‘Inflation has hit everywhere’: East Texas parents hit stores for back-to-school deals

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) — East Texas schools will be welcoming students over the next two weeks, which means it’s crunch time for parents who are right in the middle of back-to-school shopping.

“We’re spending a lot of money back to school shopping,” said Chasity Kennedy, shopper.

Back-to-school shopping is in full swing it’s a busy time for families, teachers and those who work retail. “Back to school is probably, I mean next to Christmas our busiest time of year,” said Parker Gui, general manager with Tradehome Shoes.

Kennedy’s daughter is starting the fourth grade and they did some of their back-to-school shopping at the Broadway Square Mall, they were looking for the best deals. “Well I feel like inflation has hit everywhere but we’ve been catching some really good deals at Dillard’s,” said Kennedy.

Consumer Reports suggests shopping smart by planning, building a list and finding sales. “There’s ways out there that you can earn extra money off. I think it’s like 2,500 items under $10,” said Clifton Boyles, general manager at JCPenney’s.

From coupons to flash sales, you can check online or at your local mall for the best deals. “We got a bunch of buy one get one half off deals, some buy one get on free deals, all of our sale stuff is 20% off,” said Gui.

Even Kennedy was able to find a good deal at the mall. “I always go to the clearance rack, you can always find good deals,” said Kennedy.

Some stores are trying to make back-to-school shopping easier for everyone. “We definitely like to take the heat off the parents, we know this can be a stressful time, you guys are going to all kinds of stores,” said Gui.

Boyles said it has been a great back-to-school season and is looking forward to the upcoming sales for families and school faculty. “The parents, all the money they’ve been saving, and so far they have been really happy about it,” said Boyles.

This year, the Texas Sales Tax Holiday before the new school year starts Aug. 9 to 11. “The Super Saturday for tax-free is going to be huge,” said Boyles.

Parents are saving where and when they can to prepare for a school year filled with success.

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