The forecast for back to school shopping is looking bleak for retailers. This year, numbers are predicted to decrease by 7.7% for elementary and high school purchases.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the average family with students in grades Kindergarten through 12 is expected to spend $548.72 on school merchandise, a decline of 7.7 percent from $594.24 in 2008.
This year’s back-to-college and back-to-school spending combined will total $47.50 billion.
Is it any surprise that many people will shop the sales? Maybe not. This morning, I heard this information on the radio and a suggestion was made to buy school supplies at office supply stores instead of drug and discount stores. Buying school supplies at one place will not save you any money. Some stores are advertising “loss leaders” to get you in the store for a short while. Case in point, CVS offered two pocket folders for 5¢, limit 10 with your store card just for the first three days of the sale. After that, the folders would be 50¢ each. Target had Crayons on sale but the price wasn’t advertised.
Even if there is a list of school supplies, go through and see which things are optional and which you definitely need. Buying everything at one place was never an option when I was a child. We always shopped the sales. Now that people are using money more wisely, it is vital to bundle errands, have someone else (a relative or friend) buy some to get around purchase limits – unless you are buying alcohol children can make purchases as well.
Unless there is a sign that says no rainchecks – ask for one. Or if there is supposed to be a shipment coming in at another time, ask when the store will get the shipment and restock the shelves. Occasionally there are more items in back, stores may wait to put them out until after the sale has ended or only receive a small shipment. Go early when items are on sale (if you can) – don’t wait until Friday to shop for items listed in the Sunday circular, many products will already be sold out.
Hunting for back to school bargains will be more of a necessity this year than ever. Looking around and starting early will give you a greater chance of getting the best deals.
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