For almost a half-century, the last day of May has officially been the day our nation honors those who died while serving in the armed forces. But Memorial Day has also come to symbolize the start of summer, the kick-off to travel season and -- right or wrong -- a time to take advantage of the some of the best sales retailers will offer all year.
While we should never forget what the holiday is really about, if you plan to take some time to shop, you will likely find that unlike some other holiday shopping weekends, Memorial Day sales (which began taking off last week) are generally the real deal.
Shoppers looking for spring clothing, home goods and yes, a mattress, will save the most this year, say the deal experts at Dealnews .
Spring clothing at retailers including Macy's , Saks Fifth Avenue and the Gap will have discounts ranging from 20 - 90% off. Shop for kitchen supplies at Williams-Sonoma and you can expect discounts of up to 60 percent. For appliances and furniture, hit Lowe's for 50% markdowns.
Memorial Day has historically been the best time to shop for a mattress. This year shop Amazon and Sears , for options that are 60% off, say Dealnews pros. You may even be able to buy a mattress from Groupon , which last year offered up to 80% off with an additional 10% discount. Prices for twin-size mattresses will start as low as $240. You will also find mattress discounts ranging from 40% up to 80% on Memorial Day at Overstock.com , Macy's and smaller mattress retailers, say the deal experts at Ben's Bargains .
Summer isn't quite here, but if you can, consider your travel plans early. Booking now could help you save with Memorial Day sales from sites like Travelocity , Expedia and Orbitz that are going on now. Hotels are also offering limited time discounts for upcoming travel.
Looking for specific sales, discounts and deals for Memorial Day? Here are a few to consider:
RETAIL
Home Depot : Get 50% off select patio furniture. If you shop online and spend $599 or more, shipping is free. Get up to 30% off select appliances and enjoy dollar-off savings on paint. Deals run through June 1.
Amazon: Shop for apparel and get up to 60% off men's, women's, and kids' apparel, shoes, and accessories. Deal ends May 30 and brands include Adidas, Calvin Klein, Nine West, and Tommy Hilfiger. Free shipping for prime members, minimum of $49 for everyone else.
Old Navy : Through May 30 get 50% off all tees, tanks, swimwear, shorts (with some exclusions) for men, women and kids.
Nordstorm : The half-yearly sale is on at Nordstrom. Save up to 40% on select items storewide including designer clearance items. Sale ends June 5.
Fabrik : The Atlanta-born boutique and local favorite is offering a free pair of sunglasses with any purchase in-store or online through May 26.
Kohls : We lost a few locations of this department store in the metro area , but head to locations OTP and get $10 off your purchase of $25 or more.
Mattress Firm : A doorbuster event for two-hours only each day Friday - Monday, offers a pillow top twin, full or queen mattress set for $199 (King is $499). All other mattress are on sale, as well.
ATTRACTIONS/ EVENTS:
Atlanta Jazz Festival : The three-day festival in Piedmont Park is free and first time Uber users can get up to $20 off a ride to the event so you don't have to drive and park. Use code ATLJAZZFEST2016 on the Uber app .
Center for Puppetry Arts : Take 25% off an all-inclusive ticket which includes the new Worlds of Puppetry Museum featuring the Jim Henson and Global Collections, a performance of The Swan: An Ugly Duckling Story and the Create-A-Puppet Workshop. Discount applies May 28 and 29. Limit 4. Use promo code: MEMORIAL.
World of Coke : All Active duty, Reserves and Retired members of the Armed Forces receive complimentary admission to the World of Coca‑Cola all-year round. Free admission applies only for the actual Armed Forces member. Family members and other guests must pay regular admission rates. Valid ID is required. Click here for more retailers, attractions and restaurants offering deals specifically for members of the military .
FOOD FREEBIE
Wendy's : All day participating metro Atlanta locations of Wendy's will give customers a free small Frosty Treat on Monday, May 30.
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