Memorial Day isn't just a three-day weekend for flipping burgers. For most of us, it’s the unofficial starting gun for summer, and honestly, if you aren't hunting for memorial day offers walmart is basically the giant in the room you can't ignore. Every year, people flock to the blue-vested aisles (or, more likely, their mobile apps) expecting the usual stuff. You know the drill: cheap charcoal, maybe a plastic cooler, and some patriotic paper plates.
But 2026 feels a little different. Prices have been a roller coaster lately. We've seen tech prices dip while eggs cost as much as a small sedan. This year, the strategy for scoring the best Memorial Day offers at Walmart requires a bit more nuance than just showing up on Monday morning.
The Furniture Flip: Outdoor Living for Less
If you’ve been eyeing those Pinterest-worthy patio sets, Memorial Day is traditionally the "sweet spot." Unlike the end-of-summer clearances where you're left with the floor model that has a broken leg, the May sales at Walmart usually feature full stock.
Historically, brands like Mainstays and Better Homes & Gardens take center stage here. Last year, we saw four-piece conversation sets—the ones with the loveseat, two chairs, and a table—drop from $350 down to around $190. In 2026, experts like Vipin Porwal from Smarty suggest that while inventory is stable, the real "gets" are the "Flash Deals" found online.
You’ve gotta be quick. These aren't just 10% off. We’re talking about LayinSun or Lofka sets occasionally hitting 50% off for a 24-hour window. If you see a seven-piece dining set for under $350, you basically won the lottery. Just make sure you check the shipping; nobody wants a "deal" that costs $100 to get to the driveway.
Grills and the Blackstone Obsession
Can we talk about the Blackstone griddle for a second? It’s basically a cult at this point.
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Walmart knows this. Every Memorial Day, they pivot hard into outdoor cooking. You’ll likely see the classic 28-inch or 36-inch griddles get a significant "Rollback." But don't sleep on the Expert Grill or Pit Boss alternatives. Sometimes the "off-brand" (which is often made in the same factories, let’s be real) offers a better BTU-to-dollar ratio.
- Check the bundles: Often, Walmart will throw in a cover or a tool kit.
- Propane vs. Pellet: Pellet grills like the Traeger Pro Series usually see a $100–$150 price cut during this window.
Tech and Gadgets: The "Anti-Prime Day" Strategy
Wait, why buy a TV in May? Isn’t that a November thing?
Kinda. But here’s the secret: Memorial Day is when retailers start clearing out the "previous year" models to make room for the new summer and fall releases. If you don't need the 2026 ultra-mega-super-OLED, you can snag a 2025 Samsung or LG for peanuts.
Walmart’s house brand, onn., usually goes aggressive here. Expect a 65-inch 4K Roku TV to hover around the $298 mark. It’s not a cinema-quality rig, but for a kid's playroom or a "I just want to watch the game" setup? It's unbeatable.
Apple fans usually get a bone thrown their way too. We’ve seen the iPad 10th Gen and AirPods Pro 2 drop to their lowest prices since Black Friday during the May sales. Specifically, look for the $189 price point on AirPods; that seems to be the "magic number" Walmart hits when they want to move units.
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The Vacuum Wars
It’s weirdly competitive. Dyson vs. Shark.
Every year, the Dyson V8 or V12 gets a massive markdown—sometimes up to $170 off. But honestly, Shark is usually the better value. The Shark Matrix robot vacuums have been hitting $198 recently, which is wild considering they actually map your house and don't just bump into the baseboards like a drunk beetle.
Why the Mattress Sale Matters
If there is one thing you should actually buy during Memorial Day offers at Walmart, it’s a mattress.
Why? Because the industry is built on this holiday. It’s like their Super Bowl.
While Walmart carries the big names like Serta and Beautyrest, their "Bed-in-a-Box" game is where the 2026 deals are. Brands like Lucid, Zinus, and Linenspa often slash prices by 20% to 30%.
"Memorial Day is typically the best time of the year to buy a mattress, often beating out Black Friday prices because of the seasonal turnover in the bedding industry." — Consumer Reports Analysis
Look for the "Gel Memory Foam" models. You can usually get a Queen for under $300. Is it a 20-year heirloom? No. Is it better than the spring-filled trap you’re currently sleeping on? Absolutely.
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Navigating the "Rollback" vs. "Clearance" Confusion
Walmart is famous for its labels, but they don't always mean what you think.
- Rollback: This is a temporary price drop. It’ll go back up. If you see it, grab it.
- Clearance: This is "get this out of my sight." The price will likely keep dropping until it's gone, but so will the chances of finding your size or color.
- Special Buy: Often these are items specifically manufactured for the sale event. They might have slightly different specs than the standard model, so read the fine print on things like TV hertz or grill thickness.
Don't Get Fooled by the "Inflated" MSRP
This is the oldest trick in the book. A "Was $499, Now $199" tag looks amazing. But if the item was $249 three weeks ago, is it really a $300 savings?
Use a price tracker. Apps like Honey or CamelCamelCamel (though mostly for Amazon, it helps gauge market value) are your best friends. In 2026, with shipping costs fluctuating, Walmart+ members often get the better deal because of the free shipping and early access. If you're planning a big haul, the $12.95 monthly fee for Walmart+ might actually pay for itself in one go.
Actionable Steps for Your Memorial Day Haul
To actually save money and not just buy "stuff" because it has a red tag, follow this sequence:
- Inventory your "Summer Survival Kit": Check your hoses, your grill grates, and your patio cushions now. Don't wait until Friday afternoon when the shelves are picked over.
- Target the "Online Only" Section: Walmart.com has thousands more deals than the physical stores. The best furniture and tech offers are almost always web-exclusive.
- Watch the "Value Refresh" in Appliances: If you need a small kitchen appliance—like a Ninja Creami or an air fryer—the sales usually start the Monday before Memorial Day.
- Check the "Refurbished" Section: Walmart's "Restored" program is underrated. You can get a Dyson Airwrap or a MacBook Air for hundreds less, and they usually come with a solid 90-day warranty.
- Focus on "The Boring Stuff": It’s not sexy, but laundry detergent, sunscreen, and paper towels often have bulk discounts during this weekend. Stock up on the essentials while the prices are suppressed.