Back to School Shopping
“This is one of the most competitive back-to-school seasons we’ve seen,” says Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights at the National Retail Federation (NRF). “Retailers know families are watching their budgets, and they’re rolling out aggressive promotions to help.” As millions of students gear up for the 2025–2026 school year, retailers across the U.S. are launching back-to-school sales targeting parents, teachers, and students alike. With inflation still squeezing household budgets and school supply lists getting longer, the rush to save is on.
Retailers Slashing Prices on Supplies and Tech
Walmart, Target, Amazon, and other major chains are offering deep discounts on everything from pencils to laptops. Some retailers have even brought back pre-pandemic prices on school essentials.
Walmart launched its “Back to School Rollbacks” campaign in July, advertising that “more than 50% of school supplies are under $1” this year. In a company blog post, Walmart U.S. EVP Scott McCall said:
“We’ve worked with suppliers to offer the most affordable assortment in years. We know customers are prioritizing value.”
Target is offering up to 30% off school supplies and apparel with additional discounts through its Target Circle loyalty program. Teachers can also get a one-time 20% off classroom supplies through August 24 by verifying their status via Target’s website.
Amazon’s Back to School hub features rotating lightning deals on backpacks, Chromebooks, and dorm essentials. For example, Amazon has been promoting up to 35% off Crayola products and 15% off TI-84 Plus graphing calculators — a staple for high schoolers.
Tax-Free Weekends Give Parents a Break
More than a dozen states — including Florida and Texas — are running tax-free holidays on school-related purchases during August. This includes clothing, shoes, computers, and other items under a certain price threshold.In Florida, the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs August 1–31, giving families a full two weeks to take advantage. “For a family with multiple kids, this can mean saving hundreds of dollars,” said John Fleming, spokesperson for the Florida Retail Federation.
Teachers Getting Help, Too
According to the 2024 National Education Association (NEA) survey, the average teacher spent over $820 of their own money on classroom supplies last year. In response, several retailers and nonprofits are stepping up.
Staples is offering educators 20% back in rewards on eligible purchases through September 30.
Office Depot/OfficeMax is running its “Give Back to Schools” program, donating 5% of qualifying purchases to a school of the customer’s choice.
AdoptAClassroom.org, a nonprofit supporting educators, has partnered with Kumon and Subaru this year to distribute grants and gift cards to teachers in underserved communities.
“We want teachers to feel supported, especially those in schools with limited budgets,” said Ann Pifer, Executive Director at AdoptAClassroom.org. “It shouldn’t fall entirely on them to stock a classroom.”
Smart Shopping Tips from Experts
Consumer advocates recommend shopping with a list, comparing prices across retailers, and stacking deals wherever possible. “Loyalty programs and browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten can uncover hidden coupons and cashback offers,” says Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst at DealNews. “Also consider buying in bulk for high-use items like paper and markers.” For tech, buying refurbished laptops or taking advantage of student discounts from Apple, Dell, and Microsoft can yield significant savings.
The Bottom Line
Back-to-school season in 2025 is defined by high stakes and high savings. With consumer spending expected to top $41.5 billion, according to NRF projections, retailers are eager to meet families where they are — with discounts, incentives, and special promotions. “Parents are trying to stretch every dollar,” Cullen added. “Smart planning and shopping early are key this year.” Whether you’re outfitting a first-grader or preparing a college dorm, now is the time to hunt for deals — because school bells are about to ring.
