September is an interesting month for bargain hunters. Summer is winding down, retailers are clearing seasonal stock, new technology is being announced, and shops are beginning to prepare for the biggest sales period of the year.
That creates plenty of opportunities to save — if you know what to look for.
Here are some of the best things to shop for in September, along with a few things that may be worth waiting to buy.
1. Garden Furniture and Outdoor Equipment
September can be one of the best times to buy garden furniture.
Retailers don’t want bulky summer stock taking up valuable warehouse space throughout autumn and winter, so you may see reductions on items such as:
- Garden tables and chairs
- Outdoor sofas
- BBQs
- Parasols
- Gazebos
- Outdoor lighting
- Garden accessories
The obvious downside is that you may not use them much until next year. But if you’ve got somewhere to store them, buying at the end of the season can make much more sense than shopping when demand returns in spring.
2. Summer Clothing
The same principle applies to fashion.
By September, many retailers are making room for their autumn and winter collections.
That can mean discounts on summer dresses, shorts, T-shirts, sandals, swimwear and other warm-weather clothing.
Don’t dismiss something simply because the season is ending. Basics that aren’t particularly trend-sensitive can be stored away for next summer or taken on a winter holiday.
3. Laptops and Computers
September is also worth watching for technology deals.
Back-to-school and university promotions can create competition between retailers selling laptops, monitors, accessories and other computing equipment.
However, don’t judge a deal purely by the discount shown on the page.
Compare the actual specification — including the processor, RAM, storage and display — because an older machine with a large advertised discount isn’t necessarily better value than a newer model.
4. TVs
Television prices can become particularly interesting during the second half of the year.
Newer models have generally been on the market for a while by September, which can lead retailers to discount earlier models.
Last year’s television isn’t suddenly a bad television just because a newer version exists.
If the differences between generations are relatively small, an older model at a substantially lower price can offer much better value.
That said, there’s another consideration: Black Friday isn’t far away.
If you don’t need a TV immediately, it can be worth comparing September pricing with the sort of discounts normally offered later in the year rather than rushing into a purchase.
5. Back-to-School Supplies
Once the initial back-to-school rush passes, retailers can be left with excess stationery and school supplies.
Look out for reductions on things such as notebooks, pens, folders, backpacks, lunch boxes and desk accessories.
Some of these products are useful throughout the year, so clearance prices can be a good opportunity to stock up.
6. Small Home Appliances
September can also produce worthwhile promotions on household appliances.
Coffee machines, air fryers, vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and other home products regularly appear in retailer promotions.
But this is another category where checking the previous price matters.
A large percentage discount printed beside a product doesn’t automatically mean you’re looking at an exceptional deal.
Compare the final price across several reputable retailers before buying.
Should You Wait for Black Friday?
This is the big question in September.
Black Friday takes place in November, and many retailers now start their promotions well before the actual day.
For expensive purchases such as televisions, laptops, headphones and major appliances, waiting can sometimes make sense if your purchase isn’t urgent.
But Black Friday doesn’t guarantee that every product will be cheaper.
A genuine clearance price in September can still beat a later promotion.
Rather than waiting purely because of the calendar, decide what you’re willing to pay for the product. If a reputable retailer reaches that price, you’ve found the deal you were looking for.
Don’t Let the Discount Percentage Make the Decision
One of the easiest mistakes when shopping online is focusing on the advertised percentage saving instead of the price you’re actually paying.
“40% off” sounds impressive.
But 40% off an inflated or rarely charged price may be worse than 20% off somewhere else.
Before buying:
- Compare the final price at other retailers.
- Check that you’re comparing the same model or specification.
- Look at delivery costs.
- Check whether a voucher code can legitimately be combined with the offer.
- Consider whether you actually need the product.
The best deal isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest red discount badge.
Find the Latest September Deals
DealNab brings together current deals and voucher codes from participating retailers so you can compare offers without searching dozens of websites individually.
Check our Latest Deals, browse by Brand, or take a look at our current Voucher Codes before making your next purchase.
Offers can change quickly, so always check the retailer’s current price, availability and terms before completing your order.