15 Unbeatable Stores for the Best Back-to-School Sales

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right strategies and knowing where to shop, you can save on everything from school supplies to clothing and tech. We’ve rounded up the top stores offering unbeatable back-to-school sales so you can prepare your kids for the school year without breaking the bank. Discover the best shopping places and intelligent tips to maximize your savings!

In this post, you'll learn:

• The top stores offer the best back-to-school sales for all your needs

• Expert tips to maximize savings with coupons, rewards programs, and cashback

• How to stack discounts and offers for the most significant possible savings

• Where to find exclusive deals on school supplies, clothing, and tech

• Pro tips for each store to ensure you get the best back-to-school shopping experience

1. Target

Website: Target

Why shop at Target:Target is a one-stop shop for back-to-school essentials, offering everything from stationery to school uniforms at competitive prices. During the back-to-school season, Target is known for running promotions like buy one, get one 50% off on select items, which can add up when purchasing in bulk. Target Circle members, in particular, benefit from extra savings on top of already discounted items, making it a top choice for budget-conscious parents.

How to maximize savings at Target:

• Use Target Circle: Target’s loyalty program, Target Circle, gives you access to special discounts and personalized offers. You can often find exclusive back-to-school deals on notebooks, backpacks, and lunchboxes, saving you anywhere from 5% to 20%.

• Stack BOGO deals: Keep an eye out for buy one, get one (BOGO) offers on school supplies like pens, paper, and folders. You can mix and match items, maximizing the variety of products you get while saving money.

• Leverage the Target RedCard: RedCard gives you an automatic 5% off on every purchase, which can be combined with other deals. Whether online or in-store, this small discount can make a big difference when shopping for multiple children.

Pro Tip: Download the Target app and check for mobile-only coupons before shopping. These exclusive coupons are often unavailable in stores, and stacking them with in-store promotions and your Target RedCard can lead to massive savings.

Tip: Check out our Target coupons & special offers

2. Walmart

Website: Walmart

Why shop at Walmart:Known for its low prices and wide selection, Walmart offers incredible back-to-school deals across various categories. Whether looking for basic supplies like pencils and notebooks or more expensive items like laptops and tablets, Walmart’s rollback prices and special promotions make it a budget-friendly option. With its vast network of stores and extensive online presence, Walmart is easily accessible, making it a convenient choice for back-to-school shopping.

How to maximize savings at Walmart:

• Price Match Guarantee: Walmart's Savings Catcher ensures you get the lowest price possible. By comparing prices with local competitors, you can rest assured that Walmart will match the price if you find an item cheaper elsewhere.

• Look for Rollback Deals: Walmart often offers rollback promotions, slashing prices on school supplies, electronics, and clothing. These deals are time-sensitive, so act quickly.

• Use Free Curbside Pickup: Walmart’s free curbside pickup option saves shipping fees. This allows you to shop online at your convenience and pick up the items at your local store, skipping delivery charges and the hassle of in-store shopping.

Pro Tip: Use Walmart’s Pickup Discount by ordering online and choosing in-store pickup. Sometimes, online prices are cheaper, and by selecting pickup, you’ll save on shipping costs and possibly get a lower price than in-store.

Tip: Check out our Walmart coupons & special offers

3. Old Navy

Website: Old Navy

Why shop at Old Navy:Old Navy is a favorite for families looking to score fashionable yet affordable back-to-school clothing. The store’s back-to-school sales are known for deep discounts on jeans, t-shirts, and uniform essentials, which makes it a great option if your kids need a wardrobe update for the school year. Old Navy consistently delivers excellent value with trendy and classic pieces at a fraction of the cost of other retailers.

How to maximize savings at Old Navy:

• Super Cash Events: Old Navy’s Super Cash events allow you to earn coupons for future purchases, making it easy to save now and later. For every $25 you spend, you earn $10 in Super Cash, which can be applied to a future order.

• Sign Up for Rewards: Joining Old Navy’s rewards program gives you early access to sales and exclusive discounts unavailable to the general public. Members also earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts.

• Free Shipping on Select Orders: Old Navy frequently offers free shipping on online orders when you spend over a certain amount, usually around $50. Combining online flash sales with free shipping is a great way to maximize savings, especially for larger families.

Pro Tip: Shop during Old Navy’s Super Cash redemption periods to combine previous rewards with ongoing back-to-school sales. This can significantly reduce your total out-of-pocket expenses on clothing and accessories.

