The summer sale season is upon us, which means now is the time to stock up on summer items, including everything from T-shirts to barbeque equipment. Retailers are offering up to 75% off much of their summer goods so they can roll in the fall merchandise. But hey, there are still 72 long, sweaty days of summer left, so you'll still have plenty of time to use these hot-weather bargains.
You also don't need to give up a day at the beach just to hit the mall. Shop online instead. Just always be sure to check shipping prices and return polices. (Some sites will give you a break on shipping if you buy enough stuff. Banana Republic, for example, offers free shipping if you spend more than $125.)
Here's a roundup of the best online sales right now:
Clothes
LL Bean
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: July 29
You always know you're going to get your money's worth at LL Bean. So when the Maine-based retailer offers a sale, it's time to whip out the plastic. You can save up to 50% on approximately 1,000 items, according to a company spokeswoman, at its "Biggest Sale Ever," which includes clothing (for men, women and kids), travel gear and home products.
We found plenty of summer goodies for women, like a tankini swimsuit for $34.95, originally $65.00 (45% off) and a long-sleeve classic linen shirt for $19.95, originally $44.00 (55% off). For the guys, we spotted a sporty varsity crew T-shirt for $9.95, originally $19.00 (45% off) and a plaid outdoor shirt, $22.95, originally $39.00 (40% off).
Eddie Bauer
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: Aug. 27
Like LL Bean, this clothier also offers ruggedly good-looking clothes and travel gear. And right now you can stock up on both at 25% to 50% off original prices (although we saw some deeper discounts) during Eddie's "Ultimate Summer Sale."
For example, you might want to try on a pair of men's twill cargo shorts for $19.99, originally $34.00 (41% off). And for your summer getaways, you'll want to pick up a rolling carry-on suitcase for $69.99, originally $100.00 (30% off) or a straw bucket bag (ideal for trips to the beach) for $9.99, originally $24.00 (58% off).
Gap
Maximum Savings: 66%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
We had no problems finding bargains at the Gap's "Take the Summer Off" sale, since it seemed that nearly all summer clothing was at bargain-basement prices. The hard part was choosing among the multitude of styles and colors! For example, women's stretch poplin Capri pants, available in five colors, were going for $16.99, (originally $44.00, 61% off) and a women's linen cap-sleeved shirt, available in three colors, was $12.99 (originally $34.00, 62% off). For about the price of a hotdog and a soft drink at the ballpark, we saw a men's v-neck fitted t-shirt for $6.99, originally $16.50 (58% off), and a short-sleeved stretch shirt for $10.00, originally $29.50 (66% off).
Banana Republic
Maximum Savings: 66%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
Gap's trendier cousin, Banana Republic, is also knocking down prices on summer clothing. Its "Clean Sweep Sale" includes great prices on items like a stretch cotton camisole at $9.99 or $14.99, depending on color (originally $24.00, 38% to 58% off) and a women's tank swimsuit at $19.99 (originally $58.00, 66% off). Savings are equally good for men, with chinos going for $19.99, originally $49.50 (60% off) and pleated lightweight twill shorts for $19.99, originally $39.50 (49% off).
J. Crew
Maximum Savings: 25%
Sale Ends: August 19
J. Crew's Summer Deals will get you up to 25% off its preppy summer styles. Selected women's swimwear like the supplex/Lycra underwire tank ($48.00) is 25% off, as is their all women's sleepwear and intimates. You'll also find men's clothing at 20% off, and kids clothing at 25% off.
Bloomingdale's
Maximum Savings: 72%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
The Summer Clearance sale at Bloomies sizzles, especially in the women's department. We spotted a heavy-washed linen sundress for $29.99, originally $108.00 (72% off) and a City DKNY sleeveless tank top for $11.98, originally $36.00 (67% off). The discounts in the men's department aren't too shabby either: We found a men's Polo Ralph Lauren Mini Gingham "Yarmouth" dress shirt for $29.99, originally $59.50 (50% off).
Because Bloomingdale's corporate office evaluates sales figures on a weekly basis, there's no set end date for this sale, says a Bloomingdale's spokesman. So catch it while you can!
