As summer progresses, retailers are eager to jumpstart the back-to-school season earlier each year. This trend, spurred by Amazon’s Prime Day, sees significant retailers like Walmart, Target, and Shein launching their sales in July, well before the school year begins. Whether you’re preparing for kindergarten or heading off to college, the early promotions offer a golden opportunity to snag great deals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best back-to-school deals and essential items for college and university students.
Early Back-to-School Sales: A Strategic Move
Retailers are leveraging Amazon Prime Day on July 16-17 to kickstart their back-to-school promotions. Walmart, Target, and Shein are among the major players vying for consumer attention with early discounts on a wide range of school essentials. This early start is not just about offering discounts but also about capturing market share before competitors.
“Retailers are looking to grow market share,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management. “It’s not good enough to have bigger discounts. You need them earlier than your rivals.”
Major Players and Their Strategies
- Target: Launched a week-long event two days earlier than last year, offering 30% off on school uniforms and backpacks, including their in-house brand Cat & Jack.
- Walmart: Hosting its largest deals event ever from Tuesday to Thursday, two days earlier than the previous year.
- Shein: Starting a seven-week back-to-school sale on July 15, ahead of Prime Day.
- TikTok Shop: Running a deals event from Tuesday to July 17.
Spending Trends
Jewelia Stanley from Tampa, Florida, expects to spend $1,200 on back-to-school items, $300 more than last year. The National Retail Federation reported that back-to-school spending reached a record $41.5 billion last year for K-12, growing to $135.5 billion when including college students.
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Prime Day: The Catalyst for Early Shopping
Amazon’s Influence
Prime Day, Amazon’s two-day summer sales extravaganza, significantly influences the retail calendar. Prime Day has become a major retail event initially designed to boost sales during a typically slow period. Last year, Amazon recorded its biggest single day of sales on the first day of Prime Day, with U.S. online sales across retailers reaching $12.7 billion during the event.
“Our members are looking for savings,” said Jamil Ghani, worldwide vice president of Amazon Prime. “The economic situation of the last five years has been tough, and everybody is looking to stretch their dollars further.”
Best Prime Day Deals for Students
For those heading to college, Prime Day offers some of the best deals of the year. Here are some essential items that are perfect for college students:
- Echo Frames (3rd Gen): $169 (was $299) – Smart glasses with Alexa integration.
- Beats Studio3 Noise Cancelling Headphones: $154 (was $349) – Ideal for studying in noisy environments.
- 10.2″ iPad (WiFi/256GB): $379 (was $479) – A versatile device for both study and entertainment.
- MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): $849 (was $999) – A lightweight and powerful laptop for all academic needs.
- Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack: A stylish and practical backpack for carrying essentials around campus.
- Lined Spiral Journal Notebook for Women & Men: A5, 140 pages, college-ruled hardcover notebook perfect for note-taking and journaling.
- Globe Electric 22892 Designer Series 9-ft Fabric Extension Cord: Various colours, with 3 polarized outlets and a right-angle plug. Perfect for managing your electronics efficiently.
Dorm Must-Haves for a Comfortable College Experience
To ensure a smooth transition to college life, here are some dorm must-haves that you can find on Amazon:
- EWCOSPLAY Super Soft Throw Blanket: Green premium silky flannel fleece with a leaves pattern, ideal for all-season use.
- 3 Pack Self-Adhesive Cork Board Tiles: Hexagonal cork boards with 50 multi-color push pins, great for organizing your notes and schedules.
- SWEETFULL USB Desk Fan: Small, quiet, and portable with 3 speeds and 360° rotation, ideal for keeping cool while studying.
- Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher: BPA-free, replaces 1,800 plastic water bottles a year, with a 10-cup capacity.
- Amazon Basics 3-Tier Rolling Utility or Kitchen Cart: A versatile storage solution for dorm rooms.
- kroam 12 Pack Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids: Airtight and leak-proof, perfect for meal prepping and storing food.
- Roku Express: $18 (was $29) – Ideal for dorm room streaming.
- Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker: $59 (was $99) – Perfect for quick, single-serve coffee.
Strategic Shopping for a Successful School Year
With retailers launching back-to-school promotions earlier each year and Amazon Prime Day setting the stage for massive discounts, this is the perfect time to stock up on essentials. Whether preparing for a new school year or gearing up for college, these early deals offer significant savings on everything from laptops and tablets to school supplies and dorm room necessities. By shopping strategically now, students and parents can ensure they have everything needed for a successful academic year ahead.
