Memorial Day Sales 2025: Your Last Chance to Save Before Tariff Hikes Hit

Posted on Boncopia.com | Global News

As the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day weekend brings more than barbecues and beach trips—it’s a prime time for shoppers to snag deals on big-ticket items like appliances and furniture. But in 2025, there’s an extra layer of urgency: looming tariff hikes are set to drive prices up across the board. With shoppers expected to spend an average of $289 this Memorial Day—slightly less than last year—experts like NBC Select editor Zoe Malin are urging consumers to act fast before costs climb higher this summer. Here’s everything you need to know about Memorial Day sales, why tariffs are shaking things up, and how to make the most of this pivotal shopping moment.

Why Memorial Day 2025 Is a Must-Shop Moment

Memorial Day has long been a hotspot for blowout sales, especially on big-ticket items like refrigerators, mattresses, and sofas. The three-day weekend gives shoppers extra time to weigh major purchases, and retailers respond with deep discounts—think mattresses up to 40% off, appliances slashed by 20-30%, and furniture deals reaching 50% off at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Wayfair, and Ashley Furniture.

This year, however, the stakes are higher. A universal 10% tariff on imports from all countries is already in effect, with a 30% tariff on Chinese goods specifically. A 90-day pause on even steeper reciprocal tariffs ends in July, meaning prices for imported goods—like tech, appliances, and clothing—are likely to spike. Experts like Vipin Porwal, CEO of Smarty, call this a “pivotal moment” to save, as shrinking U.S. inventory forces brands to raise prices now. If you’ve been eyeing a new washer, dining set, or summer wardrobe, Memorial Day 2025 might be your last chance to lock in deals before the trade wars reshape retail.

The Tariff Threat: Why Prices Are Climbing

Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, and they’re already reshaping the shopping landscape. When brands import products—or even materials like fabric or microchips—they pay these fees, which often get passed on to consumers. With a 10% tariff on all countries and 30% on Chinese imports, companies like Walmart, Nintendo, and Uppababy are already hiking prices to offset costs. Even U.S.-made goods aren’t immune, as many rely on imported components, driving up production costs.

The clock is ticking. Countries like Japan, Indonesia, and those in the European Union have until July to strike trade deals with the U.S. If they fail, higher tariffs could hit, triggering another wave of price increases. Porwal warns that Memorial Day may be “the last big event to really take advantage of deep discounting for a while.” Retailers are also rethinking promotional strategies to cope with the economic squeeze, meaning the familiar frenzy of holiday sales could look very different by summer’s end.

What to Buy (and Skip) This Memorial Day

Not all deals are created equal, so here’s a breakdown of what’s worth your money—and what can wait.

Buy Now: Big-Ticket Items

• Appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, and air fryers are seeing discounts of 20-30% at big-box stores. With tariffs already impacting brands like Dyson, now’s the time to upgrade. For example, Home Depot is offering savings on appliances, while Ninja’s Memorial Day sale includes up to $120 off cookware.

• Furniture: Sofas, dining sets, and entertainment setups are marked down as much as 50% at retailers like Wayfair and Overstock. Quality name-brand items may offer smaller discounts (e.g., 25% off), but they’re often a better long-term investment than bargain pieces.

• Mattresses: Deals of up to 40% off are common, with brands like Casper and Zoma Sleep offering codes like SLEEP30 for mattresses and MDPILLOWS for 20% off pillows.

• Spring Clothing and Essentials: Summer apparel, bedding, and gardening tools are also on sale, ideal for refreshing your wardrobe or home for the season.

Skip These for Now

• Summer Essentials: Patio furniture, grills, and bathing suits are better bought during post-Memorial Day sales or closer to July 4th, when summer stock needs clearing.

• Tech: TVs, speakers, and computers see better discounts during Amazon Prime Day or back-to-school sales in July. However, if you need tech now, brands like Apple and Shark are offering early Memorial Day deals.

Pro tip: Check price trackers like Honey to ensure you’re getting the lowest prices since at least January. And don’t wait—experts warn that out-of-stock products and shipping delays could disrupt your plans as the holiday weekend nears.

Top Memorial Day Deals to Shop

Here’s a roundup of some standout sales to jump on, based on NBC Select’s coverage and expert recommendations:

• Macy’s: Up to 60% off apparel, furniture, and more. Perfect for snagging a new sofa or summer dresses.

