5 ways to save on back-to-school shopping in North Carolina

The average American is going to spend more than $800 this year on back-to-school shopping. Yikes. Here’s how to do it without breaking the bank in North Carolina.

Between stagnant wages, tariffs, and inflation, pretty much everything is more expensive nowadays, which makes back-to-school shopping in North Carolina even pricier than usual.

In fact, the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual survey predicts the average American family with students in elementary through high school will spend an average of $858.07 on back-to-school shopping this year. According to the NRF, K-12 back-to-school spending has risen by 26% over the past decade. 

This year, families are expected to spend the bulk of their budgets on electronics or computer-related equipment. For this back to school shopping season, the average family will spend $295.81 for electronics and $249.36 in clothing for a total of $39.4 billion on K-12 back-to-school shopping, an increase of 1.5% from last year. 

For the average American, that amount of money is nothing to thumb your nose at — especially when you consider the fact that most of us also have mortgages, car payments, groceries, and other bills to pay.

The good news, there are ways to save money on these essentials. Here are some savvy tips ’n tricks for back to school shopping. 

1. Take advantage of neighboring states’ tax free shopping opportunities. 

North Carolina no longer offers a tax-free period. But some of our neighbors do. 

• South Carolina: Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 3 and includes both in-store and online purchases. See which items are exempt here.
• Virginia: Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 3 and includes purchases made in-store, online, or by mail or phone. Get more info here.
• Florida: Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 31. Find out what’s exempt here and get additional info here. 

2. Shop at dollar stores. 

• Stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar can be great places to buy basic essentials like folders, notebooks, and erasers.

3. Go second-hand. 

• When it comes to clothing, not only is second-hand a much more environmentally friendly option, it’s a much more inexpensive one as well.
• Thrift and consignment stores are great resources, as are community yard sales, places like Facebook Marketplace, and good old-fashioned clothing swaps among friends. Hand-me-downs from older friends and relatives are also a great option. You can also find refurbished items, like electronics, online at places like Amazon and Best Buy.

4. Shop bulk and split it with friends, family, or neighbors. 

• Buying in bulk often means big savings, so ask around and see who might be interested in splitting some purchases with you. Everyone wins! 

5. Use coupons, savings apps, and cash back options

• Check online, in stores, and in newspapers or sales circulars for coupons. You can also utilize savings apps like Ibotta and Swagbucks, which can offer cash back opportunities or school supplies. If you use a cash back credit card, you might also be able to get cash back on your back-to-school shopping or use rewards points towards other supplies.

Related: A NC teen raised $18,000 to buy new shoes for every kid in this public school