Macy's
Maximum Savings: 52%
Sale Ends: When supplies run out
Macy's "Super Clearance Days (and Nights)" sale offers 25% to 50% off regular prices. This sale lasts only as long as the merchandise, so you might want to move quickly on trendy items like a men's cK Calvin Klein Jeans cargo short for $23.99, originally $49.50 (52% off) and a women's Lauren by Ralph Lauren sleeveless polo for $24.99, originally $36.00 (30% off). Housewares are also on sale. We found a KitchenAid Heavy Duty 10-speed Stand Mixer for $239.99, originally $319.99 (25% off).
Sports equipment
MC Sports
Maximum Savings: 38%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
What's summer without sports? Stock up on sports accessories at MC Sport's "Summer Savings" event. Swimwear and selected sandals are 20% off, which could come in handy during your lazy days at the beach. You could also whiz down the boardwalk in a pair of men's Rollerblade in-line skates for $89.97, originally $129.99 (31% off). For the fisherman, MC Sports' sale on selected fishing poles should lure you in. We found a Browning Medium-action fishing pole for $24.97, originally $39.99 (38% off).
Dunham's Sports
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
Dunham's Sports' Summer Savings advertises savings of up to 50% off. To cool off in the summer heat, call up your buddy with the boat and strap on the HO Sports X-tra SL Slalom ski for $169.99, (originally $249.99, 32% off). And for those chilly waters, a women's Body Glove wetsuit for $54.99 (originally $79.99, 31% off) will come in handy. For a favorite summer activity — eating — keep those biting buggers away from you and your picnic with a screened gazebo for $39.99 (originally $74.99, 47% off).
Sports Chalet
Maximum Savings: 55%
Sale Ends: June 23
The Midsummer Clearance sale at Sports Chalet offers a wide variety of sporty toys for every age set. Take baby with you on your morning runs in an InSTEP Single Aluminum Stroller for $119.99, originally $169.99 (29% off). We also found a set of Motorola FR50 14-Channel Two-Way Radios for $79.99, originally $149.98 (47% off) — an excellent way to keep track of kids at the amusement park. (A $20 rebate offer brings the price down to $59.99.) And for hiking enthusiasts, we spotted a pair of men's Hi-Tec Explode Hiking boots for $39.97, originally $79.99 (50% off) and a pair of Women's Hi-Tec Rector hiking boots for $24.97, originally $54.99 (55% off).
Housewares
Crate and Barrel
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: When merchandise runs out
Get your home in sync with the season by filling it with summery housewares and furniture from Crate and Barrel's Summer Sale. We found a Carmel wooden chair and ottoman for lounging around in the sun for $149.00, originally $229.99 (35% off), a Hampton dinner table that expands to seat 10 for $179.00, originally $299.00 (40% off) and a three-piece barbeque tool set for $19.95, originally $34.95 (43% off).
Restoration Hardware
Maximum Savings: 75%
Sale Ends: Beginning of August
Need a frog-shaped candleholder or stainless-steel ice-pop molds? Then check out Restoration Hardware's Summer Sale, where these and other unique items for the home are discounted at up to 75%. Amongst the bric-a-brac, we found a zinc champagne bucket for $19.99, originally $49.00 (59% off) and lanterns perfect for a midsummer evening soiree at $5.99 to $9.99, originally $12.00 to $22.00 (50% to 54% off). If your lawn furniture is on its last legs, replace it with a Booth Bay Sling Chair for $39.99, originally $69.00 (42% off) or a sturdy Tiburon Teak Steamer Chair for $199.99, originally $300.00 (33% off).
A company spokesman tells us that the sale message won't be on the home page after the beginning of August, but sale items will still be available on the Web site after that date.
Pottery Barn
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
Even if you're not in the market for one of Pottery Barn's overstuffed sofas, it's worth checking out its sale for discounted housewares and home accents. Catch a summer breeze with pretty Butterfly Embroidered Sheer Drapery Panels on your window for $17.99 to $19.99, depending on size, originally $35.00 to $40.00 (48% to 50% off). And you can brighten up your room with a couple of colorful Summer Stripe pillow covers for $11.99, originally $18.00 (33% off).