Tip: Check out our Old Navy promo codes & coupons

4. Staples

Website: Staples

Why shop at Staples:Staples is a treasure trove for back-to-school supplies, offering everything from notebooks and planners to laptops and printers at competitive prices. Each year, Staples provides a variety of doorbuster deals during the back-to-school season, with discounts on essentials like glue sticks, pencils, and binders. Staples also stands out for its tech-related items, offering discounts like headphones, tablets, and flash drives, which are becoming increasingly necessary in today’s digital classrooms.

How to maximize savings at Staples:

• Staples Rewards Program: Sign up for Staples Rewards to earn up to 5% back in rewards on every purchase. Members also enjoy exclusive coupons and early access to sales, which can make a big difference when buying in bulk.

• Price Match Guarantee: Staples will match if you find a lower price on a back-to-school item at another store. Their price match guarantee ensures you never overpay for supplies, whether shopping online or in-store.

• Teacher Discounts: If you're a teacher or a homeschooling parent, Staples offers special educator discounts during the back-to-school season, which can help you save even more on bulk purchases for the classroom or home.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of Staples’ 110% Price Match Guarantee. If you find a back-to-school item cheaper at another store, Staples will match the price and give you an extra 10% discount, ensuring the best deal possible.

Tip: Check out our Staples promo codes & coupons

5. Kohl’s

Website: Kohl’s

Why shop at Kohl’s:Kohl’s is a hidden gem in back-to-school shopping, offering competitive discounts on everything from school uniforms to backpacks and sneakers. Known for their frequent sales and coupon stacking opportunities, Kohl’s is a great place to shop if you want to save on clothing and accessories for your kids. Kohl’s offers a mix of top brands and affordable private labels, ensuring you find something for every budget.

How to maximize savings at Kohl’s:

• Stack Kohl’s Cash and Coupons: One of the best ways to save at Kohl’s is by combining Kohl’s Cash with store-wide promotions and coupon codes. Kohl’s frequently offers $10 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 you spend, which can be redeemed on future purchases, effectively cutting costs on multiple shopping trips.

• Use Kohl’s Rewards: Sign up for Kohl’s Rewards to earn 5% back on every purchase. Members receive personalized offers via email, including extra discounts during the back-to-school season.

• Shop Clearance and Doorbusters: Kohl’s back-to-school clearance events often include steep discounts on clothing, shoes, and backpacks, with savings of up to 70% off. Their doorbuster deals are also worth noting, as they offer limited-time savings on essentials like jeans and shoes.

Pro Tip: Kohl’s often offers "Yes2You Rewards" and Kohl’s Cash promotions simultaneously. To maximize savings, shop during these periods, and remember to apply Kohl’s Cash to any ongoing sale for the most significant discount.

Tip: Check out our Kohl's coupons & special offers

6. Amazon

Website: Amazon

Why shop at Amazon:As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon offers a competitive selection of back-to-school items. From primary school supplies to the latest tech gadgets, you can find everything on Amazon, often with fast and free shipping through Amazon Prime. Amazon's back-to-school sales usually include discounts on branded and off-brand items, making it an excellent option for last-minute shopping.

How to maximize savings at Amazon:

• Use Amazon Prime: Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on millions of items, which is especially helpful for last-minute purchases. They can also access exclusive back-to-school deals during events like Prime Day.

• Check Amazon Warehouse Deals: Amazon offers excellent discounts on open-box or slightly used items through their Amazon Warehouse section. You can often find electronics, backpacks, and other school essentials at significantly reduced prices.

• Set Price Alerts: Use tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to set price alerts on Amazon. These tools notify you when prices drop on the items you need, helping you snag the best deal possible without constant monitoring.

Pro Tip: Use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program for items you regularly buy, like snacks, school supplies, or personal care products. You can get up to 15% off these recurring deliveries, which is especially useful during back-to-school shopping.

7. Best Buy

Website: Best Buy

Why shop at Best Buy:If you’re looking for tech deals during the back-to-school season, Best Buy is the place to go. Best Buy offers competitive prices on everything from laptops and tablets to printers and accessories. They also have back-to-school bundles that provide significant savings on the tech essentials students need for school. With student-specific deals and promotions, Best Buy ensures you get the most bang for your buck when buying tech gear.

