August best bets: What to buy now ahead of back-to-school season

NEW YORK (WABC) -- August is nearly here and while summer is flying by, don't let these deals sizzle away.

Nina Pineda and 7 On Your Side are highlighting the best bets of the month before back-to-school season.

Buy the beach hat, bikini and board now - swimsuits, shorts, summer sports gear and pool items are all deeply discounted.

Inventory is coming in for fall, which means boxes of bulky fall apparel have arrived in retail stores that are limited on space. Look for clearance racks in the back that may have markdowns -- more than half off on men's and women's apparel.

Grills are on sale now, and discounts will get even deeper in the fall, but selection will be thinner.

Also, dive into a new washer and plug into a cool new fridge, as appliance sales will sizzle. So if your dryer or dishwasher is dying, your dollar will go further now.

And from clearance air conditioners to new TVs, loads of Labor Day weekend deals are leaking all month long.

You can find deals on fans and patio furniture too. Outdoor tables and chair sets will be deeply discounted.

And back-to-school sales will help you get everything for your child's backpack. Buy in bulk and split it up to save -- and don't forget to search for promo codes and coupons for supplies.

As for what not to buy yet? Fall and winter clothes will be full price and electronics like laptops and smartphones - anything with a plug - will be cheapest on Black Friday. Believe it or not, that's only about 12 weeks away.

Back-to-school sales will help, but don't wait to fall into a new bed for a lot less. Mattresses, bed frames and bedding will have the best discount of the year at the end of the month.

Don't sleep on these savings -- the next time you'll see these prices this low will be Presidents Day weekend in February.

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