Ask parents what makes school shopping expensive and most will point to inflation. Inflation certainly plays a role, but it doesn't explain why two families with children of the same age often spend very different amounts. The real difference usually comes from how they shop. One family starts buying essentials as soon as summer holidays begin. Another waits until the final fortnight before school starts.
One compares several retailers before making a purchase. Another buys everything in one afternoon because time is running out. Both families may buy almost identical products, yet their final receipts can differ by hundreds of pounds. School shopping isn't only about prices. It's about how much those prices are allowed to influence rushed decisions.
Behavioural economists call this decision fatigue. As people make more purchasing decisions in a short period, they become less willing to compare alternatives. Convenience gradually becomes more valuable than price. Back-to-school shopping creates exactly that situation. Parents don't buy one product. They buy dozens. Uniforms. School shoes. Sportswear. Stationery. Lunch boxes. Water bottles. Backpacks. PCs or laptops. Every additional purchase reduces the time and attention available for the next one.
Families rarely overspend because they buy unnecessary products. They overspend because almost every school purchase feels essential.
This explains why many households finish school shopping feeling they spent more than expected, even though very few items could realistically have been removed from the list. The pressure is even greater when schools require branded clothing from approved suppliers. Unlike ordinary clothing, these purchases often offer little flexibility, limiting parents' ability to compare prices or switch retailers. Understanding these behavioural patterns is important because they reveal something many price comparison articles overlook: the final cost of school shopping is shaped long before families reach the checkout. It begins with the decisions they make about when, where and how they shop.
Retailers compete on prices. Parents compete against time. That difference matters more than many people realise.
School uniform and school supplies costs
Many parents assume the price of school shopping is driven by inflation alone, but that's only part of the picture. The final amount depends on several factors working together, including school policies, children's age, retailer choice and product quality. A family with a child attending a school that allows generic supermarket uniforms may spend considerably less than a family required to buy branded clothing from an authorised supplier. The difference has little to do with shopping skills and much more to do with the rules set by individual schools. Footwear follows a similar pattern. Some parents replace school shoes every year because children simply outgrow them. Others replace them because cheaper pairs wear out long before the school year ends. Spending less at the checkout doesn't always result in lower annual costs if the same item needs replacing after only a few months. For products used almost every day, durability often has a greater impact on household spending than the original purchase price. School supplies create a different challenge. Unlike uniforms, they rarely appear as one large expense. Pens, notebooks, folders, calculators, art materials, lunch boxes and backpacks are often bought separately over several shopping trips. Individually these purchases seem relatively inexpensive, yet together they represent a significant part of the overall budget. Because they are spread across multiple transactions, families frequently underestimate how much they actually spend.
The table below illustrates typical retail prices for essential school clothing and supplies across the UK. Actual prices vary depending on retailer, school requirements and seasonal promotions, but the figures provide a realistic benchmark for families planning their school shopping budget.
Item | Typical Price (GBP) | Example Location |
Primary school uniform | £120–£220 | Birmingham |
Secondary school uniform | £220–£420 | London |
School shoes | £35–£90 | Manchester |
PE kit | £30–£70 | Leeds |
School backpack | £30–£90 | Glasgow |
Stationery starter set | £20–£45 | Liverpool |
Scientific calculator | £20–£70 | Bristol |
Chromebook | £250–£450 | Cardiff |
Entry-level student laptop | £450–£800 | London |
Sources: Office for National Statistics (ONS); Department for Education (DfE); The Children's Society; Tesco UK; ASDA George; Marks & Spencer Schoolwear; Clarks UK; Argos; Currys; John Lewis (2025–2026 public pricing and retail information).
