Back to school shopping

Posted on | June 9, 2010 | No Comments

No, this is not a re-post or mistake. I know it’s June, but we need to talk about back to school shopping. Believe it or not some of the best deals can be found between now and July.

There will be back to school sales up to the last minute, but if you make your list now and keep your eyes open you will get the true bargains. For example, my kids don’t have a uniform, but they have to wear polo shirts to school (as well as certain length shorts and skirts). Remember that Aéropostale sale I posted about last week? I was able to get my girls new polo shirts that sell for $20.00 – $30.00 for about $5.00 each. That is less then bargain brands at Target or Walmart as well as less then buying name brands at a consignment shop (at least in my area).

Whether it’s shirts, pants or shoes, now is a great time to start looking. Make a list and carry it with you when you are out and about. Every store is different, so you need to search your area to find the best deals. There are many times I will walk out of a store with amazing bargains and just as many times when I walk out with nothing, so you need to have a little patience. But if you are looking to keep your costs down, this is by far the best way to shop. If the deal is good enough I’ll even guesstimate how much my kids will grow in 6 months and buy a bigger size.

If you wait until right before school starts, you will undoubtedly spend more on some items. If your kid needs sneakers and the only pair that fit her are full price you have no choice. If you start looking now you have a little more room to groove.