Back-to-school shopping ramps up as families hunt for deals before classes begin
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With the start of the new school year just around the corner, families across the Cape Fear region are heading to stores to check off their back-to-school shopping lists.
Store aisles are filling with notebooks, pencils, binders, backpacks and clothing as parents prepare students for the first day of class. While many families have familiar items to replace each year, rising costs are also prompting shoppers to look for the best bargains.
Father Kyle Limbert said he and his daughter, Adelyn, are focused on picking up the essentials before school starts.
“That would be book bags, clothing, shoes. You’re looking at even these newer wallet cups that are out. We just picked two up and the kids are really loving those right now,” Limbert said.
Retailers say shoppers can find significant savings by taking advantage of seasonal promotions. Shemeka Kemp, who works at Target, said the store is offering discounted prices on several back-to-school staples, including low-cost backpacks and savings on children’s clothing.
“We have some really, really great deals starting with book bags that are at a low, low cost, in store $5, and then we have some deep deals inside of kids apparel, 30%,” Kemp said.
Kemp said planning is one of the best ways families can keep their spending under control.
“The one thing that I can say for parents and kids at the same time is, for one, know your budget. Make sure that your child has already looked at all the selections so when you guys come, they know what they want as well and they can look for the product themselves,” she said.
Among the most important purchases each year are backpacks, which Kemp said allow students to express their personalities.
“A backpack is everything for a kid, right? So it’s their bread and butter. It pretty much individualizes them to be who they want to be,” Kemp said.
For Adelyn, a new backpack is on the list, but she’s also excited about adding a few creative supplies before heading back to the classroom.
“I’m looking for coloring stuff and then a book, and then I need coloring crayons and a coloring pen,” she said.
