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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Deals
The best Labor Day sales of 2026 — and how to earn the most points and miles on them
Lyndsey Matthews is the managing editor on TPG's points and loyalty programs team. She has 17 years of experience in digital media, predominantly in the travel industry.
September 2, 2026 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: All prices were current and items available at the time of publishing, but deals are likely to sell out.
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Quick summary
Labor Day sales offer significant discounts on summer items, travel gear, electronics and apparel, with deals often starting in August and running through early September.
Shoppers can maximize savings by stacking rewards from shopping portals, targeted card offers, and retailer loyalty programs.
Highlighted deals include discounted luggage, packing cubes, travel steamers, Apple AirTags, and apparel from major brands.
Retailers such as Patagonia, Calpak, Gap, Merrell and Best Buy are featuring notable promotions during this period.
What to consider
Labor Day falls on Sept. 7 in 2026, but sales typically begin in August and may extend through Sept. 8.
Some deals require using specific shopping portals or loyalty programs to access the highest rewards or additional perks.
Discounts and availability may vary by retailer, and certain offers may be limited to select colors, sizes or inventory.
What you'll miss from the article
A comprehensive guide to stacking rewards and leveraging loyalty programs for maximum value during Labor Day sales.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
As a kid, I dreaded Labor Day because it marked the end of summer vacation and the return to school. Now, as a grown adult, I look forward to the first Monday in September for many reasons. At the top of the list is the imminent arrival of cooler temperatures after months of heat and humidity, but a close second is the end-of-summer clearance sales that peak around the holiday.
Retailers begin offloading their seasonal summer items in August, offering steep discounts on swimsuits, sandals, patio furniture and other outdoor gear through early September. And if you’re looking to hit a minimum spending requirement on a credit card bonus, now is the time to look for deals on big-ticket items like mattresses and large appliances.
We’ll track the best Labor Day sales and keep this article updated with the best deals on luggage, electronics and more. Plus, we’ll tell you exactly how to maximize your purchases by stacking cash-back and card offers so you’ll have more to spend on your next vacation.
When is Labor Day 2026?
Labor Day is always the first Monday in September. This year, it’s a bit later than usual, falling on Sept. 7. However, sales tend to start in August and run through Sept. 7 or 8.
How to earn more on every purchase
Before diving into the specific deals, remember that you can maximize your purchases by stacking rewards through the following methods:
Shopping portals: Sites like Rakuten and AAdvantage eShopping let you earn cash back, airline miles or transferable points at various online retailers. You must click the portal’s link to earn the rewards, but it’s easy to check which offers the highest rates through an aggregator like Cashback Monitor.
Targeted credit card offers: Credit card brands like American Express and Chase offer targeted statement credits to select retailers. These offers are constantly changing, so check in your credit card app’s offer section to opt in and make sure you’re using the right card when you go to pay at the retailer’s site.
Category-bonus credit cards: The best credit cards for online shopping offer either bonus points on categories like department stores or at online retailers, or simply a multiplier on all purchases.
Retailers’ own loyalty programs: Retailers often have free-to-join loyalty programs, so it doesn’t hurt to sign up, log in and collect whatever points they offer. Many of them come with free shipping, even with an entry-level membership.
Patagonia is currently running an end-of-season sale with up to 50% off past-season outdoor clothing and gear. Our eyes are on the extra-large 70-liter version of this TPG-approved duffel bag, on sale in the minimalist noble gray color. You’ll need to check this bag, but when it comes time to leave the airport, it’s easy to carry thanks to its convertible backpack straps.
TPG tip: Earn 2% back on most Patagonia purchases through Rakuten. Patagonia also offers free standard shipping on orders over $99.
Now through Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. PDT, Calpak is offering 15% off sitewide and 20% off luggage automatically at checkout. TPG’s Summer Hull says Calpak’s packing cubes are her favorite because, “they come in a variety of sizes, have strong zippers, are washable, are made of a material that can stand up to both heat and routine use and have a waterproof pouch.”
This portable travel steamer weighs less than a pound and heats up in just 35 seconds, so you don’t have to worry about whether your hotel or Airbnb has an ironing board.
AirTags are a travel must-have for people who check bags and want peace of mind knowing they can locate them if airlines misplace them. Right now, Amazon has them marked down by nearly $20 for a pack of four, which isn’t the lowest price ever, but it’s still a solid discount.
Gap’s Labor Day sale features discounts between 40% and 60% off through Sept. 8. That means my favorite linen button-ups that I wear most days in the summer — as tops in the city or cover-ups at the beach — are marked down to as little as $35 in select colors and sizes. Plus, you can take an extra 50% off select sale items online.
TPG tip: Stack your credit card earnings with other rewards by using your card of choice to earn transferable points or miles, plus 5 points per dollar spent through Gap’s Encore loyalty program and 3.2 miles per dollar spent at Gap through Rove’s shopping portal.
Waterproof trail runners are one of my go-to travel shoes because they are supportive on short hikes and look cool enough to walk around cities. Merrell’s Labor Day Sale offers up to 40% off on shoes like this and more for men, women and children through Sept. 7.
TPG tip: Earn 3% back on Merrell purchases through Rakuten.
More apparel and fashion deals to shop:
Tommy John: Stock up on super soft underwear and pajamas with 40% off sitewide using the code “LONGWEEKEND” through Sept. 8.
Lululemon: The athletic wear brand doesn’t have a traditional Labor Day sale, but its “We Made Too Much” section is a good place to find deals under $75 to use your American Express Platinum Card® credit before it expires at the end of September (enrollment required). Lululemon members also get early access to select fall 2026 styles starting Sept. 3, only on the app.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