These figures demonstrate that technology has become one of the fastest-growing education expenses for older pupils. While primary school shopping is still largely centred on clothing and stationery, many secondary schools now expect students to complete homework digitally, making laptops or Chromebooks increasingly common purchases rather than optional extras. One important trend has emerged over recent years. Families are becoming less loyal to individual retailers and more willing to divide their shopping between supermarkets, department stores and specialist shops. Supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDA, Aldi and Lidl are often chosen for basic uniforms and stationery, while Clarks remains a popular destination for school shoes because of its reputation for comfort and durability. Retailers such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer continue to attract parents looking for longer-lasting clothing, whereas Argos and Currys are common choices for calculators and student technology.
The cheapest school shopping basket rarely comes from one retailer. It comes from choosing the right retailer for each category.
This shift reflects a broader change in consumer behaviour. Rather than asking, "Where is the cheapest place to shop?", more families are asking, "Which products are worth paying more for?" That distinction often has a greater impact on the final annual cost than chasing the lowest advertised prices.
Smarter ways to reduce school shopping costs
Parents often spend weeks comparing prices, yet many overlook a simple fact: the final cost of school shopping depends on more than the price printed on the shelf. It is the combination of purchase timing, retailer choice, product quality and payment method that ultimately determines how much a family spends.
One of the most effective strategies is to separate essential purchases from urgent purchases. Families who buy everything during the final weekend before school starts usually have fewer options. Popular sizes disappear, promotional stock becomes limited and there is less time to compare alternatives. Shopping gradually over the summer gives parents more flexibility and often results in lower overall spending.
Another useful approach is to prioritise products according to how long they are expected to last. A child may outgrow a polo shirt within a year, making supermarket own-brand clothing a sensible option. School shoes, backpacks and waterproof jackets, however, are used almost every day. Choosing products that remain comfortable and durable throughout the school year can reduce replacement costs and save money over time.
The cheapest purchase isn't always the one with the lowest price. It's the one that doesn't need replacing halfway through the school year.
Payment decisions also deserve more attention than they usually receive. Most families focus on finding discounts before they reach the checkout, but fewer think about reducing the amount they actually pay once they have decided where to shop. Loyalty programmes, cashback offers, retailer promotions and discounted gift cards all influence the final cost without requiring families to change their shopping list.
This is where the secondary gift card market creates additional value. Instead of searching endlessly for lower product prices, some shoppers purchase discounted gift cards for retailers they already intend to visit. The products remain exactly the same - the difference lies in paying less for them.
The biggest opportunity to save money often comes after you've decided what to buy, not before.
Kuponex is a secondary marketplace where people can buy and sell unused gift cards, vouchers, and discount coupons securely and at a fair price. What is no longer useful to one person can become a great deal for someone else. Unlike traditional classifieds, Kuponex is built specifically for the resale of gift cards and vouchers. Sellers set their own prices, giving buyers the opportunity to purchase unused gift cards and vouchers below their face value. The platform is fully digital - no paper vouchers, no printed gift books, no shipping, and no unnecessary logistics. Listing a gift card for sale takes just a few minutes. Simply upload a photo of the gift card, fill in a short form, and your listing is ready to go. Once the buyer confirms that the transaction has been completed successfully, the gift card or voucher code is automatically released. Until the transaction is confirmed and all security checks have been completed, the gift card details or voucher code remain fully hidden. This escrow-based process helps protect both buyers and sellers from fraud. Once the transaction is completed, the voucher code is delivered directly to the buyer's smartphone or email. To make every transaction safer, Kuponex combines seller verification, AI-powered anti-fraud technology, and a secure escrow-based payment process. By giving unused gift cards and vouchers a second life, Kuponex helps consumers recover lost value, save money, and reduce unnecessary waste through a trusted digital marketplace.
The idea behind secondary gift card marketplaces reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour. People are becoming more comfortable buying pre-owned cars, refurbished electronics and second-hand fashion because value matters more than ownership. The same principle increasingly applies to gift cards. If a gift card remains valid and can be redeemed exactly like one purchased directly from a retailer, many consumers see little reason to pay full price.
