Presidents Day, celebrated on Monday, February 17, marks the year’s first major three-day holiday shopping event. According to a survey conducted by RetailMeNot, a popular cash back and deal-finding platform, shoppers are expected to spend an average of $197 during this holiday. If you’ve been eyeing something special, now is the perfect time to make your purchase. The next significant discount period won’t arrive until Memorial Day in May, so if you’re eager to save on purchases like a new mattress, refrigerator, or vacuum cleaner, Presidents Day offers some of the best deals, as noted by Stephanie Carls, a retail expert from RetailMeNot.

Having spent five years covering sales at NBC Select, I possess valuable insights on how to make the most of your budget. An essential tip? Understanding which items to purchase and which to avoid during holiday sales. To assist you in maximizing your savings, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide filled with Presidents Day shopping strategies, enriched by expert advice.

SKIP AHEAD What to buy during Presidents Day sales | What to skip during Presidents Day sales | When do sales start? | When do sales end? | In-store or online shopping: what’s better? | What stores are open on Presidents Day? | How to save during Presidents Day sales | Why trust NBC Select?

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What to buy during Presidents Day sales

Similar to other three-day holiday weekends, Presidents Day promotions predominantly focus on high-ticket items such as major home appliances, furniture, mattresses, and rugs. Expect appliance bundles, like washer-dryer sets or refrigerator-dishwasher combinations, to see discounts of up to 40%, according to Carls. Discounts on single appliances typically range from 20% to 30% for items like vacuums and toaster ovens.

For mattresses, look for king-for-queen deals that allow you to upgrade to a larger size for the price of a smaller one, as Carls explains. Keep an eye out for discounts on premium brands at major retailers, and look for promotions that offer free gifts with your purchase, such as sheet sets or pillows, suggests Vipin Porwal, the CEO and a savings expert at Smarty. Additionally, bedding items like sheets, bath towels, and curtains typically experience sales over the holiday, providing opportunities to purchase them separately.

Winter apparel is also worth considering during Presidents Day sales. Retailers often use this weekend to attract customers by lowering prices on cold-weather clothing and footwear, making space for incoming spring collections.

While February isn’t the peak season for tech purchases, there are still notable discounts available during Presidents Day, asserts Carls. Some retailers extend their sports-related TV and sound system deals through the latter half of the month, and you can expect competitively priced laptops, desktop computers, and headphones as well.

It’s crucial to be aware that proposed U.S. tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China—which could inflate prices across various categories—are currently temporarily paused. Given that many brands offering popular consumer goods are based in these regions, it’s wise to capitalize on Presidents Day discounts if you need items soon, as advised by Porwal.

What to skip during Presidents Day sales

Experts suggest delaying your purchase of spring apparel. While stores might entice you with modest discounts during Presidents Day, substantial savings can often be found during clearance events in early spring. This is when retailers aim to clear out their spring inventory ahead of the summer season, notes Carls. In addition, it’s advisable to hold off on patio furniture and outdoor equipment for now. Prices on these items tend to drop as demand rises in warmer weather, making it more beneficial to wait until late summer or fall, when discounts can reach as high as 80%.

When do Presidents Day sales start?

Many Presidents Day sales commence about a week in advance, with most retailers launching their discounts by the Friday before the holiday, as Carls states. Shoppers can expect consistent pricing throughout the sale period, so there’s no need to delay your purchases.

When do Presidents Day sales end?

Typically, Presidents Day sales conclude at midnight on the holiday itself, although some may extend into the following Tuesday or Wednesday.

Are there better deals in stores or online during Presidents Day?

Most retailers offer similar discounts both online and in-store during Presidents Day, so your choice between the two will depend on personal preference. Often, online shopping provides a wider range of discounted products, but shipping and delivery fees could apply, particularly for larger items. To reduce such costs, consider buy online and pick up in-store options.

What stores are open on Presidents Day?

As Presidents Day is a federal holiday, some retailers may close for in-store shopping or operate on reduced hours. However, many pharmacies, grocery stores, and major retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Kohl’s remain open. Be sure to check a store’s website for specific hours before you head out to shop.

How to save the most during Presidents Day sales

Understanding which items to purchase or skip is the first step toward saving during Presidents Day sales. Here are additional tips from experts to help you maximize your shopping experience:

• Subscribe to email alerts or SMS from your favorite brands to stay informed about their Presidents Day offers. These channels are often used for quick communications and may include exclusive discount codes.
• Join loyalty programs like Amazon Prime, Walmart Plus, and Target Circle to access member-only promotions.
• Compare prices across similar retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Don’t forget to factor in shipping fees and any available promotions, such as gifts with purchase.
• Activate cash back offers to earn a percentage of your spending back.
• Consider using a credit card for larger purchases, as this may allow you to accumulate points or take advantage of special offers.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we collaborate with specialists who possess extensive knowledge and expertise based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and free from undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Stephanie Carls serves as a retail insights expert at RetailMeNot.
• Vipin Porwal is the CEO and a consumer savings expert at Smarty.

Why trust NBC Select?

As a reporter at NBC Select with five years of experience in covering sales and promotions—including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday—I sourced insights from two experts on the best items to buy or skip this Presidents Day and compiled tips to help you save effectively.