When is Memorial Day? 

Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May. This year, it is on Monday, May 26, 2025. However, retailers will have sales all weekend long and even weeks ahead of the holiday itself. 

Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Memorial Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized nationwide in the US. It is celebrated on the last Monday of May annually. Typically, schools, businesses, and government offices are closed during Memorial Day. Essential institutions like hospitals, airports, police stations, and more do not close for Memorial Day. 

Is Amazon having a Memorial Day sale? 

Amazon will likely have a Memorial Day sale and plenty of items discounted. In fact, the retailer does have a Memorial Day sales landing page up, but Amazon typically doesn’t heavily advertise for the event like it does for Amazon Prime Day. Other retailers like Best Buy are starting sales from May 19 (or before), so Amazon will likely feature similar discounts on products during the same period. 

What other retailers are having Memorial Day sales? 

Here are some important dates across several retailers to keep in mind if you’re planning on shopping deals this Memorial Day. Historically, the Friday to Sunday before Memorial Day is usually when you’ll see the most retailers offering savings. 

• Best Buy Memorial Day Sale: May 19 – May 26.
• Home Depot Memorial Day Sale: May 16 – May 26 (Check out our sister site CNET’s Home Depot deal coverage).
• Lowe’s Memorial Day Sale: May 15 – May 28.
• Target Memorial Day Sale: Target’s Hello Summer Sale usually kicks off the brand’s Memorial Day savings about a week before the holiday. On May 15, Target confirmed the return of their Hello Summer Sale, which will overlap with Memorial Day, running from May 18 – May 26. 
• Walmart Memorial Day Sale: Walmart hasn’t officially confirmed any dates for a specific sale, but the retailer is sure to offer savings comparable to those of its top competitors as the holiday approaches. 

How did we choose these Memorial Day deals?

ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy — devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is on sale and how frequently it drops.

We also reviewed customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we recommend. Our recommendations may also be based on our testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. 

How can I find the best Memorial Day deals? 

As a commerce and advice editor, I can recommend a few things to help you maximize Memorial Day sales. I always recommend preparing to shop by researching and planning potential purchases, listing want and need items, and setting a budget before sales. It’s also great to use verified price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel or Google Shopping, which make it easy to locate the best price. It’s always good to remember the perks offered if you’re a member of a program like Target Circle 360, Amazon Prime or Walmart+. Often, these memberships offer services like free pickup or delivery, free shipping, exclusive early access, and more, and those extras are good to remember when every retailer starts matching prices on products to compete for the sale. 

Should I wait for Prime Day deals instead?

It depends. If you’re shopping for seasonal-specific items like patio furniture, outdoor gear, and more, I would not wait to shop for these deals. Prime Day likely won’t roll around until mid-July, and two months is a long time to hold out for an item if you’re purchasing a product with the intent of enjoying it this season. 

But if you’re not in the market for select spring and summer items, it may be worth waiting to shop Prime Day offers, especially on flagship Amazon products. Historically, the best prices on devices like the Echo Dot, Fire Stick, and more are offered during Amazon’s exclusive Prime Day events. 

What are the tariffs in the US?

The shifting US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy

The tariffs could also lead to delays in product launches or shifts in where and how phones are made, forcing companies to diversify production to countries with more favorable trade conditions.

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.