x
Breaking News
More () »

WorkinCT: Back to school without breaking the bank

WEST HARTFORD — Back to school shopping is something Johnnie Jackson and his son Jeremy know well. “Always need to get a new backpack, and he definitely n...

WEST HARTFORD -- Back to school shopping is something Johnnie Jackson and his son Jeremy know well.

“Always need to get a new backpack, and he definitely needs to get some new clothes, maybe like two, three pairs of shoes,” said Jackson.

They were already at the Westfarms Mall looking for sales.

“I’m always looking for the shoe deals,” said Jackson.

While young Sophie Dumais has her eye on the sports sales.

“I like sports a lot, so I usually like to look around at sports places and see if there’s anything good there,” said Dumais.

“Kids really want to feel fresh and new and there’s something exhilarating about that first day of school with your new backpack, new sneakers, new denim, and those are really the top three staples for back to school shopping,” said Amanda Sirica, who is a spokesperson for Westfarms.

Sirica says there’s a way parents can get all they need without breaking the bank, and it starts at home.

“Parents should really start by taking a look at their closet. See what pieces still fit and what we can add that’s trendy and new to go with what you already have,” said Sirica.

She says to use the Westfarms app to map your trip and take a look at all the sales and promotions.

“Each retailer has their own sales and promotions. You really have to look individually with each retailer, but they will all be having tax-free week sales and promotions throughout August and September,” said Sirica.

Another option to save money is consignment shopping.

“We have all the name brands and designer labels that everybody loves. We have racks of new with tags. We’re about a third of retail and you can’t go wrong,” said Jackie Leathe, owner of Consignment Originals.

At Consignment Originals there are outfits for different age ranges. Leathe gave an example of a $105 outfit that sells for $38 at Consignment Originals.

And Leathe says don’t forget, when you’re going through your children’s closets, see if you can cash in on the pieces they’re no longer wearing.

“Bring your items in that you no longer use, in like new condition. Our slogan says it all, Make Money, Save Money. You make money when you bring those outfits in because we can resell, and then you save money when you shop,” said Leathe.

For the month of August, Consignment Originals is hold a Fill a Backpack campaign. If you bring in school supplies, you’ll get a coupon for 25-percent off your full price purchase.

Here are more back-to-school deals:

JC Penney

  • Smart savings on uniforms 10$ off $50 or more kids apparel and accessorie
  • Take $10 off your purchase of $50 or more at JCPenney

Amazon

  • Save up to 60% on school supplies at Amazon.
  • Save up to 40% on select backpacks
  • Get an Amazon Basics backpack for laptops for $30.

Office Max

  • School supplies starting as low as 25 cents

Staples

  • School supplies as low as 50 cents
  • Take 25% off school supplies when you purchase a backpack at Staples.

Kohls

  • Jansport, Under Armour and more on sale
  • Levi Jeans 25$

LL Bean

  • Save 25% off backpacks from L.L. Bean using the code KIDS25.
  • Save 20% off clothing

Macys

  • Save up to 20% off backpacks at Macy's using the code "BTS."

Ebags

  • Save up to 20% on backpacks from eBags using the code "SCHOOL."

Nordstrom

  • Save up to 50% off on designer backpacks at Nordstrom.

Jet.com

  • Select backpacks are under $25 at Jet.
  • Get an Amazon Basics backpack for laptops for $30.

Finish Line

  • Take up to 50% off shoes from Finish Line

Old Navy

  • Save up to 40%

American Eagle

  • Buy one, Get one 50% off jeans

Forever 21

  • Clothing is as low as 10$

Dicks Sporting Goods

  • Save up to 50%

Charlotte Russe

  • Take up to 50% off online

Nike

  • 20% select summer styles with code HOT20

Under Armour

  • 25% off backpacks and training gear

Polo Ralph Lauren-

  • 40% off select styles with code EXTRA40
  • FREE 2-DAY STANDARD SHIPPING ON ORDERS $135+

Nautica

  • Buy 4 and get an extra 25% off order with code STOCKUP25

Eastbay

  • 20% off football gear with code SCORE20
  • Off to 50% off select Adidas styles

Computers and electronics

  • Save up to 50% on select products from HP.
  • Laptops are as low as $156at Dell.
  • Save up to $50 on select iPad models at Best Buy.
  • Save 10% on Google Pixelbooks from Best Buy.
  • Save $30 on Microsoft Office packages from Best Buy.
  • Save $100 or more on select ASUS laptopsfrom Amazon.

Apple

  • Buy a Mac or iPad Pro from Apple and get a free pair of Beats 
  • Up to 200$ off qualifying macs with Apple Education Prices
  • 20% off Apple care

Before You Leave, Check This Out