Back to school shopping set to fall: Good!
Filed under: Kids and Money, Shopping
Call me a miser, but a lot of the headlines about weak consumer spending bring a smile to my face. People have been overextending themselves for a long time and the hippie in me believes that a recession may be just what need to bring our focus back to what's really important.The USA Today reports that "New back-to-school duds and supplies will be at the bottom of many family shopping lists this fall, with 71% saying they will spend less on back-to-school items this year than last year." According the Deloitte survey, 83% will cut back on clothing.
The USA Today coverage continues without a hint of irony: "More say they plan to do back-to-school shopping at dollar stores than at department stores, office supply stores (such as Staples) or off-price stores (such as TJ Maxx).Oh the humanity! How can a student be expected to do well in English class with ballpoint pens that cost $1 per pack instead of $3? And how will a kid develop a sense of self-worth if he has to wear last season's Abercrombie polos from TJMaxx that cost $20 instead of $49.50? If the insurance will cover therapy, intense counseling and reflection on this injustice may curb the otherwise inevitable addiction to crystal meth that results from not being fashionably with it in middle school.
If you're a parent tightening the belt on back-to-school shopping, I think you have a tremendous opportunity to make this a great learning experience for everyone. Here are some tips:
- Make bargain shopping fun! Set a small budget and stick to it, and use the internet to find good deals. Have your kids log-on to the websites for all their favorite stores and browse through the clearance merchandise. Old Navy polos for $7.99!
- Find out if there is a Plato's Closet in your area. These young adult-oriented used clothing stores feature Abercrombie, American Eagle, Hollister, Aeropostale, etc. -- all at least 70% off mall prices -- in great condition! And, you don't have to worry about stuff shrinking! Talk to your kids about how green-friendly this is. If the nearest Plato's Closet is a long schlep, consider making it a back to school shopping trip with friends. I was runner-up for best-dressed in my high school yearbook, and I think I spent about 1/10th as much as the winner, all because of Plato's Closet. I'm in college and own a condo and he has credit card debt, so I'm happy to concede the first place prize.
- If you have high school-aged kids, go to your library and pick up a copy of What Would Jesus Buy?, a hilarious mockumentary that examines our culture's addiction to conspicuous consumption and its painful consequences. See also: Maxed Out. If you need tips on bargain shopping, consider How to Be a Budget Fashionista, one of my favorite gift items for college-age friends.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-25-2008 @ 1:06PM
Teresa Cox said...
I'm with you, Zac. I could never understand the reason behind buying a $3 pack of pens when the $1 pack is right next to it!
Here's another hint for your bargain shoppers....
Get those school supplies lists NOW! Stores are already putting school supplies on sale. I have purchased two-pocket folders for my daughter (at $0.10 a piece) and glue sticks for my son (at $0.20 for a two-pack). You can save money when you buy in piecemeal as the sales come than if you wait and purchase everything is one fell swoop when things are not on sale.
The only exception I have found here in the Baltimore region is composition books. Those things go SO FAST that you have to purchase them when you find them.
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7-25-2008 @ 1:57PM
todd said...
Here is my thing why does averythign cost so much .When i was a kid there was no way my mother would even think about spending 75 to 100 bucks on a pair of shoes .When she knew i would out grow them in 3 mounths .Thats just the tip of the iceburge think about how much it is to dress a child these days it is outragious .I hope people stop buying all these name brand crap and get the same thing .Isnt the whole idea just to cover your backside .Im sorry but why spen 50 bucks on a pair of pants when you can get pants that fit the same for 15 to 25 bucks .If people keep spending there money like the idiots they are i hope the do loose there home because there to stupid to own one anyway norless feed them selves .
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8-01-2008 @ 12:41PM
Sierrah said...
Okay, Todd, you are OUT OF YOUR MIND!!! Clothes are very important to ALOT of people, and I guess its okay to speak your opinion but you can wear them longer because you like them more!!!! DUH!!!! That way you look better and SAVE money because oyu dont shop as much. You wont loose your home, CRAZY!! ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE SMARTER THAN YOU THINK!!!! DERDERDER!
8-01-2008 @ 12:41PM
Sierrah said...
I need help getting a good deal with clothing. I am trying to get hollister, abercrombie and aeropostale clothing because its in style right now and i only have little over $88 dollars. If you have any suggestions, please contact me at ilovedajonasbrothers@yahoo.com. Thank you.
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8-01-2008 @ 12:47PM
Sierrah said...
Sorry but it is really true for most people. Im not rich but i bought a pet and alot of clothes for little over$88 dollars. The pet cost 75$.
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