The August bank holiday marks more than just a final long weekend before autumn tiptoes in. It’s also one of the best times in the retail calendar to find serious savings.
For many shoppers, it’s a chance to pick up pieces they’ve had their eye on all summer – from the sofa that never quite made the budget, to that dress that will slip easily into September wardrobes. For retailers, it’s a well-timed opportunity to clear seasonal stock before the autumn/winter ranges arrive.
Unlike Black Friday’s frenzy or Boxing Day’s queues, the August sales unfold with a more subtle allure. The discounts are broad – across fashion, beauty, homeware, tech – but the pace is less frantic, the atmosphere more leisurely. If Black Friday is the sprint, the bank holiday is the steady jog: you still cover ground, but you do it without the constant, low-level anxiety and dry eyes from excessive screen time.
It’s this balance that makes the sales such a sweet spot. Discounts are meaningful, but stock hasn’t yet been picked over. Delivery times aren’t stretched, and you can shop online without feeling like you’re competing in an Olympic final. For the savvy, it’s the perfect time to buy both essentials and indulgences — the everyday products you’ll actually use, alongside the statement investment pieces you might otherwise pass over.
We’ve trawled the UK’s favourite online retailers to round up the best deals on offer. It’s time to step back, take stock, and, if the right deal comes along, shop smarter.
Shop bank holiday bargains below
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Best home and garden deals for the August Bank Holiday weekend
Wayfair
Give the whole home an update before the new season begins - Wayfair has irresistible bargains to make the task less pricey. From BBQs to wall art and rugs, it's time to get cosy.
Buy now, Wayfair
John Lewis & Partners
John Lewis brings broad-stroke savings across fashion, beauty, electricals, and homeware—many lines up to 50 per cent off, plus an extra 15 per cent off on accessories and shoes. The beauty of this sale? Trusted quality and free delivery over £50.
Buy now, John Lewis
Emma Sleep
Transform your rest: Emma is offering up to 25 per cent off mattresses and sleep accessories, plus free premium bedding bundles on select models, and up to 50 per cent off in outlet lines. With long trials and 10-year guarantees, it’s a soft landing.
Buy now, Emma Sleep
Furniture123
Deals, deals, deals are waiting at Furniture 123 this Bank Holiday weekend with up to 40 per cent off on bed frames, sofas, dining sets and a whole lot more. Prepping kids for the adventure of secondary school? This high bed with a desk underneath is the perfect place to do increased homework - was: £339.97, now: £289.97.
Buy now, Furniture123
Argos
Home, toys, and tech – Argos leans into bank holiday bargain territory with fast delivery and seasonal discounts across essentials. There are back-to-school essentials at up to 25 per cent off, plus a third off selected tech and homeware.
Buy now, Argos
B&Q
For summertime upgrades at home, B&Q is offering up to 30 per cent off garden furniture, as well as a three for two deal on Dulux, Valspar and Leyland paints.
Buy now, B&Q
The Range
No matter which room in your house needs a refresh - whether it be the the living room, dining room, kids’ rooms, or bathroom - The Range has a deal to suit you. Browse 250 Bank Holiday offers before they sell out.
Buy now, The Range
La Redoute
A home for all things Parisian chic, La Redoute is offering up to 40 per cent off across all home and garden ranges over Bank Holiday.
Buy now, La Redoute
Best beauty and wellness deals for the August Bank Holiday weekend
Space NK
Beauty lovers, take note. Space NK is offering site-wide savings - typically around 15 per cent off, with occasional loyalty perks and free delivery for members. These multi-week promotions mean you can pace yourself while stocking up. You can also enjoy 20 per cent off cult-favourite haircare products for a limited time.
Buy now, Space NK
Lookfantastic
Enjoy 20 per cent off selected beauty essentials with code FLASH over Bank Holiday weekend.
Buy now, Lookfantastic
Lovehoney
The sexual happiness expert is seeing out summer with an extra discount on selected adult toys. Save an extra 20 per cent with the discount code: HEAT
Buy now, Lovehoney
Smile Makers
Global sexual wellness brand sexual wellness brand Smile Makers Collection is offering 30 per cent off one of their bestsellers, humbly known as The Artist.
Buy now, Smile Makers
Best tech deals for the August Bank Holiday weekend
Amazon
No matter what you need, there's always a great discount to find at Amazon. The retailer has millions of products under its digital roof, from cabin-friendly bags to cooling fans and the latest tech. The daily deals section has offers worth checking out, including up to 42 per cent off Ninja's portable air fryer, the CRISPi, 35 per cent off HPlaptios and rollbacks on Apple tech.
Buy now, Amazon
Currys
For tech and appliances, Currys is currently offering 40 per cent off key items - think TVs, laptops, wearable tech and kitchen kit. A sharp mid-summer drop in high-ticket essentials.
Buy now, Currys
Ninja Kitchen
Got your heart set on a Ninja air fryer? We don't blame you; they're some of the best around. Bag yours for less right now with deals over at the brand's site, which includes markdowns on the Woodfire Pro, the Woodfire Pizza Maker and the CREAMi ice cream and frozen drink maker.
Buy now, Ninja Kitchen
Shark
With the long weekend approaching, it's time to get the house in order so you can enjoy the extra day off in style. If your vacuum cleaner has seen better days, upgrade to a Shark - it's easier on your pocket than ever, thanks to the clearance sales the brand is running right now. From pet vacs to powerful mop hybrids, now is the time to clean up.
Buy now, Shark
AO
From coffee machines to full-blown kitchen fridges, it's never been easier to upgrade your home tech or appliances than at AO. The site is running a range of deals right now, with up to 52 per cent to be saved. A run, don't walk situation if we ever saw one.
Buy now, AO
Best fashion deals for the August Bank Holiday weekend
Net-A-Porter
This high fashion destination is always worth a look, especially the sale section where there's up to 80 per cent to be saved on labels.
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
Selfridges
Selfridges marks the weekend with a Summer Sale featuring deep markdowns across fashion, beauty, and home. Expect stylish splurges made suddenly justifiable.
Buy now, Selfridges
Nobody’s Child
For transitional, seasonal basics at a bargain price, look no further than the Nobody’s Child summer sale – where clothes are up to 60 per cent off.
Buy now, Nobody’s Child
ASOS
ASOS often drops sitewide discounts up to 20 per cent, especially on trend-driven wardrobe refreshers—lightweight, easy, and totally bank holiday-ready.
Buy now, ASOS
