Presidents’ Day is right around the corner, and for many consumers that means it’s time to make the most of the sales that are hitting stores in the coming days. 

So, what can consumers expect from these sales? Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst from DealNews.com, shared the ins and outs of all things Presidents’ Day sales with ConsumerAffairs. 

Best and worst buys

Ahead of the sales, it’s important for consumers to know what’s worth their money and what’s not. Ramhold shared her top three best and worst buys, which include: 

Best: 

• Mattresses: “This is one of the most popular items in Presidents' Day sales, so if you're looking for a new bed, this is the holiday to do it,” Ramhold said. “In general, we expect retailers like Macy's and Home Depot to take anywhere from 40%-60% off select mattresses, while mattress-specific stores could cut up to $750 off or more depending on the size you're shopping, as well as offer bonus perks like extra discounts on accessories, or outright freebies like two pillows with select purchases.” 

• Major appliances: “If you need a new washer and dryer, or want to upgrade your entire kitchen, Presidents' Day sales are a great time to shop and save,” said Ramhold. “Most often, stores like Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot will provide discounts up to 40% off, but appliance-specific stores could discount purchases even more. It's also worth checking local shops to see if they're offering better deals than national chains or perks that make their prices worth it to your situation.”

• Winter clothes: “As the season is quickly winding down for many, retailers are trying to clear shelves to make room for spring items. It's safe to expect discounts ranging from 30% to 60% off or so, but some stores will likely have even better discounts, so it's worth taking a look at all your favorite clothing retailers over the weekend to see what kinds of discounts you can find. It's a great time to pick up a new coat, boots, or other wintry items, but also clothing made for rugged outdoor activities. Be sure to see what kinds of offers REI, Patagonia, and Columbia have on tap if you're looking for a new outdoor-friendly wardrobe as well.”

Ramhold is encouraging consumers to hold off on purchasing grills, patio furniture, and spring clothes. With the warmer months coming up, many retailers wait until July 4th to discount these items. 

Maximizing savings 

To save even more money during the sales, Ramhold shared her top three saving tips: 

• Make a list. This will help you prioritize the most important purchases without overspending. 

• Use cashback apps and extensions. Apps like Rakuten allow you to earn cash back by shopping at your favorite stores. For holidays, the rate of cashback is typically higher, which means even if a store is having a lackluster sale, you can still earn a good portion back and end up saving more.

• Not all deals are good deals! “Yes, it's the first big shopping holiday of the year, but not everything on sale will be worth adding to your cart. Be sure to do your research beforehand to make sure you're actually getting at least a decent deal – if not the absolute best you can find,” Ramhold said. 

Tips for a successful shopping trip

If you have plans to have a big shopping weekend, Ramhold is offering her best tips for consumers – regardless of your budget. 

• See items in person: “Try to see big ticket items in person. If you're shopping online, try to see it in person first to make sure that you know what you're getting and that it suits your needs.”

• Be specific about what you want and what you can afford: “This is a good way to stay on budget and avoid being lured in by fancy features you don't need and won't ever use.”

• Have backups in mind: “Presidents' Day sales can be a great time to shop for big-ticket items, but if you have specific models in mind and those don't go on sale, you shouldn't settle for something you don't want just because it’s discounted. By having backups in mind, you'll be able to pivot to another choice if your top pick doesn't drop to the price you want.”