How to Successfully Shop for Back-to-School Clothes

**Note: The advice and suggestions within the following piece are purely from the writer's six-year personal experience working in clothing retail with Goody's Family Clothing Co. (2003-2008) and Old Navy Clothing Co. (2009). The writer is not receiving any compensation from either of the aforementioned, nor are the following opinions reflective of said companies.

It's official: back-to-school season is upon us and for the past several weeks, parents across the U.S. have been dragging their children, kicking and screaming, in and out of clothing stores, desperately searching for that perfect size or that one unattainable item (and it's not just the kids doing the kicking and screaming). Whether it's the traditional uniform navy blue polo shirt, the light shade denim blue jeans, or the must-have hot rod red backpack, something always winds up becoming impossible to find or too pricy to afford. So this year, why not follow a few simple tips to help yourself avoid the potential stress and headache too many parents associate with the back-to-school rush?

First things first: Draw up a budget.Let's face it: most blue collar parents worry about the financial strain that comes with purchasing a myriad of school uniforms, non-uniform clothing, and school supplies like folders, notebooks, calculators, pens/pencils, etc. Before ever leaving the house, attempt to determine the dollar amount you intend to spend, particularly if you are buying for more than one child. Naturally, a high school junior will require more in the way of clothing/accessories than a kindergartner. Don't forget to include clothing accessories like belts, socks, and shoes in your budget. Many schools with a uniform policy have specific guidelines on even these. While shopping, stick to your budget as rigorously as you can.

Watch for Back-to-School Specials in Advance. This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many shoppers remain oblivious to amazing deals. These days, everyone wants a bargain, and retailers know it. When it comes to school clothing, the majority of family and children stores will run promotions months in advance, including TV and radio spots, website promos, and newspaper/magazine ads. Additionally, many magazine and newspaper ads will include coupons. Check out the store's website for printable coupons as well. Always check coupons for expiration dates and be sure to use them before they expire. "Two-For" sales seem to be the trend this year for back-to-school shopping.

Purchase Winter School Clothing During the Spring and Summer. The vast majority of clothing retailers mark winter merchandise down to clearance prices during the warmer months of the year. This is the time to swoop in and snatch up all of your child's jackets, scarves, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, toboggans, etc. Don't make the mistake of waiting until the last minute, or you'll end up paying ticket price for much of the aforementioned. Although projecting your child's growth and anticipating their ever changing tastes can be difficult, it may be worth it to take advantage of a great deal.

Match New Clothes to Old Ones that Still Fit. Again, this is all about saving money. If your child has a pair of khaki pants or blue jeans from last year that still fit him/her, match it up to a new shirt (or vice versa). Don't fall victim to the retailers who tell you that you must purchase entirely new outfits for the upcoming school season. If there isn't anything wrong with an article of clothing from a previous year, don't replace it.

Check Store Items for Damages. This is one retailers don't want you to know about. Oftentimes items are returned by customers because of a slight (sometimes insignificant) defect, such as a torn thread or a missing button. Additionally, items are occasionally damaged during processing and freight handling by stock associates and are placed on the sales floor anyway. Be observant. If you notice any form of damage on or to the item you have selected, notify the cashier and/or a manager, and politely demand a discount. The vast majority of clothing retailers are so determined to sell their product, they will almost always grant a customer an additional ten or twenty percent off because of a slight defect, just to make a sale. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can remedy the damage yourself and save a little money in the process.

Whether you're shopping for one or ten, I guarantee that if you follow the aforementioned steps, you'll be bound to have a little more success in your back-to-school adventures.