By: Ariel Taranski
We bet you’ve already seen the shelves clear at local stores to make way for school supplies. Though summer doesn’t feel like it’s coming to a close for the kids, the time for back-to-school shopping is creeping up on us all! Don’t fret, though. We’re here with all the information you’ll need so that your little elementary student is as prepared as can be. Here is our guide to getting you through these last days of summer break and onto learning season.
Key Dates to Remember
July 28th through 30th: Tax-free weekend for clothing, school supplies, and computers
Here’s a list of what that includes: School and art supplies with a purchase price of $100 or less per item, such as binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and rulers, and art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushes.
August 1st through October 31st: Tax-free month for food & food ingredients
This grocery sales tax suspension will be helpful for packing school lunches, making after-school snacks, and planning ahead for activities. Consider heading to Costco or Sam’s Club to stock up!
Where to Shop
Of course, you could hit up the big-box stores for your clothes, school supplies, and tech (especially since they’ll have some deals) but let’s also consider the local shops in Memphis that you could be supporting! Here are some maybe lesser-known small businesses to stop by during tax-free weekend:
London and York
If your kid has a unique style all their own, London and York is an amazing choice to let their fashion flags fly. This boutique brings a European flair to our little corner of Tennessee, and they offer clothing options for babies, kids, and teens so that your whole family is well-dressed!
Knowledge Tree
This is the place for teachers and students alike to grab what they need for the upcoming school year. Consider this one-stop shop for supplies, tech, and even furniture for your kids’ homework corner!
Spoiled Sweet Boutique
Shoes, clothes, toys, and more, Spoiled Sweet Boutique has all your kid will need for the 2022 school year. Plus, they’re running a summer sale right now, too. Perfect for tax-free weekend deals!
The Art Project
The Art Project is a great place to take the kids to boost their creativity, but did you know they have a retail shop as well? You can shop for a variety of art and school supplies that are perfect for the upcoming school year.
Southern Lace Boutique
For fashionable girls’ clothing, stop by or shop online at Southern Lace Boutique. They even have some items on sale already!
Novel
Depending on which books your kids will need for summer reading or classes, Novel is a great resource. They even offer certain stationery and school supplies from other local Memphis businesses.
Back-to-school doesn’t have to be a drag, especially when Memphis offers so many amazing businesses to support! Set your kid up for success with the right gear, and be sure you check their school’s lists for supplies and any key dates for registration on their website. (Walmart and Target also usually stock lists for certain schools, if you shop in-store.)
Need a guide for your middle-schooler, high-schooler, or even your university-aged kid? Stay tuned for more!
You also might be interested in: Why moving to Memphis is the fresh start you need – We Are Memphis