How to maximize savings at Best Buy:

• Sign Up for Student Deals: Best Buy offers exclusive student discounts on select laptops, tablets, and other tech products. By signing up for their Student Deals Program, students and parents can receive discounts of up to $100 on eligible items.

• Take Advantage of Price Matching: Best Buy’s price match guarantee ensures you get the lowest price. If you find a lower price on a competitor’s site or in-store, Best Buy will match it, ensuring you never overpay for electronics.

• Check for Open-Box Deals: Best Buy often offers open-box or refurbished items at a discount. These fully functional products usually come with warranties, making them a great way to save on tech.

Pro Tip: During Best Buy’s Student Deals event, check for bundled offers on tech products. Back-to-school bundles often include laptops, tablets, and accessories for far less than buying each item individually.

Tip: Check out our Best Buy coupons & special offers

8. Office Depot/OfficeMax

Website: Depot/OfficeMax

Why shop at Office Depot/OfficeMax:Regarding back-to-school supplies, Office Depot and OfficeMax offer unbeatable deals on essentials like notebooks, binders, and pens. Their extensive inventory includes both name-brand and affordable store-brand products. With weekly promotions and a strong focus on educational discounts, it’s an excellent destination for teachers, students, and parents alike.

How to maximize savings at Office Depot/OfficeMax:

• Join the Rewards Program: By signing up for Office Depot Rewards, you can earn 2% back on your purchases, which you can later redeem on future orders. Members can also access exclusive deals and bonus rewards during the back-to-school season.

• Bulk Discounts: Office Depot offers bulk discounts on many school supplies. If you need to buy in larger quantities, consider this option to maximize savings.

• Look for Teacher Discounts: If you’re an educator, take advantage of teacher-exclusive discounts often offered during the back-to-school season. These discounts can apply to supplies for your classroom or personal use.

Pro Tip: Look out for Penny Deals during the back-to-school season. Office Depot and OfficeMax often run promotions where select school supplies are sold for just 1 cent with a minimum purchase, making it easy to stock up at rock-bottom prices.

Tip: Check out our Office Depot promo codes & coupons

9. JCPenney

Website: JCPenney

Why shop at JCPenney:JCPenney is a great option for back-to-school clothing, offering everything from uniforms to casual wear at affordable prices. With frequent sales events and opportunities to stack coupons, JCPenney makes it easy to score significant savings on clothing, shoes, and accessories for students of all ages.

How to maximize savings at JCPenney:

• Use Coupons and Rewards: JCPenney regularly offers coupons that can be stacked with sales for extra savings. Additionally, signing up for JCPenney Rewards allows you to earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future discounts.

• Shop Clearance: The JCPenney clearance section offers massive discounts on clothing, often up to 60-70% off. This is a great way to grab last season’s styles at a fraction of the original price.

• Seasonal Sales: Look out for seasonal sales, especially around Labor Day, where you can find deep discounts on back-to-school essentials like jeans, backpacks, and shoes.

Pro Tip: Stack JCPenney coupons with doorbuster deals for the best discounts. During the back-to-school season, you can often find online promo codes that can be used on top of already discounted items, maximizing your savings.

Tip: Check out our JCPenney promo codes & coupons

10. Dollar Tree

Website: Dollar Tree

Why shop at Dollar Tree:Dollar Tree is unbeatable if you’re looking for the absolute lowest prices on basic back-to-school supplies. Nearly all items are priced at $1.25 or less, making it an ideal spot for picking up essentials like notebooks, pencils, and organizational tools without blowing your budget.

How to maximize savings at Dollar Tree:

• Stock Up on Basics: Dollar Tree offers low-cost basics like notebooks, pens, markers, and art supplies. While the selection might be smaller than in larger stores, the prices can’t be beaten for standard supplies.

• Seasonal Inventory: During the back-to-school season, Dollar Tree stocks up on seasonal inventory, offering items like backpacks, lunch boxes, and educational supplies at incredible prices.

• Combine with Cashback Apps: You can still earn cashback on your Dollar Tree purchases by using apps like Ibotta or Rakuten, giving you additional savings on already low prices.

Pro Tip: While Dollar Tree has unbeatable basic prices, shop in bulk and use cashback apps like Ibotta or Rakuten for even more savings on already low-priced back-to-school items.

