Memorial Day Sales Are Coming—Here’s What Couples Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy

Memorial Day weekend has quietly become one of the biggest shopping moments of the year. For couples, it can feel like a tempting opportunity to “upgrade everything at once” including appliances, mattresses, patio sets, and grills, all wrapped in red white and blue sale banners.

But not all Memorial Day deals are created equal.

Some categories truly shine this weekend. Others look good on paper but are actually better buys later in the year. Knowing the difference can save couples hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars.

Here’s how to shop Memorial Day sales strategically, without falling into the classic “sale trap.”

What Couples Should Buy on Memorial Day

Mattresses

Memorial Day is the heavyweight champion of mattress sales.

Industry insiders routinely call it the “Black Friday of mattresses.” During Memorial Day weekend, a larger share of mattress inventory goes on sale than almost any other time of year. Discounts of 40 to 60 percent off MSRP are common, especially from major national brands.

Why this weekend is so strong:

• Mattress shopping is seasonal, with summer being peak upgrade time

• Retailers compete aggressively during holiday weekends

• Many brands stack discounts with financing offers

While early spring from March to April can also offer clearance deals on last year’s models, Memorial Day combines deep discounts with broad selection, making it ideal for couples who want options.

Modern Husbands tip: Don’t focus only on the percentage off. Ask about return policies, trial periods, and delivery timing. A great deal isn’t great if it locks you into the wrong mattress.

Major Home Appliances

If your refrigerator is limping along or your washer sounds like it’s preparing for takeoff, Memorial Day is often a smart time to buy.

Retail pricing data shows that large appliances including refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers tend to dip during three major windows: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Discounts commonly range from 10 to 30 percent off regular prices.

Why Memorial Day works particularly well:

• New appliance models often roll out in early summer

• Retailers discount older inventory in May to clear floor space

• Bundled promotions such as free delivery, installation, and haul away are common

For couples planning a kitchen refresh or replacing multiple appliances, this weekend can unlock meaningful savings, especially if flexibility on model color or features is an option.

Modern Husbands tip: If the appliance is failing soon, buy now. If it still works and you’re just itching for an upgrade, compare Memorial Day pricing to Labor Day before pulling the trigger.

What Couples Shouldn’t Rush to Buy

Outdoor Furniture

This is where many Memorial Day shoppers overpay.

Yes, patio furniture will be on sale this weekend. But historically, Memorial Day is closer to peak pricing than bottom pricing for outdoor furniture.

Here’s the seasonal reality:

• February to April: Best selection, full price

• May to July: Light discounts, high demand

• September: Deepest discounts of the year

Industry analysis shows that patio furniture prices often drop 30 to 50 percent or more after Labor Day, with some sets approaching wholesale cost as retailers clear space for fall inventory.

If your current setup works for another season, waiting until September can dramatically stretch your budget.

Modern Husbands tip: If you need seating for this summer’s gatherings, buy minimal pieces now. Save the full set upgrade for fall clearance.

Grills

Grills feel like a Memorial Day no brainer, but patience pays here.

Retailers do run Memorial Day and Father’s Day grill promotions, but most experts classify these as moderate discounts, not rock bottom pricing. The best deals typically arrive right after Labor Day, when demand drops and inventory needs to move.

What pricing patterns show:

• Memorial Day and July 4th: modest discounts

• Late August to October: 40 to 80 percent off select models

• Post Labor Day: fastest markdown acceleration

If your grill is truly dead and summer cookouts matter, buying now is reasonable. But if you’re upgrading for fun rather than necessity, waiting a few months can lead to dramatic savings.

Modern Husbands tip: Clearance grills often include floor models or last year’s designs. Performance rarely changes, only the badge does.

The Bigger Lesson for Couples

Memorial Day sales are not just about timing purchases. They’re about making decisions together. Smart couples treat holiday sales as planning checkpoints, not shopping frenzies. They decide in advance what’s worth buying now and what can wait.

The best deal is the one that fits your timeline, your space, and your shared priorities, not just the calendar.

Citations

"Best Time to Buy Every Type of Appliance—From ACs to Ovens.” Martha Stewart, www.marthastewart.com/best-time-to-buy-appliances-11763809. 

“Best Time to Buy a Grill: Seasonal Deals, Shopping Tips & How to Choose the Right Model.” BBQ Kitchen Pros, bbqkitchenpros.com/blogs/buying-guides/best-time-to-buy-a-grill-seasonal-deals-shopping-tips-how-to-choose-the-right-model. 

“Best Time to Buy a Mattress.” NerdWallet, www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/best-time-to-buy-mattress. 

“What Is the Best Month to Buy Patio Furniture?” Big Roof, www.bigroofus.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-best-month-to-buy-patio-furniture. 

“Patio Table – Best Outdoor Furniture 2025.” Accio, www.accio.com/plp/patio-table. 

“Major Appliances Price Inflation, 1997–2025.” In 2013 Dollars, www.in2013dollars.com/Major-appliances/price-inflation.