This change is driven not only by rising living costs but also by changing attitudes towards waste. Every year, millions of pounds remain locked in unused gift cards simply because recipients never find an opportunity to use them. When those gift cards are resold through a trusted marketplace, one person recovers part of their money while another reduces the cost of purchases they were already planning to make.
An unused gift card doesn't lose its value because it's unwanted. It loses its value only when nobody can use it.
Perhaps the most important lesson for families is that successful school shopping is rarely about finding a single exceptional bargain. Lower overall spending usually comes from combining several sensible decisions: shopping before demand peaks, comparing retailers by product category, choosing quality where durability matters and using smarter payment methods whenever possible. Individually these decisions may seem small, but together they can make a noticeable difference to the total cost of preparing for a new school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Families Overspend on School Shopping?
The biggest difference is rarely income. It is preparation. Families who begin shopping earlier usually have more time to compare retailers, wait for promotions and avoid buying under pressure. School policies also play an important role, especially where branded uniforms are compulsory.
Are supermarket school uniforms good enough?
For many everyday items, yes. Supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDA, Aldi and Lidl offer good-quality basics at competitive prices. However, products that receive heavy daily use - such as school shoes, blazers or waterproof coats, may justify paying more if durability is important.
Which school items usually cost the most?
Uniforms are often the largest mandatory expense, but technology is becoming one of the fastest-growing costs for older pupils. Laptops, Chromebooks and calculators can quickly increase the overall budget, while backpacks and school shoes remain significant long-term purchases.
When is the best time to buy school supplies?
Many families wait until August, but this is also when demand is highest. Shopping gradually during the summer often provides a wider choice of sizes, better availability and more opportunities to compare prices across different retailers.
Should parents buy everything from one retailer?
Not necessarily. Supermarkets may offer better value for stationery and basic uniforms, while specialist retailers often provide more durable footwear or premium clothing. Matching each purchase to the retailer that offers the best combination of quality and price usually delivers better value than completing the entire shopping list in one store.
Why do parents often exceed their school shopping budget?
Many purchases cannot be postponed or removed from the list. Once time becomes limited, convenience often replaces careful price comparison. As a result, families make quicker decisions and are more likely to accept higher prices simply to complete their shopping before school starts.
Overspending usually begins when urgency replaces comparison.
Can discounted gift cards reduce school shopping costs?
Yes. If you already know where you'll be shopping, discounted gift cards can lower the amount you pay without changing what you buy. Instead of searching for cheaper alternatives, families reduce the cost of purchases they were already planning to make.
Summary
Preparing a child for school is no longer just about buying a uniform. It is a series of purchasing decisions made within a short period, each affecting the final household budget. While rising prices certainly influence costs, consumer behaviour often has an even greater impact. Families who plan ahead, compare retailers by product category and focus on long-term value rather than headline discounts usually spend less without sacrificing quality.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson is that successful school shopping is not about finding one perfect deal. It is about making dozens of better decisions before urgency takes over.
Better planning creates bigger savings than bigger discounts.
As more consumers look for practical ways to stretch household budgets, the secondary gift card market is becoming another useful tool alongside traditional promotions, loyalty programmes and seasonal offers. For families who already know where they intend to shop, paying less for the same purchase is one of the simplest ways to reduce Back-to-School spending.
