4 Things to Buy in September — And 2 You Should Skip

As we bid a collective farewell to the dog days of August, we greet the more temperate days of September — and the sales that arrive with them. Whether you’re squeezing in a few more beach days or already looking forward to the changing leaves, you’ll likely find some deals of interest. Here are some of the best things to buy in September — and a few you should skip.

WHAT TO BUY IN SEPTEMBER

Mattresses

The summer heat may have made you toss and turn every night — or perhaps you just need a new mattress. If that’s the case, this is one of the best times to get a deal on a new bed.

“Labor Day marks the end of summer season for mattresses, and shoppers can find some of the deepest discounting of the year in this product category,” says Vipin Porwal, founder and consumer expert at Smarty. He says to expect big sales of up to 50 percent off on many of the top brands for all mattress types and sizes, including innerspring, memory foam, latex and hybrid models.

Summer Apparel

Just because the calendar has turned to September doesn’t mean the heat has waned — which is why summer apparel clearance sales are ingrained in Labor Day sale ads, Porwal says. “Early-bird shoppers will get first shot at finding deep discounts of 20 to 50 percent off the most popular styles, sizes, colors and quality brands that will sell out quickly,” he says. “This is a great time to save some money for back-to-schoolers who like to wear summer styles well into the fall.”

Lawn Tools and Equipment

Ahead of the change in season, those looking to get some yard work done will be able to take advantage of clearance sales on lawn gear. “They’ll ramp up following Labor Day weekend and offer the year’s best discounts on push mowers, riding mowers and lawn tools,” Porwal says. “Expect up to $150 off regular prices on traditional gas-powered and cordless lithium powered push mowers.” He adds that shoppers will find similar discounting on 40-volt, lithium-powered lawn tools (such as trimmers, edgers and hedgers) and more than 25 percent off at stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menard’s and Ace as they look to reduce their summer inventory for the year.

Post-Labor Day sales also feature final discount pricing on garden tools and supplies, with savings ranging from 20 to 30 percent off hoses, sprayers, containers, soils, fertilizers and seed. “These inventories are limited and will be displaced quickly to make room for holiday items,” Porwal says. “So shopping in-store may be your best bet to get a great deal.”

4K TVs

Football season is just kicking off, which makes September a good time to find reduced prices on 4K TVs. “This is especially true for consumers looking to upgrade into entry-level UHD models,” Porwal says. He expects to see 4K TV deals matching some of last year’s Black Friday prices, with select 60- to 65-inch 4K TVs models under $700 and many 35- to 50-inch 4K TVs under $500.

“Keep in mind that TV prices change weekly in September, so setting alerts for TV deals in deal hunting communities will keep you in-the-know for limited-stock clearance deals that can sell out at electronics retailers the same day they post,” Porwal says.

One note: Advanced UHD TV models are trending on the costly side with only select sales on clearance inventory, so “waiting for November deals on these higher-priced models may be the better bet,” Porwal adds.

WHAT TO SKIP IN SEPTEMBER

Fall Fashions and Outdoor Gear

After the pandemic dampened last year’s fall fashion season, you may be anticipating updating your wardrobe — and you will see Labor Day sales featuring discounts on seasonal and outdoor wear. But Porwal says you should wait for later in September or October to get the deeper discounts on jackets, hoodies, long sleeve tops, work boots and especially denim clothing, which will see up to half-price savings on select brands. “Outdoor sports apparel, college and professional teams’ merchandise, and hiking and hunting apparel will see better discounts in the range of 20 to 40 percent off at popular online stores such as REI Co-op, Dick’s, Sierra, Cabela’s and others in early October.”

Computers and Smartphones

If you haven’t already updated your electronics — especially your computer or phone — you should try to hold off for at least a month. “These devices will typically have better pricing in October and November when leading brands including Apple, HP, Dell and Samsung will announce their holiday product lineups and pre-holiday discounts,” Porwal says. “That’s also when they’ll unveil pre-holiday sales on last year’s models.”