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Parents Seek Smart Back-To-School Buys

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 15, 2008

High gas prices, growing debt and a rocky economy.

That's the trio of financial pressures facing Tampa Bay area parents as they prepare for the school season to start next week in Hillsborough and other nearby counties.

Florida shoppers also aren't getting the sales tax break on school supplies they've been handed by the state the past several years.

So perhaps it's no surprise that analysts are predicting that many parents will be looking to curb spending on school supplies. The silver lining: Retailers have recognized the mood and are discounting many supplies.

As our own recent price comparison shows, independent stores such as AOE Artworld in Tampa have a tough time competing on price with national chains. Office supply chains also have gotten in the game too, offering deals to lure shoppers. As the Bay area swings into the new school year, bargains are earning top grades from parents.

Deal Hunting For School

Stickers
AOE Artworld $1.99
Office Depot $2.49
Wal-Mart $1.68
Target $2.99

Pencils (24)
AOE Artworld $2.44
Office Depot $2.98
Wal-Mart $0.94
Target $3.54

Scissors
AOE Artworld $3.50
Office Depot $ 0.89
Wal-Mart $1.72
Target $2.49

Composition book
AOE Artworld $3.99
Office Depot $0.99
Wal-Mart $0.50
Target $ 0.50

Whiteboard markers (4)
AOE Artworld $5.83
Office Depot $4.99
Wal-Mart $3.58
Target $3.19

Highlighters (2)
AOE Artworld $2.38
Office Depot $1.59
Wal-Mart $0.88
Target $0.99

Pocket folder
AOE Artworld $0.80
Office Depot $1.49
Wal-Mart $0.15
Target $0.42

Glue (6 pack)
AOE Artworld N/A
Office Depot $4.49
Wal-Mart $0.66
Target $0.66

Hand soap
AOE Artworld N/A
Office Depot $3.29
Wal-Mart $0.92
Target $1.09

Colored Pencils (12)
AOE Artworld N/A
Office Depot $1.49
Wal-Mart $0.60
Target N/A

School supplies list used is for Tampa Palms Elementary, second grade. Price comparison was conducted Aug. 8 to Aug. 14 at select Tampa stores.

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