’t need to wait until the holiday itself, which falls on May 30 this year, to start searching for bargains. Lots of retailers begin their biggest Memorial Day sales a week or more ahead of the holiday weekend.

"It’s a good idea to start looking for sales around mid-May,” says Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews. “You’ll see sales on virtually everything, including large and small appliances, mattresses and clothing.”

Here are some of the best things to shop for at Memorial Day sales in 2022, according to shopping experts, including where to shop and how much shoppers could potentially save.

1. Grills

May is National Barbecue Month, and Memorial Day is the unofficial start of cookout season, so it’s a great time to find deals on a new grill. In addition to shopping on price, Jeanette Pavini, author of The Joy of Saving, suggests looking for a retailer that will throw in free delivery and assembly, or even haul away your old grill without an extra charge.

Where to find deals: Lowe’s, Walmart, local hardware stores

Potential savings: Up to 40 percent off

2. Patio furniture

Retailers are also hoping you’ll pick up some new outdoor tables and chairs for your guests to enjoy whatever you’re preparing on that grill. Some stores will offer discounts on full sets, while others might have larger discounts on specific pieces.

Where to find deals: Target, Wayfair, Home Depot

Potential savings: 25 to 50 percent off

3. Home improvement supplies

This is a great weekend to look for sales on DIY materials like tools, ladders or paint. “A lot of people do home renovations in the summer, so home supply stores offer deals to get their business,” says Andrea Woroch, a consumer money-saving expert.

Where to find deals: Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams, local hardware stores

Potential savings: 20 to 30 percent off

4. Refrigerators

While nearly all appliances go on sale over Memorial Day weekend, refrigerators in particular go on deep discount, Pavini says. “The nice thing about refrigerator shopping is that you can comparison shop, and most stores will price match if you find one at a better price somewhere else,” she adds.

Where to find deals: Best Buy, Lowe’s, Samsung

Potential savings: 40 to 50 percent off

5. Bedroom furnishings

Sales might not be quite as good as those you find in February, but there are still plenty of discounts on mattresses in May. Furniture and department stores might also offer deals on bed frames and other furniture to help complete your bedroom decor.

Where to find deals: Macy’s, Ashley, Wayfair

Potential savings: 20 percent to 60 percent.

6. Beach gear

While discounts will be best at the end of summer, if you need items like swimwear, towels or sandals now (or if you like having a large selection to choose from), you’ll typically find decent discounts over Memorial Day weekend. “There will be discounts across the board on summer items,” Woroch says.

Where to find deals: Target, Costco, Walmart

Potential savings: 30 percent off or BOGO (“buy one, get one”) deals

Beth Braverman is a contributing writer who has covered shopping and personal finance for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in Consumer Reports, CNNMoney.com, CNBC.com and dozens of other publications.