Here Is Where to Find Some of the Best Back-to-School Deals

Summary

As nearly 20 million college students head back to campus, retailers are rolling out major back-to-school sales on clothing, tech, dorm essentials, and more. Stores like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon are offering deals, membership discounts, and tools to plan dorm spaces. Shoppers are also finding savings on K-12 items, with promotions at Kohl’s and Target, including deals for teachers. Tips for smart shopping include comparing prices, buying quality items that last, and considering used electronics. Social media trends are driving elaborate dorm room setups, but shoppers can now achieve stylish, budget-friendly spaces with these sales.

Takeaways

• 😀 College students heading back to campus will have access to big end-of-summer sales on school supplies, clothes, tech, and dorm essentials.
• 😀 Back-to-school shopping is second only to the holiday season in terms of retail business, with many stores experiencing a 'Super Bowl' level of sales.
• 😀 Target is keeping prices stable for many back-to-school items in 2024, despite rising tariffs, including essentials like notebooks, pens, and storage bins.
• 😀 Dorm room decor is becoming a huge trend, with social media driving demand for stylish spaces. Target is responding by offering entire sections dedicated to dorm room designs.
• 😀 Students are finding it easy to shop for dorm room decor with curated color schemes and options at stores like Target.
• 😀 Walmart is also offering deals on dorm room items and allows students to create mock-ups of their spaces online.
• 😀 Best Buy and Amazon Prime are offering significant discounts on student tech, with Amazon Prime also providing up to 50% off select school supplies.
• 😀 Amazon Prime has introduced a new membership for young adults (ages 18-24) that offers cash back on a variety of items for half the price of a regular Prime membership.
• 😀 Many K-12 schools in the Northeast are also benefiting from back-to-school sales, with retailers like Kohl's offering discounts on kids' apparel, backpacks, and lunch boxes.
• 😀 Target is also discounting teacher essentials, such as storage bins, dry erase markers, and classroom decor, starting at very low prices, making it easier for educators to save.

Q & A

How many college students are expected to head to campus this fall?

Nearly 20 million college students are expected to head to campus this fall.

Which retail season is back-to-school shopping compared to?

Back-to-school shopping is second only to the holiday season and is referred to by some retailers as their 'Super Bowl.'

What strategy is Target using to maintain affordability for back-to-school items in 2024?

Despite rising tariffs, Target is keeping 2024 prices on many back-to-school items, including notebooks, binders, pens, and storage bins.

How are social media trends influencing dorm room shopping?

Dorm decorating posts going viral on social media are driving students to buy rugs, furniture, and accessories to create curated dorm looks.

What new feature do some Target stores have for dorm room shoppers?

Many Target stores now have entire sections dedicated to dorm room design, offering furniture and accessories in four distinct styles.

What tools do Walmart and Amazon provide to help students shop for dorm rooms?

Walmart allows students to create mock-ups of their dorm space online, while Amazon Prime offers up to 50% off select school supplies and a new membership for young adults that gives cash back at half the regular Prime cost.

What tips do students like Shannon and Kira share for shopping efficiently?

They appreciate one-stop shopping and organized sections where all colors and items are grouped together, making it easy to coordinate dorm room setups.

How are retailers supporting K through 12 students in the back-to-school season?

Retailers like Kohl's are offering sales on kids' apparel, backpacks, and lunch boxes, including additional discounts during friends and family events. Target offers essentials for under five dollars.

What advice is given for purchasing big-ticket items like electronics and calculators?

Consider buying used or slightly older electronics from sites like Back Market, eBay, or Amazon, while checking warranties. Graphing calculators can be expensive, so discounts of up to 50% are valuable.

How are teachers and classroom supplies being considered in back-to-school deals?

Target is discounting essentials for teachers, such as storage bins, dry erase markers, and classroom decor, with many items starting under four dollars. Additional discounts are available through free membership programs.

Why are social media trends impacting dorm room purchases?

Social media has amplified the desire to create visually curated dorm rooms, making students more likely to invest in decor and accessories to match trending styles.

What is a common financial strategy for parents like Jess Hennessy during back-to-school shopping?

Parents focus on stretching their dollars by finding the best deals on essentials like clothing, groceries, and school supplies, ensuring they get good value for their money.