Target, Best Buy, Sears: What to buy (and skip) on Presidents Day and where to find it

Presidents Day pops up on our calendar just after we’ve taken down our heart-shaped Valentine’s Day decorations and just before we plan our spring break vacations. But the often-overlooked holiday may offer up significant savings on some of life’s necessities.

If you’ve been putting off purchasing a mattress, furniture or major appliance, here’s what you should know about shopping over Presidents Day weekend.

What to buy (and skip)

Presidents Day is Feb. 20, but sales will start before the holiday and last for at least a few days after. Plan your shopping accordingly, especially if the item you want is in high demand.

Furniture tops our list of worthwhile purchases. Historically, department stores discount their home departments during the holiday weekend. Last Presidents Day, J.C. Penney took 40% to 60% off furniture and mattresses, Wayfair discounted home furniture by up to 70% and Target took 25% off rugs and bedding online.

This year, Joss & Main shoppers can use code EXTRA20 between Feb. 15 and 23 to take an additional 20% off home categories, including rugs, outdoor furniture, bedding and wall art.

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Appliances will also be a bargain. If you spring for a major purchase, check for free shipping and delivery offers, which could save you a considerable amount.

Feb. 15 through 28 at home improvement store Lowe’s select appliances will be up to 30% off.

The weekend will be a prime opportunity for savings on mattresses and winter clothing, says consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow, professor emeritus at Golden Gate University and author of Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We Shop and Buy. She calls Presidents Day an undervalued shopping holiday.

Presidents Day sale events offer a chance to nab a discount on something you really need, but think twice before you start spending your Benjamins. For instance, deals on spring items won’t be so hot. They’re less likely to be discounted than winter products because they’ve just been released.

“My advice to shoppers is to think carefully about the item, not just the price,” Yarrow said in an email. “It's all too common to get overly excited about a discount and buy more than you need or something that's not quite right.”

Where to go

Once you’ve narrowed down your shopping list, decide where to go. Here are additional deals available over the weekend:

• Ashley HomeStore: Through Feb. 20, get 25% off online purchases of $3,000 or more, among other savings. Some exclusions apply.
• Best Buy: Save $300 on select gaming PCs and $200 on select MacBook Air 13-inch models.
• Cabela’s: Shop discounts on sofas, recliners, TV stands and more in the Presidents Day Furniture Sale.
• Converse: Feb. 17 through 20, take an additional 40% off clearance sneakers in store at Converse Factory locations. Valid on select clearance styles. See store associate for complete details.
• La-Z-Boy: Find sale prices on recliners, sectionals and more both online and in store.
• Mattress Firm: Through Feb. 26, or while supplies last, save up to $500 storewide. Selection may vary by store.
• National Park Service: On Feb. 20, get free admission to National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee.
• Overstock: Feb. 17 through 23, get an extra 20% off area rugs and mattresses and an extra 10% off bedding and bath, among other sale categories.
• Sears: Through Feb. 26, save up to 40% on appliances and up to 30% on vacuums.
• Sleep Train: Save up to $400 on Beautyrest mattress sets through Feb. 26.

Visit your local store or check online for full redemption details, including possible exclusions.

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Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer atNerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter:@courtneynerd.

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