This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2, and celebrates the contributions of workers who work more than 70 hours for low wages and grim, if not dangerous, working conditions.
Historians still disagree whether Labor Day was created in 1882 by Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, or by Mathew Maguire, secretary of the Central Labor Union. Ironically, both participated in the first Labor Day parade in New York City that same year.
Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day in 1887. Massachusetts followed the same year.
On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a federal law making Labor Day a national holiday on the first Monday of each September.
Here are several websites that may satisfy those of you who want more historical details: bit.ly/4fRMLwn, bit.ly/3SSchbd or bit.ly/3AseF25.
Labor Day sales in the Berkshires
Before you head out to your traditional Labor Day barbecue, check out these deals. You’ll find bargains on clothing, cars, furniture, home goods, windows and computers, to name a few.
According to program marketing specialist Nikki Kellogg, Catwalk Boutique (catwalkboutique.org) is offering 50 percent off all stores, except for some locations in Lenox and Great Barrington, through Aug. 27. The store will “accept donations of used designer fall clothing,” Kellogg added.
Karen Allen Fiber Arts (karenallen-fiberarts.com) in Great Barrington is having a summer sale with heavily discounted prices on a wonderful selection of sweaters, jackets, dresses, hats, pants, leggings, socks, blankets and throws from all of their favorite makers and designers from around the world.
Kissy’s Fine Apparel in Pittsfield (shopkissysfineapparel.com) is anticipating some as-yet-unannounced Labor Day sales, said owner Heidi Eulian.
Shop Around the Corner (bit.ly/3MaVcVV) at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge is holding a Labor Day sale, offering 50 to 75 percent off its various items, said owner Janis Monachina.
Haddad Toyota in Pittsfield (haddadtoyota.com) is offering Labor Day specials throughout September, according to sales manager Anthony Anastasio. The deals include a three-year lease on the 2024 Toyota Corollas LE ($189 per month) and the 2024 Tacoma SR5 Double Cable ($326 per month), as well as a 48-month, 1.99% financing offer on a new 2024 Tundra.
Johnson Ford (drivejohnson.com/newspecials.html) is offering some special sales to creditworthy buyers, including 1.9 percent APR on select trucks, 0.9 percent APR on half-ton Ford F-150 trucks and up to $7,000 off four in-stock 2023 Ford Broncos, said sales manager Bryan Beauregard.
Paul Rich and Sons (paulrich.com) in Pittsfield will hold an outdoor sale over Labor Day weekend, according to owner Pam Rich. She said inventory will be 50 to 70 percent off Friday through Sunday. The store will be closed Monday, Rich said.
Solomon’s Furniture (solomonsfurnitureandmore.com) is currently running a Labor Day sale that includes savings of between $100 and $1,200 on select Simmons mattress models, as well as other special offers, said owner Jim Solomon.
Raymour & Flanigan is hosting a Labor Day Sale through Sept. 9, with 30 percent off select furniture, 25 percent off rugs, lighting and decor, and up to $600 off mattresses and bedding at its new Pittsfield location, a spokesperson said. The company is also hosting a Super Weekend Sale from Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, with savings of up to 35 percent.
Home Depot in Pittsfield (bit.ly/3SLmHZY) is hosting a storewide Labor Day promotion through Sept. 4, a spokesperson said. Notable deals include 15 percent off select special-order doors and windows, plus $148 toward storm door installation with the purchase of select doors. Plus, save up to $1,050 on select appliances with instant upgrades and up to 24 months of financing.
Staples has upcoming special offers that can be found in its weekly flyers or on its website (staples.com/lp/weekly-ad), a Staples spokesperson said. Its flyer from Aug. 18 to 24 featured discounts on school supplies, computers and printers. Its weekly Labor Day sales flyer is scheduled for Aug. 25 and Sept. 1. Or visit its Pittsfield or Great Barrington stores to find more deals.
Apple’s back-to-school offer is available through September 30 in Apple Stores and the Apple Education Store online (apple.com/us-edu/store), an Apple spokesperson said. College-bound students, their parents and all educators will receive a gift card valued at up to $150 and 20 percent off AppleCare, in addition to discounted education pricing when purchasing a Mac and iPad – including the new MacBook Air and iPad Air with Apple Pencil Pro.
Enjoy your Labor Day!
RX TIPS TO SAVE: Check out the flyers at your local supermarket and find out in person about Labor Day grocery discounts for your upcoming barbecues. Discounts were not posted at press time.