You also don't need to give up a day at the beach just to hit the mall. Shop online instead. Just always be sure to check shipping prices and return polices. (Some sites will give you a break on shipping if you buy enough stuff. Banana Republic, for example, offers free shipping if you spend more than $125.)
Here's a roundup of the best online sales right now:
Clothes
LL Bean
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: July 29
You always know you're going to get your money's worth at LL Bean. So when the Maine-based retailer offers a sale, it's time to whip out the plastic. You can save up to 50% on approximately 1,000 items, according to a company spokeswoman, at its "Biggest Sale Ever," which includes clothing (for men, women and kids), travel gear and home products.
We found plenty of summer goodies for women, like a tankini swimsuit for $34.95, originally $65.00 (45% off) and a long-sleeve classic linen shirt for $19.95, originally $44.00 (55% off). For the guys, we spotted a sporty varsity crew T-shirt for $9.95, originally $19.00 (45% off) and a plaid outdoor shirt, $22.95, originally $39.00 (40% off).
Eddie Bauer
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: Aug. 27
Like LL Bean, this clothier also offers ruggedly good-looking clothes and travel gear. And right now you can stock up on both at 25% to 50% off original prices (although we saw some deeper discounts) during Eddie's "Ultimate Summer Sale."
For example, you might want to try on a pair of men's twill cargo shorts for $19.99, originally $34.00 (41% off). And for your summer getaways, you'll want to pick up a rolling carry-on suitcase for $69.99, originally $100.00 (30% off) or a straw bucket bag (ideal for trips to the beach) for $9.99, originally $24.00 (58% off).
Gap
Maximum Savings: 66%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
We had no problems finding bargains at the Gap's "Take the Summer Off" sale, since it seemed that nearly all summer clothing was at bargain-basement prices. The hard part was choosing among the multitude of styles and colors! For example, women's stretch poplin Capri pants, available in five colors, were going for $16.99, (originally $44.00, 61% off) and a women's linen cap-sleeved shirt, available in three colors, was $12.99 (originally $34.00, 62% off). For about the price of a hotdog and a soft drink at the ballpark, we saw a men's v-neck fitted t-shirt for $6.99, originally $16.50 (58% off), and a short-sleeved stretch shirt for $10.00, originally $29.50 (66% off).
Banana Republic
Maximum Savings: 66%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
Gap's trendier cousin, Banana Republic, is also knocking down prices on summer clothing. Its "Clean Sweep Sale" includes great prices on items like a stretch cotton camisole at $9.99 or $14.99, depending on color (originally $24.00, 38% to 58% off) and a women's tank swimsuit at $19.99 (originally $58.00, 66% off). Savings are equally good for men, with chinos going for $19.99, originally $49.50 (60% off) and pleated lightweight twill shorts for $19.99, originally $39.50 (49% off).
J. Crew
Maximum Savings: 25%
Sale Ends: August 19
J. Crew's Summer Deals will get you up to 25% off its preppy summer styles. Selected women's swimwear like the supplex/Lycra underwire tank ($48.00) is 25% off, as is their all women's sleepwear and intimates. You'll also find men's clothing at 20% off, and kids clothing at 25% off.
Bloomingdale's
Maximum Savings: 72%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
The Summer Clearance sale at Bloomies sizzles, especially in the women's department. We spotted a heavy-washed linen sundress for $29.99, originally $108.00 (72% off) and a City DKNY sleeveless tank top for $11.98, originally $36.00 (67% off). The discounts in the men's department aren't too shabby either: We found a men's Polo Ralph Lauren Mini Gingham "Yarmouth" dress shirt for $29.99, originally $59.50 (50% off).
Because Bloomingdale's corporate office evaluates sales figures on a weekly basis, there's no set end date for this sale, says a Bloomingdale's spokesman. So catch it while you can!
