Best Purchases for July—And What to Avoid

Summer is at its peak, and July is not just about barbecues and outdoor adventures. The month begins with huge sales during Fourth of July weekend and continues with Amazon Prime Day, starting July 16 and ending July 17. Retail giants like Nordstrom and Walmart are also hosting their own sales, making this one of the best times to save big.

Beyond major sales, July offers other ways to save. On July 11, celebrate 7-Eleven’s 97th anniversary with a free Slurpee at participating locations. Later, enjoy treats like National Ice Cream Day freebies. Discover more about what to buy and what to skip this July.

Top Items to Purchase in July

Purchase: Summer Apparel and Swimsuits

Looking to refresh your summer wardrobe? This is the perfect time, as clothing typically sees discounts around six to eight weeks into a season. Although summer is still ongoing, many stores are already offering deals to clear out inventory before autumn arrives.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, running from July 15 to August 4, is one of the top opportunities to save. Expect major discounts on brands like Madewell, Free People, and Halogen. Nordstrom cardholders can enjoy early access starting July 13.

In addition to Nordstrom, budget-conscious shoppers can take advantage of Old Navy’s Red, White and Whoa! sale to stock up on great deals. You can save up to 60 percent on clothing and accessories for the whole family, with items like flip-flops starting at just $2.

Swimwear is also on sale now, despite being in high demand. For your next pool party, check out Aerie Swim for up to 50 percent off select styles. Brands like SummerSalt are also offering discounts, with 30 percent off sitewide using the code SPF30 at checkout.

Explore: Fourth of July Sales

The Fourth of July has evolved into a significant sales event in recent years. If you're considering purchasing a major appliance or grill, this long weekend offers exceptional deals, as nearly every retailer—big or small—goes all out to ensure maximum savings. However, these offers typically end after the first week of July, so act quickly.

At Lowe’s, you can explore deals from top brands like Weber, Char-Broil, and Napoleon during their holiday sale, with up to 40 percent off on select appliances such as refrigerators and chest freezers until July 10. The Home Depot also offers similar Fourth of July discounts, including 25 percent off storage solutions and $850 off select washers and dryers with a $3000 purchase. Additionally, save up to $400 on dishwashers from brands like LG, Bosch, and Samsung.

Purchase: Amazon Devices

This year’s Amazon Prime Day celebrates its 10th anniversary, having started in 2015 to mark Amazon’s 20th birthday. The 48-hour event begins at 3 a.m. EST on July 16 and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on July 17.

Though still a few weeks away, Amazon’s official blog has already highlighted some of the best early Prime Day deals available to Prime members. These include limited-time offers on Audible and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions, Amazon Fresh coupons, and significant discounts on Amazon devices.

For instance, the three-pack Amazon eero mesh Wifi system is now $100, a 53 percent discount and its lowest price ever. If you’re looking to set up a home security system, the Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) and Blink Mini 2 bundle is available for just $50, saving you $90 off the usual $140 price. (Stay tuned for more exclusive deals during the event.)

Purchase: Luggage and Travel Gear

High-quality luggage can significantly reduce the stress of traveling during your summer getaway. Currently, there are excellent deals on suitcases and travel accessories. Samsonite, known for premium products like the Cosmolite 3.0 2-piece set, is offering 30 percent off sitewide with free shipping.

You can also enjoy substantial discounts at Away, where bestsellers are marked down by up to $150 with the promo code GETAWAY. This includes packing cubes, toiletry bags, rolling duffels, and the iconic Carry-On suitcase. Since the brand rarely discounts its products, this is a unique chance to indulge while saving.

Explore: Ice Cream Offers

Unlike 7-Eleven’s Slurpee Day, National Ice Cream Day is celebrated by multiple brands. Last year, Baskin Robbins and Dairy Queen joined in with special offers: Baskin Robbins provided $5 off orders over $20 using the code SEIZETHEYAY in their app, while Dairy Queen offered $1 off dipped cones via their app. Other promotions also stood out as crowd favorites.

While this year’s deals are still under wraps, we anticipate some delightful offers. Additionally, you can enter Bruster’s National Ice Cream Month sweepstakes until July 31 for a chance to win free ice cream for a year, valued at up to $300.

What to Avoid Buying in July

Avoid: Lawn Mowers

While your backyard needs attention during the summer, it’s wise to delay buying a lawn mower. Surprisingly, the ideal time to purchase one isn’t during peak summer but in early fall. During this season, retailers often discount lawn and garden tools to make room for winter equipment like shovels and snowblowers. Waiting until autumn can lead to significant savings.

Avoid: Back-to-School Supplies

For many students nationwide, the academic year has just wrapped up. However, some shoppers might consider purchasing back-to-school essentials early to avoid the Labor Day rush.

We recommend waiting until late July. Experts agree that the optimal time to buy school supplies is mid-to-late summer, thanks to sales tax holidays in early August. While buying now isn’t a bad idea, waiting a few more weeks can lead to greater savings.

Avoid: High-End Electronics

While Prime Day offers great deals on Amazon devices, it’s wise to pause on purchasing tech from brands like Samsung and Apple. August and September often see the release of new smart devices, including tablets, smartphones, and earbuds.

In the coming months, expect significant price drops on older models of popular devices. Discounts on wearables and smartphones will become even more appealing as Black Friday and the holiday season approach. If you miss July’s tech deals, waiting until late August or September could pay off.