<p class="my-4">Ask parents what makes school shopping expensive and most will point to inflation. Inflation certainly plays a role, but it doesn't explain why two families with children of the same age often spend very different amounts. The real difference usually comes from how they shop. One family starts buying essentials as soon as summer holidays begin. Another waits until the final fortnight before school starts.</p><p class="my-4">One compares several retailers before making a purchase. Another buys everything in one afternoon because time is running out. Both families may buy almost identical products, yet their final receipts can differ by hundreds of pounds. School shopping isn't only about prices. It's about how much those prices are allowed to influence rushed decisions.</p><p class="my-4">Behavioural economists call this decision fatigue. As people make more purchasing decisions in a short period, they become less willing to compare alternatives. Convenience gradually becomes more valuable than price. Back-to-school shopping creates exactly that situation. Parents don't buy one product. They buy dozens. Uniforms. School shoes. Sportswear. Stationery. Lunch boxes. Water bottles. Backpacks. PCs or laptops. Every additional purchase reduces the time and attention available for the next one.</p><p class="my-4">Families rarely overspend because they buy unnecessary products. They overspend because almost every school purchase feels essential.</p><p class="my-4">This explains why many households finish school shopping feeling they spent more than expected, even though very few items could realistically have been removed from the list. The pressure is even greater when schools require branded clothing from approved suppliers. Unlike ordinary clothing, these purchases often offer little flexibility, limiting parents' ability to compare prices or switch retailers. Understanding these behavioural patterns is important because they reveal something many price comparison articles overlook: the final cost of school shopping is shaped long before families reach the checkout. It begins with the decisions they make about when, where and how they shop.</p><p class="my-4">Retailers compete on prices. Parents compete against time. That difference matters more than many people realise.</p><h2><strong>School uniform and school supplies costs</strong></h2><p class="my-4">Many parents assume the price of school shopping is driven by inflation alone, but that's only part of the picture. The final amount depends on several factors working together, including school policies, children's age, retailer choice and product quality. A family with a child attending a school that allows generic supermarket uniforms may spend considerably less than a family required to buy branded clothing from an authorised supplier. The difference has little to do with shopping skills and much more to do with the rules set by individual schools. Footwear follows a similar pattern. Some parents replace school shoes every year because children simply outgrow them. Others replace them because cheaper pairs wear out long before the school year ends. Spending less at the checkout doesn't always result in lower annual costs if the same item needs replacing after only a few months. For products used almost every day, durability often has a greater impact on household spending than the original purchase price. School supplies create a different challenge. Unlike uniforms, they rarely appear as one large expense. Pens, notebooks, folders, calculators, art materials, lunch boxes and backpacks are often bought separately over several shopping trips. Individually these purchases seem relatively inexpensive, yet together they represent a significant part of the overall budget. Because they are spread across multiple transactions, families frequently underestimate how much they actually spend.</p><p class="my-4">The table below illustrates typical retail prices for essential school clothing and supplies across the UK. Actual prices vary depending on retailer, school requirements and seasonal promotions, but the figures provide a realistic benchmark for families planning their school shopping budget.</p><table class="border-collapse border border-neutral-300" style="min-width: 75px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4"><strong>Item</strong></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4"><strong>Typical Price (GBP)</strong></p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4"><strong>Example Location</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Primary school uniform</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£120–£220</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Birmingham</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Secondary school uniform</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£220–£420</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">London</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">School shoes</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£35–£90</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Manchester</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">PE kit</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£30–£70</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Leeds</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">School backpack</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£30–£90</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Glasgow</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Stationery starter set</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£20–£45</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Liverpool</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Scientific calculator</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£20–£70</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Bristol</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Chromebook</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£250–£450</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Cardiff</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">Entry-level student laptop</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">£450–£800</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p class="my-4">London</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="my-4">Sources: Office for National Statistics (ONS); Department for Education (DfE); The Children's Society; Tesco UK; ASDA George; Marks & Spencer Schoolwear; Clarks UK; Argos; Currys; John Lewis (2025–2026 public pricing and retail information).