Over the years it seems to me that Memorial Day weekend has developed a second identity. Officially, it’s a day of remembrance. Unofficially, it’s the kickoff to summer. A three-day event that requires burgers, new patio cushions, a cooler full of drinks, and at least one last-minute trip to the big, crowded store (you know the one) where everything comes super-sized and costs more than it did a week ago.
That’s where things get expensive. Not because Memorial Day itself is costly, but because we tend to treat it like a deadline. Suddenly there’s pressure to “get ready,” which often means buying things quickly instead of thoughtfully. That’s when markups quietly sneak in.
