TAMPA — In a few short weeks summer vacations will be over and kids will back to school.
Parents are already making their lists and shopping for essentials for the coming school year. Although many consumers enjoy the convenience of online shopping, brick and mortar stores remain the most popular option for parents.
According to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey:
- The majority of shoppers (87%) will do at least half of their shopping in-store, but will be using their smartphone phone for assistance.
- Four in five shoppers (83%) will be using their mobile device to compare prices, redeem coupons, and even make purchases while shopping.
“Some of the best deals can be found, literally at your fingertips,” said Josh Carrasco, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Many retailers will match prices found online or post coupons that can be used in the store. Spending a little time researching your purchases can add up to big savings.”
Although over one-fourth of Floridians (27%) feel financially better of than last year, thanks in part to low gas prices and wage increases, consumers are always looking to save money at the register. The average Florida family with children K-12 plans to spend on average $589 on their back-to-school shopping. Shoppers heading to the store for school supplies can keep costs down by planning ahead, looking for discounts, and skipping unnecessary items.
“Families are looking for ways to trim expenses while back-to-school shopping,” said Belinda Dabrowski, Managing Director of Partnership Development, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “One way shoppers can save money is by using their AAA membership card for instant discounts and to earn rewards.”
Here are a few more ways to save a few dollars when shopping for back-to-school supplies:
AAA Back-to-School Shopping Tips:
- Shop at Home: Once you create your back-to-school shopping list, take an at-home inventory. School lists often carry-over items from the previous year, so make sure you aren’t buying multiples of things you already own.
- Spread Out Your Shopping: The majority of Florida parents (73%) begin their back-to-school shopping 1-4 weeks before school starts. Sometimes you will find better deals if you spread out your shopping and begin shopping earlier or wait until school starts. For instance, often times retail stores will have deep discounts on clothing in the fall in order to make room for winter inventory.
- Shop Online: Before you buy, pull out your phone. Sometimes you can find a better deal for the item online or at another store. The majority of parents (50%) will use their smartphones or tablets to compare products and prices and about one-third (31%) will use it to make a purchase.
- Shop Tax-Free: In Florida the back-to-school tax-free holiday starts August 5th and runs through August 7th. Parents can skip the tax on clothing under $60 and school supplies under $15.
- Use Membership Savings: Membership organizations like AAA offer many instant discounts and rewards* at a variety of retailers. Check out aaa.com/specialoffers for a variety of savings on your back-to-school shopping including:
- Dell™ – AAA members receive an exclusive $50 savings on select PCs priced $499.99 or more August 1 – October 28 using coupon code “Exclusive50off499”.
- Reebok Outlet Stores – Save 40% of regular outlet prices between August 4 – 21, 2016.
- New York & Company – Save 25% on the entire in-store purchase and 10% on in-store purchases at Outlet Stores.
- Payless ShoeSource® – Save $10 on $40 or more purchase of regular and sale merchandise.
- Walmart.com – AAA members can earn up to 4% of their order in AAA Dollars when shopping via AAA.com/dollars. Visit aaa.com/dollars for restrictions and details.
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