Hacks for Back-to-School Shopping

Love Back-to-school shopping? As exciting as it might be for the kids, I am amazed with my spendings! Walk into the store to get a box of crayons – come out with two bags of stuff and a receipt for $80. How did that happen? Here are some tips for you and me from the experts

One Day Event? It is NOT!

Retailers know that back to school isn’t what it used to be in terms of a limited, focused time period in which everyone has to buy everything they need for their first day. Back to school sales last longer than they used to, so take your time planning your shopping list and researching deals and promotions. And start checking out the clearance sections starting the middle of September

Do You Need All These Clothes Now?

Not only do different schools go back to class at different times, there is a prevailing wisdom that when it comes to fashion, kids want to wait to see what everyone else is wearing before they commit to new wardrobe purchases. That’s why you see the season start with last minute summer clearance and denim stretches all the way into late Fall. Besides that, Fall styles will start going on sale as early as the end of September and with all the year-end holidays it will be a huge sale season!

Stock Up On Stationery

When it comes to spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, etc., it’s wise to stock up. There are some aggressive prices on these order starters, because they are more likely to be “must buys.” Crayons and printer paper haven’t changed in a long, long time – stock up when the price is right.

Don’t Impulse Buying Technology

Technology is not just about purchasing a calculator or a tablet or a notebook, it also includes making sure that your home (or your child’s workspace) is ready for the technology. Many schools, as early as middle school,  starting to use technology platforms for turning in assignments, downloading support documents or tracking grades and progress updates. Invest in tech products that’ll allow your child to shine. Besides that, you don’t want to be blamed for your student missing a deadline because their computer wasn’t working.

Moving? Take Advantage of Pick-Up Services.

If your family is relocating or if your kid is going off to a far-away college, arrange to pick up your order at the store that is closer to your destination point, rather than packing it in your car. Many retailers offer this service now and with apps like Retale that can direct you to the closest store at your destination, it should be easy to set up.