"With pumpkin beer on shelves and discount stores behaving as if it's already Black Friday, no one can blame consumers for not wanting to spend their Labor Day weekend shopping," said The Street. "But, seriously, why aren't you at your local home and garden supply store grabbing whatever you can? After an entire summer of milking shoppers for all they were worth, home and garden chains including Home Depot and Lowe's are entering their slow season and making it just a bit easier for customers to get deals. We don't just mean Home Depot and Lowe's, specifically, but Menard's, Ace Hardware stores, True Value stores and even Sears, if there's still one in your area."

What they said.

Yes, it's the mother load for people looking for discounted patio items. Labor Day weekend is when big box stores typically start offering big discounts on patio furniture and outdoor accessories, and this year is no different.

Lowes is offering savings of up to 75 percent this weekend on a slew of outdoor items including furniture, outdoor décor, landscaping, and more.

This Garden Treasures Hunter Woods Balau Wood Cushioned Patio Chair is now just $37.50, down from $150, and this stylish allen + roth Set of 2 Hayton Gray Aluminum Woven Patio Spring Motion Chairs are just $88, down from $352.

You can also pick up planters, pillows and tables at Lowes for a steal.

Nerdwallet advises shoppers to check out Walmart and Target. "Online shoppers can find great deals at Walmart, with patio sets from $99. Target has an ongoing sale on grills and outdoor cooking supplies, including items not sold in stores."

The best deals on mattresses this weekend are at Sears' 60 percent off sale, like this Sealy Posturpedic queen size for $378, down from $520. Sears is also offering up to 40 percent off on appliances.

As for "big ticket" items, The Street says to hold. "You'll start to see marked-down grills around Labor Day weekend, but they're typically lower-tier brands such as Master Forge, Savor Pro, Aussie and Brinkmann. For any brand from Char-Broil through Weber, you're likely going to have to wait until well into winter for the deepest discounts (think December or January). Keep in mind that Weber treats its grills like Apple treats its smartphones, so you're not really going to get much of a discount until stores try to get rid of the previous year's models.

"It's a similar story with air conditioners. Like grills, they still come in handy if summer temperatures bleed over into September. You're not going to find them marked down by any significant margin on Labor Day weekend, but you'll have a lot better luck if you're out shopping just before everyone carves up Thanksgiving dinner or just as the country nurses its New Year's hangover. It's simple logic: Demand for air conditioners is lowest when everybody is figuring out how to pay their heating bills. The selection may not be outstanding, but the prices have plenty of wiggle room around that time."

Where will you be shopping this weekend?