Shopping for back to school supplies? We've got tips on how to save in NJ

Back-to-school shopping season is here already, and by some estimates American families are expected to spend as much as $874 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics.

More than three in four parents, or 70%, feel that schools are asking them to buy too much during the back-to-school season, according to a new study by personal finance website WalletHub.

A slight majority of parents, or 52% of those surveyed, expect to pay more for back-to-school shopping this year than last year. Consumers are feeling the persistent pressure of inflation this year, though not as badly as last year.

The National Retail Federation estimates that total back-to-school spending this year will hit $38.8 billion, compared to last year’s $41.5 billion.

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New Jersey officials ended the sales tax holiday on back-to-school shopping this year, a move they estimated would save the state $35 million.

A total of 17 states are offering a similar sales tax holiday this year on back-to-school products, according to a USA Today analysis.

But even without those discounts, financial experts say there are still ways parents and families can save on back-to-school shopping this summer and fall.

Ways to save on back-to-school supplies

Retailers from Walmart to Target and Kohl’s have back-to-school deals on children’s clothing.

Target is offering deals on 20 classroom essentials, priced $20, as well as $5 backpacks. Amazon is offering such school supplies as glue, binders and erasers starting at 25 cents.

Walmart is offering supplies such as markers for less than a dollar. Staples is offering school supplies including journals, crayons, folders and colored pencils for less than a dollar.

Dollar Tree and Dollar General are offering myriad back-to-school deals on supplies for the classroom.

Students and parents can meanwhile find discounts on PC laptops, Google-powered Chromebooks and Apple’s MacBook.

Stock up on leftovers

According to financial services website NerdWallet, some school supplies from last year could still be useful.

“Check closets and last year's backpack for leftovers from last year — and while you're at it, see if that backpack is good for another year of use,” NerdWallet states in a June post.

According to the National Retail Federation, 24% of parents said they were able to make due with last year’s purchases and school supplies.

Spread out your purchases

To save money, you don’t necessarily need to buy all your school supplies in one day or at a particular location.

Ask your child’s teacher what can be purchased later in the year, said Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate.

Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record. 

Email: [email protected]; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Back to school sales for 2024 and tips to save on school supplies