Ah, August. The sun’s still shining, the days are long—but the deals? They’re even hotter.
This month isn’t just the slow fade into fall; it’s a jackpot for bargain hunters. Retailers are practically begging you to clear out their summer shelves so they can roll in the cozy sweaters and pumpkin-scented everything. And if you know where to look, you can score massive savings while everyone else is still distracted by beach days.
At Hot Deals Web, we live for this moment. Let’s dive into the clearance sections you’ll want to raid now—and a few you might want to skip until later.
Why August Is Peak Clearance Season
If you're wondering why so many great things go on sale in August, it’s simple: retailers are in transition mode.
1. Out With Summer, In With Fall
Clothing racks are turning over. Garden centers are making way for Halloween decor. And tech retailers? They're prepping for those big September launches. That makes August the time to score big on what’s about to be last season’s leftovers—but still totally usable next year.
2. It’s Back-to-School Bonanza Time
From backpacks to laptops, stores are racing to meet demand. That leads to two things: major markdowns mid-month (once the early shoppers are done) and big clearance waves right after school starts.
3. Prime Day Spillover + Pre-Holiday Hype
Many retailers still ride the coattails of July’s Amazon Prime Day with extended markdowns through early August. And by the end of the month, they start laying the groundwork for Labor Day weekend and early holiday promos. That means deep discounts across the board.
What to Buy: The Best Clearance Sections Right Now
August’s clearance zones are jam-packed—but a few shine brighter than others.
1. Summer Apparel
This is your chance to grab sundresses, shorts, swimsuits, and sandals for next to nothing. Stores like Old Navy, Target, and Macy’s are practically giving it away—up to 80% off in some cases.
💡 Pro tip: Stock up now and store for next summer. Fashion always circles back—and basics never go out of style.
2. Footwear Finds
Back-to-school deals bring discounts on everything from sneakers to casual kicks. Brands like Adidas and Puma start dropping prices in August, especially online and in outlet stores.
💡 Look for clearance + coupon stackable deals. Bonus points if you catch a “buy one, get one 50% off” offer.
3. Patio Furniture and Outdoor Living
Want that dream patio setup? Wait until August. Retailers like Lowe’s and Wayfair start clearing out outdoor sofas, grills, and pergolas at up to 60% off. The big stuff’s bulky and pricey to store—so stores want it gone now.
💡 The best deals often hit just before Labor Day weekend. Don’t wait too long!
4. Lawn & Garden Clearance
From lawn mowers to planters, stores like Home Depot and Tractor Supply start marking down gardening tools and outdoor décor. Fall is creeping in, so these summer essentials get the slash treatment.
💡 Seeds, bulbs, and soil enhancers often go on sale too—perfect for planning next spring’s garden.
5. Tech Deals (Especially for Students)
Laptops, tablets, headphones, and smart gear often hit clearance in August to make way for September’s new releases. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart usually lead the charge.
💡 Check open-box or refurbished deals for extra savings—they’re often still under warranty.
6. Smart Home Gear
August’s a smart time to go… smarter. Think last-gen smart speakers, doorbells, thermostats, and security cams—all marked down as new models launch.
💡 Bundles often appear this time of year (e.g., buy one, get another 50% off). Keep an eye out.
7. Back-to-School Supplies (After the Rush)
Early August is full price. But once the first wave of shoppers clears, mid- to late August is gold for markdowns on notebooks, backpacks, and dorm room essentials.
💡 Hit up Staples, Walmart, and Office Depot just after the local school start date.
8. Kids' Clothing
Let’s be real—kids outgrow everything in six months. Stock up now while clearance racks are full and organized. Target, JCPenney, and Carter’s tend to drop prices heavily mid-month.
💡 Check for “extra 25% off clearance” events—they’re common in August.
9. Travel & Outdoor Gear
Camping season is winding down, so expect markdowns on tents, hammocks, coolers, and hiking gear at places like REI, Academy Sports, and Dick’s.
💡 Look for bundle deals (tent + sleeping bag + mat), especially online.
10. Summer Sports Equipment
Think bikes, skates, paddleboards, and water gear. Stores are offloading summer sporting goods fast to make room for snowboards and basketballs.
💡 Shop in-person clearance bins for unexpectedly steep markdowns.
What to Skip (For Now)
Not all deals are deals. Some clearance racks are better left untouched—for now.
1. Fall Fashion
Yes, the new arrivals are gorgeous. But they’re also full price. Unless it’s a must-have, wait until October for those cozy coats and boots to dip into promo territory.
2. Holiday Decor
It’s starting to show up (yes, already), but prices won’t budge until after Halloween. If you're eyeing ornaments or faux trees, patience = profit.
3. Big-Ticket Electronics
New phone and laptop models usually hit in September. That means early September = better clearance. Late August? You might still be paying more than you need to.
Hot Tip Highlights: How to Clearance Like a Pro
Ready to shop smarter—not just harder? These quick hacks will help you make the most of every markdown.
Shop Early—and Often: Clearance racks change fast. Check your favorite stores weekly for restocks and new markdowns.
Use Discounted Gift Cards: Sites like Raise and CardCash let you pay even less by using store credit at a discount.
Sign Up for Alerts: Loyalty programs and apps often get early-bird access to clearance events and stackable coupons.
Stack Those Savings: Combine clearance with promo codes, coupons, and cashback apps like Rakuten or Honey. Yes, they really add up.
Know Markdown Schedules: Many stores do extra markdowns on Sundays or Mondays. Time your visits wisely.
Savings Spark!
- Best Week to Shop: Week three of August—when stores panic-clear before Labor Day prep.
- Underdog Stores to Check: CVS and Walgreens often have surprisingly good clearance in home, tech, and seasonal.
- Watch the Tags: Price ending in .97 (Costco) or .88 (Target) = final markdowns. That’s your sign.
- Ask for Price Adjustments: Just bought it and saw it drop lower? Many retailers will refund the difference within 7–14 days.
- Follow Deal Communities: Reddit’s r/frugal and Instagram deal accounts often surface hidden clearance codes and price drops.
Clearance Is Calling—Will You Answer?
August is your clearance playground—whether you're prepping for next summer, refreshing your tech, or finally snagging that grill you’ve had your eye on.
At Hot Deals Web, we believe every markdown is a moment of glory. So grab your cart (virtual or otherwise), bring your best discount energy, and go forth boldly into the clearance jungle.
Because this month? The deals are too good to miss.
Happy treasure hunting 🛒🔥
