By Kim Amboy:
The calendar turns to July, and suddenly, the back-to-school commercials start rolling, featuring new backpacks, notebooks, lunchboxes, and other school must-haves. But now it’s August, and the clock is ticking. Procrastinating parents and students need to make a mad dash to stores and shops to pick up everything all at once. However, remember that last-minute back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing for kindergarten or college; countless retailers continue to offer significant discounts on school supplies, apparel, technology, and other essentials.
Here are a few places to find the best back-to-school deals, both in-store and online.
Major Retail Chains
Big-name stores are well-known for offering competitive prices and weekly specials in the lead-up to the school year.
• Walmart: Offers some of the lowest prices on basic school supplies like notebooks, glue sticks, and pencils. You can even shop by grade level on their website.
• Target: A favorite for school supplies and stylish backpacks. Target also offers seasonal promotions and a price match guarantee.
• Staples and Office Depot: Great for bulk deals on paper, folders, and classroom essentials. Watch for their infamous “penny sales,” where items are priced at $0.01 with a minimum purchase requirement.
• Best Buy: Ideal for tech needs like laptops, tablets, and headphones. They offer student discounts and bundles during the back-to-school season.
Online Marketplaces
• Amazon: Offers fast delivery and lightning deals on everything from electronics to bulk pencils. Prime Student members can get extra discounts.
• eBay: A smart place to look for refurbished electronics or last season’s backpacks at reduced prices.
• Thriftbooks or Book Outlet: Amazing resources for finding affordable required reading or children’s books.
Discount Off-Price Stores
• TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross: Name-brand backpacks, shoes, and clothing at lower prices.
• Dollar Tree or Five Below: Excellent for basic supplies, locker accessories, and classroom decorations.
• Big Lots: Often features discounted snacks, classroom supplies, and dorm room decor.
Local Boutiques and Secondhand Stores
• Goodwill: Popular thrift stores offering donated clothing and goods, sometimes brand-new with tags still attached.
• Kid to Kid: Highly rated consignment chain in Midlothian with a range of gently used apparel, shoes, and gear for children.
Rakuten: This is a great app that helps shoppers find the best deals and price drops. It’ll even activate cashback and automatically apply coupons while you shop.