Back-to-School Savings: Tips and Deals for Smart Shopping Families
As families gear up for the upcoming school year, many are hitting the stores to check off items on their back-to-school shopping lists. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), parents of elementary and high school students are expected to spend an average of $850 on back-to-school essentials, including electronics, shoes, clothes, and school supplies. The rising costs have families like Janie Lee, a great-grandmother to nine, on the lookout for savings wherever they can find them.
Lee shared that she has been gradually purchasing items throughout the summer to spread out the expenses. With her great-grandchildren's parents also contributing to the shopping, Lee estimates that she has already spent a few hundred dollars. The NRF notes that more American parents are shopping earlier this year, possibly due to concerns about tariffs impacting prices.
Local retailers, such as Academy Sports + Outdoors in Lufkin, are seeing a steady stream of back-to-school shoppers. The store manager, Jackson Kotz, mentioned that they are anticipating a busy weekend and have extended their hours to accommodate the influx of customers. The Texas school supplies tax holiday weekend, running from Friday, August 8 to midnight Sunday, August 10, offers shoppers a chance to save on their purchases.
Kotz highlighted that the tax-free weekend provides an opportunity for parents who prefer last-minute shopping to take advantage of additional discounts. Additionally, online shopping during the tax-free period is eligible for the savings. Academy Sports + Outdoors is also offering a special sale with an extra 10% discount for teachers and school employees.
In conclusion, as families navigate the back-to-school shopping season, they are looking for ways to save on their purchases. With retailers like Academy Sports + Outdoors extending their hours and offering discounts, parents and students can make the most of the tax-free weekend to stock up on essentials for the upcoming school year.