Labor Day weekend deals: Consumer tips to save in the DMV

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Labor Day weekend offers retailers another holiday to promote discounts in-stores, visits to local parks and attractions.

As costs continue to burden families, DC News Now found some timely picks to save some cash for Labor Day weekend.

“We all want to enjoy those experiences out there; whether it’s going to the next-door neighbor’s barbecue, go to a baseball game, football game this fall, whatever it might me. But, these experiences can be extremely expensive,” said Mark Hamrick of Bankrate.

According to the National Retail Federation , consumer spending went up in July compared to June, despite ongoing complaints about the higher cost of essentials.

“Even as inflation figures are looking better. Prices broadly are still rising, so, that is at the source of the angst [among consumers], Hamrick said.

Whether expenses are made during sales opportunities, industry analysts urge consumers to ask questions about lower prices even if they are unknown at the time of purchase.

“From department stores, to, obviously, automobile dealers, to others, can very often generate a lower price than what is advertised,” Hamrick said.

Some retailers may “have a secret coupon code beneath the counter,” Hamrick said.

Sales potentially offered this weekend may include seasonal markdowns heading out of summer months and into fall, including for summer clothes, patio furniture and travel accessories.

Many back-to-school sales remain active as well.

If people opt to visit local state parks this weekend here is what you will pay:

• Virginia: $5-$7 depending on the park — prices are per vehicle granted access.

• Maryland : $3 per state resident inside one vehicle, and $5 per non-Maryland resident inside one vehicle.

Traveling out of town, consumers can save with apps identifying and granting cash-back opportunities at specific gas pumps including GasBuddy and Upside.

Families may wish to spend last-minute days cooling off at area pools.

According to D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation , these pools will remain open this weekend:

• Hearst
• Francis
• Langdon Park
• Rosedale
• Banneker Ridge Road
• Oxon Run
• Upshur pools

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