HUNTSVILLE – According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend a record amount for back-to-school shopping this year, reaching $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year.
Back-to-college spending is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion more than last year’s record.
If the first day of school – Aug. 2 for some students – has slipped up on you, then chalk it up to this weekend’s “Tax Free Weekend” that will make you the pet of every student and teacher.
With an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 9.25%, add that to any additional back-to-school discounts and you can take a big bite out of that “My Favorite Teacher” apple.
“Back-to-School is an exciting time to come to Parkway Place Mall to shop for new, trendy outfits and accessories, putting together head-to-toe looks students want to show off as they walk the school hallways,” said Marketing Director Tori Dean. “It’s an opportunity to make memories with family and friends while students can explore their sense of style.”
All retailers will be offering great deals throughout the Back-to-School shopping season and make no mistake, Back-to- School shopping is already in full swing.
Click here to download the Parkway Place Back-to-School Trend Guide to help people plan in advance for their visit to retailers Shoe Dept., Forever 21, and Buckle.
And don’t forget electronics, school supplies and other back-to-school must-haves.
In fact, 69% of back-to-school shopping is driven primarily by the demand for electronics or computer-related accessories this year, up from 65% last year and the highest in the NRF survey’s history.
Total spending on electronics is expected to reach a record $15.2 billion. as 51% of shoppers expect to purchase laptops; 36% tablets, and 29% calculators.
Some retailers are planning all kinds of promotions and giveaways throughout the weekend.
Parkway Place is giving away a backpack filled with back-to-school items valued up to $625. Just enter to win by texting the keyword BACKPACK to 256-273-5560.
Also, the Free 2 Teach store at 3053 Leeman Ferry Road is open for the school year.
Free 2 Teach has provided millions of dollars in school supplies for teachers and students in all three Madison County school systems. From crayons to books and backpacks for students, to office supplies and teaching tools for teachers, everything in the Free 2 Teach store is free thanks to donations from the community.
In 2022, Free 2 Teach provided more than $1.6 million in school supplies.
The store is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for the next two weeks and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during the school year.
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