Memorial Day Sales 2026: 54% of Americans Are Shopping But Spending 70% Less — Here's Where the Real Deals Are

A new survey from digital savings platform Retail Me Not has revealed something fascinating about how Americans plan to approach Memorial Day weekend shopping in 2026: 54% of respondents say they plan to shop the Memorial Day sales this year — up a dramatic 36% from last year. But there's a significant catch: the amount people plan to spend has dropped a staggering 70% compared to last Memorial Day. More Americans are shopping, but spending far less. Here's what this tells us about the American consumer in 2026 and how to make the most of the best deals this weekend.

WHY MORE AMERICANS ARE SHOPPING BUT SPENDING LESS

The combination of higher participation and dramatically lower per-person spending reflects the economic mood of American consumers in mid-2026. Inflation concerns, higher borrowing costs, and cautious optimism about the economic outlook have made Americans more intentional about spending. People are showing up for the sales — but they're arriving with tighter budgets and more targeted shopping lists. This is disciplined deal-hunting rather than holiday splurging, and it represents a meaningful shift in American retail behaviour.

THE BEST CATEGORIES FOR MEMORIAL DAY DEALS IN 2026

Mattresses and bedding consistently offer the deepest Memorial Day discounts of any retail category — often 40 to 60% off from major brands. Outdoor furniture, grills and patio equipment see major price reductions as retailers clear spring inventory. Large appliances including refrigerators, washers and dryers are frequently discounted. Electronics and televisions from major brands use Memorial Day for promotional pricing pushes. And clothing across most major retailers runs meaningful sales through the weekend. For art and home decor — including premium canvas prints and original artworks from rosesonstudios.com — Memorial Day weekend is also an excellent time to invest in pieces that elevate your living space.

HOW TO SHOP SMARTER THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Make a list before you start browsing — impulse purchases undermine even the best Memorial Day budget discipline. Compare prices across multiple retailers before committing: the first sale price you see is rarely the lowest available. Use cashback apps and browser extensions that automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout. And prioritise purchases in the categories with the historically deepest Memorial Day discounts — mattresses, furniture, and appliances — over categories where the discounts are more modest. The Americans getting the most out of Memorial Day 2026 are the ones who planned ahead, not the ones who browsed the most.