</p><p class="my-4">These figures demonstrate that technology has become one of the fastest-growing education expenses for older pupils. While primary school shopping is still largely centred on clothing and stationery, many secondary schools now expect students to complete homework digitally, making laptops or Chromebooks increasingly common purchases rather than optional extras. One important trend has emerged over recent years. Families are becoming less loyal to individual retailers and more willing to divide their shopping between supermarkets, department stores and specialist shops. Supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDA, Aldi and Lidl are often chosen for basic uniforms and stationery, while Clarks remains a popular destination for school shoes because of its reputation for comfort and durability. Retailers such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer continue to attract parents looking for longer-lasting clothing, whereas Argos and Currys are common choices for calculators and student technology.</p><p class="my-4">The cheapest school shopping basket rarely comes from one retailer. It comes from choosing the right retailer for each category.</p><p class="my-4">This shift reflects a broader change in consumer behaviour. Rather than asking, "Where is the cheapest place to shop?", more families are asking, "Which products are worth paying more for?" That distinction often has a greater impact on the final annual cost than chasing the lowest advertised prices.</p><h2><strong>Smarter ways to reduce school shopping costs</strong></h2><p class="my-4">Parents often spend weeks comparing prices, yet many overlook a simple fact: the final cost of school shopping depends on more than the price printed on the shelf. It is the combination of purchase timing, retailer choice, product quality and payment method that ultimately determines how much a family spends.</p><p class="my-4">One of the most effective strategies is to separate essential purchases from urgent purchases. Families who buy everything during the final weekend before school starts usually have fewer options. Popular sizes disappear, promotional stock becomes limited and there is less time to compare alternatives. Shopping gradually over the summer gives parents more flexibility and often results in lower overall spending.</p><p class="my-4">Another useful approach is to prioritise products according to how long they are expected to last. A child may outgrow a polo shirt within a year, making supermarket own-brand clothing a sensible option. School shoes, backpacks and waterproof jackets, however, are used almost every day. Choosing products that remain comfortable and durable throughout the school year can reduce replacement costs and save money over time.</p><p class="my-4">The cheapest purchase isn't always the one with the lowest price. It's the one that doesn't need replacing halfway through the school year.</p><p class="my-4">Payment decisions also deserve more attention than they usually receive. Most families focus on finding discounts before they reach the checkout, but fewer think about reducing the amount they actually pay once they have decided where to shop. Loyalty programmes, cashback offers, retailer promotions and discounted gift cards all influence the final cost without requiring families to change their shopping list.</p><p class="my-4">This is where the secondary gift card market creates additional value. Instead of searching endlessly for lower product prices, some shoppers purchase discounted gift cards for retailers they already intend to visit. The products remain exactly the same - the difference lies in paying less for them.</p><p class="my-4">The biggest opportunity to save money often comes after you've decided what to buy, not before.</p><p class="my-4">Kuponex is a secondary marketplace where people can buy and sell unused gift cards, vouchers, and discount coupons securely and at a fair price. What is no longer useful to one person can become a great deal for someone else. Unlike traditional classifieds, Kuponex is built specifically for the resale of gift cards and vouchers. Sellers set their own prices, giving buyers the opportunity to purchase unused gift cards and vouchers below their face value. The platform is fully digital - no paper vouchers, no printed gift books, no shipping, and no unnecessary logistics. Listing a gift card for sale takes just a few minutes. Simply upload a photo of the gift card, fill in a short form, and your listing is ready to go. Once the buyer confirms that the transaction has been completed successfully, the gift card or voucher code is automatically released. Until the transaction is confirmed and all security checks have been completed, the gift card details or voucher code remain fully hidden. This escrow-based process helps protect both buyers and sellers from fraud. Once the transaction is completed, the voucher code is delivered directly to the buyer's smartphone or email. To make every transaction safer, Kuponex combines seller verification, AI-powered anti-fraud technology, and a secure escrow-based payment process. By giving unused gift cards and vouchers a second life, Kuponex helps consumers recover lost value, save money, and reduce unnecessary waste through a trusted digital marketplace.