• Zoma Sleep: Use code SLEEP30 for up to 30% off mattresses and MDPILLOWS for 20% off pillows.

• Thule: Up to 25% off sitewide, including lightweight strollers like the Thule Spring, ideal for parents.

• Traeger: Discounts on electric pellet grills that use wood pellets for smoky flavor, great for summer barbecues.

• Wayfair: Up to 70% off furniture and homeware, with deals on everything from dining sets to outdoor seating.

• Amazon and Target: Early deals on appliances, tech, and seasonal items, with savings up to 42% on brands like Shark and Brooklinen.

NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who leads coverage for major sales events, emphasizes that these discounts are “not as stellar as Prime Day or Black Friday” but still offer up to 51% off on bestsellers. With tariffs looming, waiting for better deals could cost you more in the long run.

How to Shop Smart This Memorial Day

To maximize your savings, follow these expert-backed tips:

1. Act Early: Many brands, like Amazon and Target, have already rolled out early Memorial Day deals. Shopping now helps you avoid stock shortages and shipping delays.

2. Compare Prices: Use tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to verify discounts, especially on big-ticket items. Some “deals” may not be as good as they seem.

3. Focus on Quality: A 40% discount on low-quality furniture isn’t as valuable as 25% off a durable, name-brand piece. Invest in items built to last.

4. Check Return Policies: With tariffs driving up costs, ensure your purchases are returnable in case of defects or buyer’s remorse.

5. Sign Up for Newsletters: Retailers like NBC Select’s The Selection newsletter offer deal alerts and shopping tips to keep you ahead of the curve.

The Bigger Picture: Tariffs and Your Wallet

The tariff hikes aren’t just a short-term issue—they’re part of a broader trade war that could reshape global commerce. A 10% universal tariff and 30% tariff on Chinese goods are already squeezing retailers, with companies like Stanley Black & Decker and Jolie raising prices (e.g., Jolie’s filtered showerhead is up $4). Even domestic products face higher costs due to imported materials like batteries and microchips.

Dr. Ross Steinman, a consumer psychology professor at Widener University, notes that “almost everything you buy is getting more expensive.” As retailers adjust to shrinking inventories and higher import costs, consumers could see fewer promotions and higher prices by summer’s end. Stephanie Carls of RetailMeNot adds that retailers may pivot away from traditional sales strategies, meaning Memorial Day’s deep discounts could be a rare opportunity.

For budget-conscious shoppers, this economic shift underscores the importance of strategic spending. Memorial Day’s deals on appliances, furniture, and mattresses offer a chance to save before inflation and tariffs hit harder. But it’s not just about saving money—it’s about preparing for a future where everyday goods, from T-shirts to refrigerators, may carry a heftier price tag.

Why This Matters Globally

The tariff hikes are a ripple effect of U.S. trade policies, with implications far beyond American shores. Countries like China, Japan, and those in the EU face pressure to negotiate trade deals by July to avoid steeper tariffs. Failure to do so could disrupt global supply chains, affecting everything from tech manufacturing to clothing production. Consumers worldwide may feel the pinch as brands pass on costs, making events like Memorial Day sales a critical moment for savvy shoppers everywhere.

Final Thoughts: Shop Now or Pay Later?

Memorial Day 2025 isn’t just another sale—it’s a race against rising prices. With tariffs already in motion and more hikes on the horizon, now’s the time to invest in big-ticket items like appliances and furniture. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or refreshing your living room, the deals at retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Macy’s offer a chance to save big before the economic landscape shifts.

As Zoe Malin puts it, “now’s the time to buy” before summer tariffs reshape your shopping cart. So, fire up the grill, enjoy the long weekend, and hit the stores (or your browser) to lock in savings while they last.

Thought Questions:

1. How will you prioritize your Memorial Day shopping to beat the tariff hikes? Are appliances or furniture at the top of your list?

2. Do you think the looming tariffs will change how you approach major purchases in the future?

3. How might global trade negotiations impact your local economy and shopping habits by summer’s end?

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Note: Prices and availability are subject to change, so check retailer sites for the latest details. For more shopping tips, subscribe to Boncopia’s newsletter or follow us on social media