Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for August in Seattle-Tacoma area stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your spending to take advantage of the times of the year when what you buy is at the lowest possible price.
Special events with shopping discounts and deals include Seafair (festivals, parades). For more events and things to do, see our August events and entertainment – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
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Discounted seasonal items to buy in August
Wine closeout prices
Keep your eye out for closeout prices in anticipation of new fall releases. It’s a good time to pick up wine for holiday entertaining. Wine tastings are a great way to try-before-you-buy and get a discount on your purchase. You might also like:
New & used car sales
Late summer and early fall can be a good time to buy a new car as showrooms make way for new automobile models soon to come. Of course, if you are in the market for a used car, then it can be a good time to find someone’s trade-in as well.
Outdoor and gardening supplies
Anything outdoor from picnic supplies to outdoor furniture, fire pits, lawn mowers and gardening tools goes on sale to make way for fall and winter merchandise and holiday items. Scope out items you might need for late summer fun or next year’s spring gardening chores. You might also like:
Summer clothes and gear
Like outdoor supplies, summer clothing and related warm weather gear (swimsuits, sunglasses, hats, sandals) are on sale. Think ahead to Christmas, holidays, or a mid-winter vacation and stock up on anything you might need before next May. (As always, we caution you not to over-buy.) You might also like:
16 life hacks using pool noodles and other summer clearance items
Garage Sales: National Garage Sale Day in the second Saturday in August. Check our garage sale finder map and calendar to look for sales to hit near you. Or maybe it’s time to clean out and host your own sale? We’ve got plenty of tips:
Labor Day sales
Keep in mind that Labor Day is coming up the first Monday in September and you’ll find the steepest discounts on anything summer related, from clothes to outdoor gear.
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Used computers
A great local option for the truly frugal is InterConnection.org | Charitable Computer Recycling & Reuse. The non-profit organization refurbishes and sells low-cost computers, with FREE shipping to continental U.S. addresses:
- Anyone can visit the retail store or shop the InterConnection Online Retail Store. The retail store is located in Seattle, WA. You’ll find refurbished laptops, desktop computers, and peripherals (mice, keyboards, monitors, etc.). Prices vary, but at last check began around $300. A refurbished computer is generally 30 percent less than a comparable new one. Plus, a refurbished computer helps the environment by reusing electronics and keeping them out of the landfill.
- If you qualify as an individual with low income or you are a U.S. non-profit organization, computers are as low as $109, come with a 12-month warranty, and include Microsoft Office pre-installed. Plus, you can get high-speed wireless Internet access for $140 a year. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. For more information or to register, visit: ConnectAll
- If you are getting rid of an old computer, consider donating your used computer to InterConnection. They accept all computers for free, regardless of whether or not it is in working condition. And your donation is tax-deductible. If you live in the Seattle area, there are drop-off location throughout the Puget Sound region. Find out more: Donate or Recycle Your Old Computer Electronics (interconnection.org)
If you are into gaming or programming, then you usually want the latest, greatest computer with the highest speed, maximum storage capability, and latest cutting-edge features. So, check below for new computer buying tips in August.
Image: DepositPhotos.com
New products to buy in August
New computers (laptops and tablets)
While Black Friday in November is considered the best time of the year to buy a computer, that’s not always the case. In fact, the four best months to buy computers are August, September, November, and December. But the best computer buy also depends on your goals: price or features? In August and September, the best deals are on the outgoing models. I’ve always found great deals on outgoing models, which are fine for most of us. You don’t get the latest and greatest features, but outgoing models are more than adequate for computing and internet surfing tasks. However, if you are a gamer or programmer, you may want to wait for November Black Friday or December Christmas gift shopping deals, when prices on the latest, greatest computer models tend to be lowest.
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How to choose the best desktop, laptop, or tablet computer under $500
Back-to-school clothes and supplies
Families with school-age kids (or those headed off to college) are thinking about clothes, shoes, and school supplies. While sales started in July, you’ll generally find the best prices in the latter part of August as the school year draws near, including school supplies and clothes for kids. Back-to-school shopping tips:
- Plan your back-to-school shopping list with the kids, but don’t bring them along because you’ll tend to spend more on impulse items and major brands rather than the best buy.
- For older kids, take them along, but have them stick to a budget and let them make the hard choices! It’s a great opportunity for them to handle money and learn about needs versus wants. And that’s priceless.
- Band together with other moms—some who stay behind to sit, while the rest go shopping.
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Winter Gear
Yes, we said the W-word…in August. But the SkiBonkers – Annual Labor Day weekend sale (sturtevants.com) in Bellevue is a great pre-winter sale of new skis, snowboards, and winter sport accessories.
Home appliances
Seattle’s major appliances stores have some deals in August. Be sure to ask about delivery and installation on items you plan to buy. Here are some of our favorite places to shop for appliances in the region:
- Albert Lee | Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue offer appliances at six locations on items for the kitchen, laundry, and outdoor.
- Costco offers attractive pricing on home appliances and kitchen packages with up to 4% rewards on selected items when paying with their credit card.
- Metropolitan Appliance near the stadiums south of downtown Seattle offers exceptional shopping, delivery, and installation services.
Seasonal produce
Washington grown produce in season includes:
- Fresh fruit at peak season in August include stone fruits (esp. nectarines, peaches, plums) purple berries (esp. blackberries, blueberries), grapes, and melons. More info: Washington Grown Fruits & Herbs seasons
- Vegetables and herbs peaking August include corn, eggplants, peppers, tomatillos, and tomatoes plus green vegetables, cabbages, artichokes, summer squashes, and carrots. More info: Washington Grown Vegetable seasons
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Calendar of upcoming shopping and sales events
Featured Events: The items listed first each day HIGHLIGHTED in GRAY are FEATURED EVENTS. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