Tip: Check out our Dollar Tree promo codes & coupons

11. The Children’s Place

Website: The Children's Place

Why shop at The Children’s Place:The Children's Place is a fantastic option for younger kids who need new wardrobes for the school year. The store is known for offering quality clothing at affordable prices, with frequent sales on school uniforms, casual wear, and outerwear. Their back-to-school sale event often includes significant discounts on the entire site, making it easier to shop for growing kids.

How to maximize savings at The Children’s Place:

• Sign Up for My Place Rewards: The My Place Rewards program allows you to earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future discounts. Members can also access exclusive coupons and sales events during the back-to-school season.

• Shop Online for Extra Discounts: Shopping online at The Children’s Place often offers additional discounts, including free shipping and site-wide sales, that may not be available in-store.

• Look for Bundle Deals: The Children’s Place frequently offers bundle deals, where you can buy clothing sets for a lower price. This is especially useful for stocking up on school uniforms or everyday essentials like jeans and t-shirts.

Pro Tip: Combine My Place Rewards with Clearance Sales for deeper discounts. Their site frequently offers free shipping, making online shopping even more affordable during the back-to-school season.

Tip: Check out our The Children's Place promo codes & coupons

12. Macy’s

Website: Macy’s

Why shop at Macy’s:Macy’s is a popular destination for back-to-school shopping, especially for higher-end clothing, backpacks, and shoes. Known for offering various brands, Macy’s regularly runs promotions during the back-to-school season that allow parents to snag brand-name items at a discount.

How to maximize savings at Macy’s:

• Use Macy’s Star Rewards: By signing up for Macy’s Star Rewards, you can earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future savings. The program also gives you access to exclusive sales and discounts.

• Take Advantage of Special Sales Events: Macy’s frequently runs special sales during the back-to-school season, including One Day Sales, where prices are slashed on everything from clothes to school supplies.

• Shop Early: Macy’s offers the best discounts on back-to-school items early in the season, so be sure to check their website or visit a store in July or early August for the most significant savings.

Pro Tip: Sign up for Macy’s Star Passes, which give exclusive one-day sales with up to 20% off on back-to-school items. These sales are often unadvertised and offer extra savings on clothing, shoes, and backpacks.

Tip: Check out our Macy's promo codes & coupons

13. TJ Maxx

Website: TJ Maxx

Why shop at TJ Maxx:TJ Maxx is well-known for offering designer and brand-name items at significantly reduced prices, making it an excellent choice for back-to-school clothing, accessories, and even backpacks. You can find unique items your kids will love while staying within budget.

How to maximize savings at TJ Maxx:

• Shop Clearance Racks: TJ Maxx frequently adds new items to their clearance sections, where you can find additional markdowns on already-discounted items. This is especially useful when shopping for brand-name clothing and shoes.

• Sign Up for TJX Rewards: By joining the TJX Rewards Credit Card Program, you can earn 5% back on every purchase at TJ Maxx and its sister stores like Marshalls and HomeGoods. The rewards can be used toward future purchases.

• Check Out Seasonal Deals: TJ Maxx often runs seasonal promotions, especially during the back-to-school season, allowing you to save even more on essentials.

Pro Tip: Visit TJ Maxx early in the week, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays, when they restock their clearance sections. You’ll have first access to new markdowns on back-to-school items, often before other shoppers.

Tip: Check out our T.J. Maxx promo codes & coupons

14. H&M

Website: H&M

Why shop at H&M:H&M is an excellent spot for trendy, affordable clothing, perfect for updating your kids' wardrobes for the school year. Known for its combination of fashion-forward styles and budget-friendly prices, H&M offers back-to-school deals on basics like jeans, jackets, and t-shirts.

How to maximize savings at H&M:

• Join the H&M Loyalty Program: H&M’s loyalty program offers members exclusive discounts and bonus points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future savings. You’ll also get access to special sales and promotions during the back-to-school season.

• Shop the Basics Section: H&M’s Basics Collection offers affordable, high-quality essentials like t-shirts, leggings, and hoodies. These pieces are perfect for school and can be mixed and matched for a versatile wardrobe.

• Watch for Flash Sales: H&M frequently runs flash sales online, offering 20-30% off select items. These limited-time events are a great way to score great deals on clothing and accessories.

Pro Tip: Shop H&M online during their "Members Days" for the best deals. These are exclusive, unadvertised sales for loyalty members, where you can stack discounts on top of already reduced prices, especially during the back-to-school season.