Macy's
Maximum Savings: 52%
Sale Ends: When supplies run out
Macy's "Super Clearance Days (and Nights)" sale offers 25% to 50% off regular prices. This sale lasts only as long as the merchandise, so you might want to move quickly on trendy items like a men's cK Calvin Klein Jeans cargo short for $23.99, originally $49.50 (52% off) and a women's Lauren by Ralph Lauren sleeveless polo for $24.99, originally $36.00 (30% off). Housewares are also on sale. We found a KitchenAid Heavy Duty 10-speed Stand Mixer for $239.99, originally $319.99 (25% off).
Sports equipment
MC Sports
Maximum Savings: 38%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
What's summer without sports? Stock up on sports accessories at MC Sport's "Summer Savings" event. Swimwear and selected sandals are 20% off, which could come in handy during your lazy days at the beach. You could also whiz down the boardwalk in a pair of men's Rollerblade in-line skates for $89.97, originally $129.99 (31% off). For the fisherman, MC Sports' sale on selected fishing poles should lure you in. We found a Browning Medium-action fishing pole for $24.97, originally $39.99 (38% off).
Dunham's Sports
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
Dunham's Sports' Summer Savings advertises savings of up to 50% off. To cool off in the summer heat, call up your buddy with the boat and strap on the HO Sports X-tra SL Slalom ski for $169.99, (originally $249.99, 32% off). And for those chilly waters, a women's Body Glove wetsuit for $54.99 (originally $79.99, 31% off) will come in handy. For a favorite summer activity — eating — keep those biting buggers away from you and your picnic with a screened gazebo for $39.99 (originally $74.99, 47% off).
Sports Chalet
Maximum Savings: 55%
Sale Ends: June 23
The Midsummer Clearance sale at Sports Chalet offers a wide variety of sporty toys for every age set. Take baby with you on your morning runs in an InSTEP Single Aluminum Stroller for $119.99, originally $169.99 (29% off). We also found a set of Motorola FR50 14-Channel Two-Way Radios for $79.99, originally $149.98 (47% off) — an excellent way to keep track of kids at the amusement park. (A $20 rebate offer brings the price down to $59.99.) And for hiking enthusiasts, we spotted a pair of men's Hi-Tec Explode Hiking boots for $39.97, originally $79.99 (50% off) and a pair of Women's Hi-Tec Rector hiking boots for $24.97, originally $54.99 (55% off).
Housewares
Crate and Barrel
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: When merchandise runs out
Get your home in sync with the season by filling it with summery housewares and furniture from Crate and Barrel's Summer Sale. We found a Carmel wooden chair and ottoman for lounging around in the sun for $149.00, originally $229.99 (35% off), a Hampton dinner table that expands to seat 10 for $179.00, originally $299.00 (40% off) and a three-piece barbeque tool set for $19.95, originally $34.95 (43% off).
Restoration Hardware
Maximum Savings: 75%
Sale Ends: Beginning of August
Need a frog-shaped candleholder or stainless-steel ice-pop molds? Then check out Restoration Hardware's Summer Sale, where these and other unique items for the home are discounted at up to 75%. Amongst the bric-a-brac, we found a zinc champagne bucket for $19.99, originally $49.00 (59% off) and lanterns perfect for a midsummer evening soiree at $5.99 to $9.99, originally $12.00 to $22.00 (50% to 54% off). If your lawn furniture is on its last legs, replace it with a Booth Bay Sling Chair for $39.99, originally $69.00 (42% off) or a sturdy Tiburon Teak Steamer Chair for $199.99, originally $300.00 (33% off).
A company spokesman tells us that the sale message won't be on the home page after the beginning of August, but sale items will still be available on the Web site after that date.
Pottery Barn
Maximum Savings: 50%
Sale Ends: Undetermined
Even if you're not in the market for one of Pottery Barn's overstuffed sofas, it's worth checking out its sale for discounted housewares and home accents. Catch a summer breeze with pretty Butterfly Embroidered Sheer Drapery Panels on your window for $17.99 to $19.99, depending on size, originally $35.00 to $40.00 (48% to 50% off). And you can brighten up your room with a couple of colorful Summer Stripe pillow covers for $11.99, originally $18.00 (33% off).
