Savings 4 You: Labor Day weekend sales

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Of all the holiday-weekend sales, Labor Day is the biggest. Consumer Reports has combed through the circulars, websites, direct mailings, and Facebook pages in search of the product categories that will likely see the most red tags this weekend.

Things like mowers, grills, and patio furniture might not be displayed front-and-center this late in the season. But take a stroll to the back of the store, where you'll find closeout deals. Sears will be offering 20 percent off all Craftsman mowers. Consumer Reports recommends the the Craftsman 37659 and the Craftsman 37435 self-propelled mowers. You might find even steeper discounts of 50 percent and up on used floor models.

Looking ahead to winter, Lowe's is shaving 15 percent off all Troy-Bilt snow blowers as part of its Labor Day promotion. CR recommends the Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP 31AH5ZQ. Sears is also promising competitive, pre-season deals on snow blowers.

Many retailers are taking 30 percent off kitchen and laundry appliances. Lowe's, for example, has an advertised price of $878 for a Whirlpool (WFW9050XW) front-loading washer and (Whirlpool WED9050XW) electric dryer. Before the sale, Consumer Reports paid $700 the washer alone.

You'll also find deep discounts on mattresses this Labor Day weekend. CR found Tempur-Pedic, Original Mattress Factory, and Select Comfort scored higher for customer satisfaction than Serta and Sealy.

Sears is having a 50% off sale, plus an extra 10% off mattresses over $499. And don't be shy about haggling either.