Check out the second-hand stores in your area. In the last years, many quality consignment stores have cropped up that offer cash or store credits in exchange for gently used clothing. Not only are these great places to get some money back for cleaning out a closet before the beginning of the school year, they are also a good place to look for deals on more expensive clothing, if that is something you are looking for.
Buy articles of clothing that go well with (almost) anything. The best investment my wife ever made was to get a color analysis.Not only were her clothes much more suitable for her skin and hair tone, but everything in her closet could be easily combined. She never had to worry whether the new outfit would go with anything else, because it always did. Think of doing something like that with your kids, instead of always buying a coordinating shirt, pants and belt that go with nothing else. This way your options for "potential outfits" will be unlimited.
Shop for off-season, clearance items. When it is 97 degrees outside it is hard to think about shopping for long-sleeve shirts and coats. However, it's a great time to pick up clearance deals on these fall items as stores will practically give them away to make room for fall arrivals.
During the season, look for coupons and sales. Retailers are keen on gaining your business and there are many back-to-school deals out there.
Buy school supplies in 3's. My wife is a pro at shopping for back-to-school promotions. One method is this - when you find a good bargain on basic supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, binders, etc, stock up with at least three of each item. The kids are well-stocked for the beginning of the school year, and you can replenish the supplies at least twice later in the following months.
Forget about designer labels. Most stores now have their own label that competes with larger, name-brand designer labels.Most people realize that in many cases the quality of clothing is just as good, and the premium for designer labels just isn't worth it. Especially when you consider how quickly kids outgrow, or wear out, their clothing.
Don't buy poorly made clothes. Notwithstanding what I said above, I advise that you observe the quality of clothing. My mother always said "you get what you pay for" and she was right. Low quality means it simply won't last you as long and you end up paying a lot more, including gas, time for trips to the store, etc.
Shop on sales tax holidays, if you can handle it. Many states offer sales tax holidays, usually lasting an entire weekend around the beginning of the back-to-school season. On these days a number of items are exempt from sales tax. The list varies from state to state, but if you have more costly purchases (such as computers) that are included, it might be worth it to fight the crowds.
Shop for back-to-school deals on line. You will be much more likely to find what you are looking for when you can look for it in the comfort of your home, without the stress of crowded stores or pushy sales people. And if you are still hesitant about shopping on line, at least do all your research beforehand. That way you will know exactly which store to go to and what to get - a much more efficient process! And you will be much less prone to buying what you don't need. Not to mention the fact that you will know about all the sales that are going on. And since many merchants are willing to accept other retailers' coupons, you can get all the discounts available that day.