</p><p class="my-4">The idea behind secondary gift card marketplaces reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour. People are becoming more comfortable buying pre-owned cars, refurbished electronics and second-hand fashion because value matters more than ownership. The same principle increasingly applies to gift cards. If a gift card remains valid and can be redeemed exactly like one purchased directly from a retailer, many consumers see little reason to pay full price.</p><p class="my-4">This change is driven not only by rising living costs but also by changing attitudes towards waste. Every year, millions of pounds remain locked in unused gift cards simply because recipients never find an opportunity to use them. When those gift cards are resold through a trusted marketplace, one person recovers part of their money while another reduces the cost of purchases they were already planning to make.</p><p class="my-4">An unused gift card doesn't lose its value because it's unwanted. It loses its value only when nobody can use it.</p><p class="my-4">Perhaps the most important lesson for families is that successful school shopping is rarely about finding a single exceptional bargain. Lower overall spending usually comes from combining several sensible decisions: shopping before demand peaks, comparing retailers by product category, choosing quality where durability matters and using smarter payment methods whenever possible. Individually these decisions may seem small, but together they can make a noticeable difference to the total cost of preparing for a new school year.</p><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2><h3><strong>Why Do Families Overspend on School Shopping?</strong></h3><p class="my-4">The biggest difference is rarely income. It is preparation. Families who begin shopping earlier usually have more time to compare retailers, wait for promotions and avoid buying under pressure. School policies also play an important role, especially where branded uniforms are compulsory.</p><h3><strong>Are supermarket school uniforms good enough?</strong></h3><p class="my-4">For many everyday items, yes. Supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDA, Aldi and Lidl offer good-quality basics at competitive prices. However, products that receive heavy daily use - such as school shoes, blazers or waterproof coats, may justify paying more if durability is important.</p><h3><strong>Which school items usually cost the most?</strong></h3><p class="my-4">Uniforms are often the largest mandatory expense, but technology is becoming one of the fastest-growing costs for older pupils. Laptops, Chromebooks and calculators can quickly increase the overall budget, while backpacks and school shoes remain significant long-term purchases.</p><h3><strong>When is the best time to buy school supplies?</strong></h3><p class="my-4">Many families wait until August, but this is also when demand is highest. Shopping gradually during the summer often provides a wider choice of sizes, better availability and more opportunities to compare prices across different retailers.</p><h3><strong>Should parents buy everything from one retailer?</strong></h3><p class="my-4">Not necessarily. Supermarkets may offer better value for stationery and basic uniforms, while specialist retailers often provide more durable footwear or premium clothing. Matching each purchase to the retailer that offers the best combination of quality and price usually delivers better value than completing the entire shopping list in one store.</p><h3><strong>Why do parents often exceed their school shopping budget?</strong></h3><p class="my-4">Many purchases cannot be postponed or removed from the list. Once time becomes limited, convenience often replaces careful price comparison. As a result, families make quicker decisions and are more likely to accept higher prices simply to complete their shopping before school starts.</p><p class="my-4">Overspending usually begins when urgency replaces comparison.</p><h3><strong>Can discounted gift cards reduce school shopping costs?</strong></h3><p class="my-4">Yes. If you already know where you'll be shopping, discounted gift cards can lower the amount you pay without changing what you buy. Instead of searching for cheaper alternatives, families reduce the cost of purchases they were already planning to make.</p><h2><strong>Summary</strong></h2><p class="my-4">Preparing a child for school is no longer just about buying a uniform. It is a series of purchasing decisions made within a short period, each affecting the final household budget. While rising prices certainly influence costs, consumer behaviour often has an even greater impact. Families who plan ahead, compare retailers by product category and focus on long-term value rather than headline discounts usually spend less without sacrificing quality.</p><p class="my-4">Perhaps the most valuable lesson is that successful school shopping is not about finding one perfect deal. It is about making dozens of better decisions before urgency takes over.</p><p class="my-4">Better planning creates bigger savings than bigger discounts.</p><p class="my-4">As more consumers look for practical ways to stretch household budgets, the secondary gift card market is becoming another useful tool alongside traditional promotions, loyalty programmes and seasonal offers. For families who already know where they intend to shop, paying less for the same purchase is one of the simplest ways to reduce Back-to-School spending.</p>