As the summer season winds down, families across America are gearing up for back-to-school shopping. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual back-to-school survey, the average family with children in elementary to high school is expected to spend around $875 on back-to-school items. With the rising costs of new clothes, laptops, and school supplies, many families are looking for ways to save money during this expensive time. To help you navigate the back-to-school shopping season without breaking the bank, we’ve compiled five tips from retail experts.
Plan around tax-free shopping dates: Seventeen states offer sales-tax holidays throughout the back-to-school shopping season. This weekend, residents in nine states will have the opportunity to save on school supplies, clothing, electronics, and more. Taking advantage of these tax-free shopping dates can lead to significant savings, especially on bigger-ticket items like computers and iPads. Be sure to check the eligible categories and maximum savings in your state to make the most of this opportunity.
Spread out shopping: Instead of trying to tackle your entire back-to-school shopping list in one trip, consider spreading out your shopping over a few weeks. By visiting multiple stores and taking advantage of different promotions, you can save money on the items your kids need. Prioritize purchasing essentials for the first few weeks of school and take advantage of larger sales that occur after school resumes to fill in any gaps.
Research beforehand: Before hitting the stores, do some research to uncover discounts on back-to-school items. Sign up for loyalty programs, follow retailers on social media, and familiarize yourself with the prices of the items on your list. Establishing loyalty at your favorite retailers can lead to special discounts and rewards. Additionally, many big retailers offer student discounts, so be sure to take advantage of these savings opportunities.
Take advantage of price matching: Many retailers offer price matching, both in-store and after checkout. If you find a cheaper price on a store’s website or at a competing store, most big retailers will honor it. Some stores even offer retroactive price matching, refunding you the difference if an item you purchased goes on sale within a certain timeframe. By monitoring prices and taking advantage of price matching policies, you can save money on your back-to-school purchases.
Consider buying in bulk: Buying in bulk at wholesale stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s can help you save on the unit price of items like school supplies. For nonperishable items like pencils, buying in bulk can lead to long-term savings, especially for households with multiple children. If you don’t need a large quantity of items, consider teaming up with another family to split the cost and share the bulk items.
By following these tips and being strategic in your back-to-school shopping approach, you can save money and make the most of this expensive time of year. Whether you’re stocking up on school supplies or shopping for new clothes, these strategies can help you navigate the back-to-school season with ease. Happy shopping!