This article features affiliate links to products curated by our editorial team. Mental Floss may earn a commission on purchases made through these links.
As summer unfolds, it’s not just the season for barbecues and outdoor adventures. July kicks off with a bang, bringing fantastic sales right from the Fourth of July weekend and continuing to offer great deals throughout the month. After the holiday festivities, shoppers can look forward to even more savings with Amazon Prime Day, which kicks off on Tuesday, July 16, and runs through Wednesday, July 17. Major retailers like Nordstrom and Walmart will also be hosting their own promotional events during this time, making it an excellent opportunity to save some cash.
In addition to the significant sales events, there are other ways to score great deals this month. On Thursday, July 11, participating 7-Eleven stores will be giving away one free Slurpee in celebration of the brand’s 97th anniversary. Later on, National Ice Cream Day will bring a host of other freebies, so keep an eye out for those. Below, you’ll find a curated list of items worth purchasing in July and those you might want to skip.
- What to Buy in July
- Buy: Summer Clothing and Swimwear
- Shop: Fourth of July Sales
- Buy: Amazon Devices
- Buy: Luggage and Travel Accessories
- Shop: Ice Cream Deals
- What Not to Buy in July
- Skip: Lawn Mowers
- Skip: Back-to-School Items
- Skip: Major Electronics
What to Buy in July
Buy: Summer Clothing and Swimwear
Looking to refresh your summer wardrobe? This is an ideal time to do so, as clothing often sees discounts about six to eight weeks after a season begins. While summer has not reached that mark yet, many retailers are eager to clear out their summer inventory ahead of fall, resulting in mid-year sales.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which opens to the public on Monday, July 15, and lasts until Sunday, August 4, presents a fantastic opportunity for shoppers to snag significant savings. Expect great deals on popular brands like Madewell, Free People, and Halogen. Plus, Nordstrom cardholders get exclusive early access starting on Saturday, July 13.
Beyond Nordstrom, Old Navy’s Red, White and Whoa! sale is another excellent opportunity for budget-conscious shoppers. You can find clothing and accessories for both adults and kids at discounts of up to 60 percent off, with flip-flops and other items starting at just $2.
Even during peak swim season, there are fantastic deals on swimsuits right now. For those gearing up for pool parties, Aerie Swim offers comfortable swimwear with discounts of up to 50 percent off select styles. Additionally, popular brand SummerSalt is running promotions, where you can use the code SPF30 at checkout for a 30 percent discount on everything.
Shop: Fourth of July Sales
Similar to other holidays, the Fourth of July has transformed into a significant sales event in recent years. If you’re considering purchasing a major appliance or grill, you’ll find fantastic deals throughout the long weekend as retailers offer maximum discounts. Be mindful that these deals typically end after the first week of July, so act swiftly.
For example, head over to Lowe’s for discounts on major brands like Weber, Char-Broil, and Napoleon during their holiday savings event. You can also score up to 40 percent off select major appliances like refrigerators and chest freezers until July 10. At The Home Depot, enjoy similar Fourth of July discounts, including up to 25 percent off storage and organization items, as well as substantial discounts on washers, dryers, and dishwashers from various brands.
Buy: Amazon Devices
Amazon Prime Day is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, starting on July 16 at around 3 a.m. EST and wrapping up on July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT. This 48-hour event features exclusive deals for Prime members.
Although Prime Day is still a few weeks away, Amazon has already released some exciting early deals for Prime members, including limited-time discounts on Audible and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions, coupons for Amazon Fresh, and substantial markdowns on Amazon devices.
For instance, the three-pack Amazon eero mesh Wifi system is currently available for just $100, which is 53 percent off its lowest price. Likewise, the Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) and Blink Mini 2 combo is on sale for only $50, down from its usual $140. Be sure to stay tuned for our coverage of these deals as the event approaches.
Investing in high-quality luggage can significantly reduce travel stress during your summer vacations. Currently, Samsonite is offering 30 percent off sitewide, including popular luggage sets like the Cosmolite 3.0 2-piece set, along with free shipping.
Additionally, Away is offering generous discounts on their best-selling products, with savings of up to $150 when you use the promo code GETAWAY at checkout. This includes packing cubes, toiletry bags, rolling duffles, and their popular Carry-On suitcase. Since Away rarely has sales, this is a unique opportunity for shoppers to save while upgrading their travel gear.
National Ice Cream Day is celebrated by numerous retailers, so expect enticing deals. Last year, Baskin Robbins and Dairy Queen offered discounts, with Baskin Robbins providing $5 off orders of $20 or more using the promo code SEIZETHEYAY in their app, and Dairy Queen giving $1 off any dipped cone purchased via their app. Keep an eye out for exciting deals this year! If you’re feeling lucky, enter Bruster’s National Ice Cream Month sweepstakes by July 31 for a chance to win free ice cream for a year, valued at up to $300. While specific discounts are yet to be announced, they are anticipated to be delightful. Therefore, it’s wise to hold off on purchasing a lawn mower and wait until fall for the best deals. Also, refrain from rushing to buy back-to-school items just yet; mid-to-late summer is typically the best time for school supply shopping when sales tax holidays kick in. Furthermore, consider waiting to make major electronics purchases to take advantage of back-to-school sales and tax holidays for potential savings. If you’re looking to save on tech gadgets this month, while discounts on Amazon devices will be available during Prime Day, it might be best to hold off on buying devices from other brands like Samsung and Apple. This is because August and September are prime times for new smart device launches, including tablets, smartphones, and earbuds.
Don’t worry if you miss out on deals this July. As we approach the final quarter of the year, expect to see significant price reductions on older models and even more appealing discounts on wearables and smartphones. With Black Friday and the holiday season looming, waiting until September or late August may lead to even greater savings.
So, if you’re eyeing new tech gadgets, exercise some patience and hold off on major purchases until fall. Your wallet will definitely appreciate it!
