Back-to-school season is coming up, and in some areas, it's unclear how it will play out. With vaccines now available, it could make for a close-to-normal school year in some areas of the U.S. as administrators make decisions about when and how to continue teaching. (The Centers for Disease Control has suggestions for administrators to consider as they are making plans for the upcoming year.)
As families prepare for the upcoming school year, National Retail Federation (NRF) studies indicate back-to-school spending leans towards the need for new outfits. It's time to put away the sweat pants and put on good clothes. 49% of parents with school-aged children say their kids are most excited to shop for apparel this year, up from 42% last year.
Before determining what students may need for the year, be prepared for a shift from one teaching format to another, and set a budget. Planning ahead as much as possible will help keep expenses to a minimum and help everyone involved stay on task.
Tips For In-Person School Shopping
Retailers are eager for shoppers to come back, but with restrictions. Mask mandates, social distancing, hand sanitizer, and other precautions may still be in place for some locations, as well as restrictions for those who have not been vaccinated. When trying on the latest fall fashions, contact the retailer ahead of time for their requirements. Consider following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting items upon arriving home.
Compare prices between different retail stores, save coupons, sign up for email alerts, and redeem any cash-back or rebate offers. This will help you get the best deals and stay within budget. Also, your state may have a tax free weekend, enabling you to buy clothes, school supplies and other items without paying sales tax. Check with the Federation of Tax Administrators to see what your state offers.
If classes are meeting in-person, some teachers may ask parents to buy bulk items - paper towels, tissues, wipes, hand sanitizer - for the entire classroom to use throughout the year. Compare lists with other parents and see if costs can be shared.
Tips For Online School Shopping
Research big-ticket items. Check with your child's school to find out their technology requirements, and determine if there are any changes necessary to the home's high-speed internet. According to NRF, 63% of consumers expect at least some school and college classes will take place online this year, up from 55% when the original survey was conducted in July 2020. Before purchasing an expensive laptop, table, or other computer accessory, research the brand, warranty, customer reviews, and prices at various stores.
Many stores and software companies offer discounts to students who have either an “.edu” email address or student ID. Others may have a discount for signing up for marketing materials.
When shopping online, be wary of "click bait" ads that feature items that imply that you may want or need it based on the search history. Scammers could be trying to drive you to a different website to potentially steal personal information. Take note of the ad and go to the store's website by directly typing into the search bar. Make note of the website's privacy policy, contact information, and always use a credit card when making a purchase.