15. Costco

Website: Costco

Why shop at Costco:Costco is ideal for stocking up on bulk back-to-school items, from notebooks to snacks and clothing. Though you’ll need a membership to shop at Costco, the savings you get, especially when buying in bulk, can easily justify the cost. Costco’s quality products and bulk deals make it perfect for families with multiple kids.

How to maximize savings at Costco:

• Shop in Bulk: Buying items like notebooks, pens, snacks, and even school uniforms in bulk at Costco can significantly lower your cost per item. This is especially useful for larger families or parents looking to stock up for the entire year.

• Look for Instant Savings: Costco frequently offers instant savings over their already discounted prices. These are often on popular back-to-school items like backpacks, lunch boxes, and electronics.

• Check for Membership Deals: Costco members can access exclusive sales events during the back-to-school season, where items like backpacks, calculators, and computers are heavily discounted.

Pro Tip: Look for seasonal bundles at Costco, which offer multiple back-to-school essentials packaged together for one low price. These bundles typically offer extra savings compared to buying individual items separately, making them an intelligent choice for frugal families.

Tip: Check out our Costco coupons & special offers

Additional Back-to-School Saving Tips

Shop Early and Off-Season

One of the best ways to save on back-to-school essentials is by shopping early or off-season. Many retailers offer school supplies and clothing discounts at the beginning of summer and right after school starts. Shopping early allows you to avoid last-minute price hikes, and you’ll often find clearance deals as stores clear out summer stock to make way for fall items.

Use Cashback Apps and Browser Extensions

Maximize your savings by combining store sales with cashback apps and browser extensions like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey. These tools offer cash back on purchases and automatically apply promo codes at checkout, ensuring you always get the best deal possible.

• Rakuten: Earn up to 10% cashback at participating retailers when you shop online for back-to-school supplies.

• Honey automatically applies the best available coupon codes at checkout, helping you save even more, in addition to store promotions.

• Pro Tip: Install multiple cashback apps or browser extensions to see which offers the best deal for each store.

Back-to-School Shopping Tips & Tricks

Create a Shopping List

Before heading out or browsing online, make a detailed shopping list of everything your kids need for the school year. By sticking to the list, you’ll avoid impulse and unnecessary purchases that can blow your budget.

Shop During Major Sales Events

Take advantage of significant shopping events like Labor Day, Back-to-School Sales, and Prime Day. Retailers often offer substantial discounts on school-related items, allowing you to stock up on essentials at a fraction of the cost.

• Pro Tip: Plan your purchases around these events and set reminders for when sales start. Some stores offer early access to loyal customers or email subscribers.

Back-to-School Sales: Deals and Saving Tips

Conclusion

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. You can easily stay on budget by knowing where to shop and using innovative saving strategies like stacking coupons, cashback offers, and shopping during sales. Whether you’re buying supplies, clothing, or tech, the stores mentioned in this guide offer unbeatable deals to help you prepare for the school year without breaking the bank. Happy shopping, and here’s to a successful and budget-friendly school year!

For expert tips and exclusive deals, follow us at Dealhack – your go-to source for smart shopping and savings!

FAQ

What is the best time to shop for back-to-school items?

The best time to shop is during major sales events, such as July through August and Labor Day weekend, when stores offer significant discounts.

Can I stack coupons during back-to-school sales?

Yes! Many stores allow you to stack store coupons, manufacturer coupons, and cashback offers for additional savings.

Which stores offer the most significant discounts on school supplies?

Stores like Target, Walmart, and Staples are known for offering great deals on school supplies during back-to-school season.

Are there any tax-free weekends for back-to-school shopping?

Many states offer tax-free weekends in August, where you can purchase school supplies without paying sales tax.

How can I save on back-to-school clothing?

Look for Old Navy, Kohl’s, and JCPenney sales, and consider buying off-season for additional savings.

Can I earn cashback on school supplies?

Yes! Use cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to earn cashback on your back-to-school purchases.

Is it cheaper to buy school supplies in bulk?

Yes, stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer significant savings on bulk school supplies, making it perfect for families with multiple kids.

Where can I find back-to-school tech deals?

Check out Best Buy, Amazon, and Apple’s education discounts for tech deals on laptops, tablets, and accessories.

What should I buy secondhand for back-to-school?

Items like backpacks, electronics, and clothing can often be found secondhand at a fraction of the cost.

Can I find school uniforms on sale?

Yes, stores like Old Navy and The Children’s Place often offer sales on uniforms during back-to-school season.