The best Labor Day sales of 2026 — and how to earn the most points and miles on them

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.

Best Labor Day travel gear and luggage deals

Patagonia Black Hole 70L duffel bag — 30% off

Buy: Patagonia Black Hole 70L duffel bag, $138.99 (normally $199)

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.

Related: How to earn bonus cash back or Amex points on your online shopping purchases with Rakuten

Calpak 5-piece packing cubes set — 15% off

Buy: Calpak five-piece packing cubes set, $57.80 (normally $68)

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.”

TPG tip: Earn 2 points per dollar spent on Calpak purchases made through the Chase shopping portal.

Chi Vibes compact garment steamer — 18% off

Buy: Chi Vibes Compact Garment Steamer, $49.45 (normally $59.95)

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.

More travel gear deals to shop:

• Away: Save up to 20% on select traveler favorites, like the TPG-approved Bigger Carry-On, online and in stores through Sept. 8.
• Monos: Take 15% off sitewide from this chic and colorful luggage brand with code “TRAVEL15” now through Sept. 8.
• Samsonite: Save up to 40% sitewide and get free shipping on luggage and bags for a limited time.

Best Labor Day tech and electronics deals

Apple AirTag 4-pack — 19% off

Buy: Apple AirTags 4-pack, $79.99 (normally $99)

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.

Related: How to track your luggage with Apple AirTags

More tech and electronic deals to shop:

• Best Buy: Through Sept. 7, save up to $500 on select Sony cameras and $300 on select Apple products, among other deals.
• Adorama: Get limited-time deals on cameras, lenses and more during this photography store’s Labor Day sale.

Best Labor Day apparel and shoes deals

Gap women’s 100% linen oversized shirt — up to 60% off

Buy: Gap 100% linen oversized shirt, $35 (normally $89.95)

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.

Related: Rove adds dining and in-store rewards in major platform expansion

Merrell men’s Moab Speed 2 leather waterproof sneakers — 30% off

Buy: Merrell men’s Moab Speed 2 leather waterproof sneakers, $121.99 (normally $175)

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.

Related reading:

• My favorite loyalty program perk? The one that pays me back when my kid outgrows her clothes
• Sephora Beauty Insider, explained: How I accidentally earned Rouge status — and what it’s worth
• From ‘free’ alterations to bonus Notes: How to maximize the Nordstrom Nordy Club
• 8 TPG-recommended items to buy with your $75 Amex Platinum Lululemon credit before the quarter ends