The August sale is all about discounted school supplies. This is the place for teachers, parents, students on a budget, and of course, all the savvy shoppers who want great deals on clothing, technology, office supplies, and more.
The sale has already begun and to help you know where to spend your hard-earned money, we've used: Internal discount data Calculate the average discounts shoppers can expect across popular categories in August and focus on those. Top 5 Categories to Shop This Month
Best Sales to Shop in August
August is a month of big discounts, so keep an eye out for the next sale.
- College Admission Essentials: Many major retailers have sales on dorm essentials and must-buy items for college students throughout August.
- Last minute summer sale: Many popular retailers are offering discounts on lightweight warm-weather clothing ahead of fall and winter. Stock up on what you need for next summer!
- Back to School Sale: Now is the time to start. Apple’s 2024 school supply sale is happening now. Plus, retailers like Staples, Office Depot, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart are already having school supply sales.
- Labor Day Sale: Many Labor Day weekend sales start in late August, so look for additional savings opportunities during the final week.
- Keurig 25% Off Sale: Enter the code to get 25% off Keurig K-Cup® Pods all month long. 2024 Coffee.

5 Smartest Things to Buy in July
1. Shoes (Average discount rate: 22% discount)
From growth spurts to wear and tear, there are reasons for a shoe upgrade at every age. August, the start of school season, is the perfect time to buy new shoes, whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent. Think sneakers and summer shoes! Hold off on fall and winter shoe shopping until Labor Day or later.
Here are some popular retailers that always offer great shoe deals.
- Nike
- Adidas
- Reebok
- puma
2. Computers and electronics (average discount rate: 20% discount)
Enjoy great deals on tablets, laptops, tech accessories and more all through August. Tech discounts are available to non-students too, so take advantage of the big savings! It’s the best time to shop for tech before Black Friday.
Here are some places where you can buy tech products for cheap:
- apologize
- Best Buy
- LG
- Lenovo
- samsung
3. Clothing (Average discount rate: 19% discount)
This time of year, check out your favorite retailers’ sale sections to find discounted fashions that are still wearable in the current weather. Many stores are transitioning into fall, but there are still a few more weeks of summer sunshine left! And pack some T-shirts and shorts for the kids heading back to school.
Shop our favorite clothing brands:
- Forever 21
- Maurice
- Carter's
- Disney Store
4. Office supplies (average discount rate: 17% discount)
This is great news for teachers, parents, and anyone working from home who needs to stock up on supplies. It can be the most enjoyable part of school supply shopping.
Here are some one-stop places to buy office supplies:
- Office Depot
- staple
- CVS
- Target
5. Sports equipment (average discount rate: 17% discount)
As the summer season draws to a close, the competition to buy outdoor essentials slows down significantly, making it a great time to add some great deals on sporting goods to your cart. Grab some gear to enjoy with your family all year long, or stock up on gear for next summer’s adventures.
Check out our favorite retailers for great deals on sports gear:
- Academy Sports + Outdoor
- bass pro
- Cabela's
Bonus Tips
Check to see if your state has a tax-free shopping weekend:In August, more than a dozen states will host a tax-free shopping weekend, where eligible purchases made in a state on this list will be exempt from sales tax. Eligible items are usually school supplies, but they are not just for students. Some states include electronics, clothing, backpacks, and shoes on the tax-free weekend. There are plenty of options to stock up on essentials.
Consider last minute school supply deals:If you feel comfortable taking a risk, wait until just before school starts to clear out leftover notebooks, lunch boxes, dorm supplies, and other common items on students’ shopping lists. At this point, retailers will be more than willing to sell them. You may not want to use this strategy for items you actually need—the shelves will be mostly stocked by then—but it can be a smart way to get the essentials you (or your kids) will need next year at a much lower price.
What to Buy in August: Save the Dates appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.