"Deals only a click away for back-to-school buying" by Anne D’Innocenzio | Associated Press August 23, 2014
NEW YORK — It’s almost late August, and parents are scrambling to outfit their kids with backpacks, gadgets, and jeans as the clock winds down toward the first day of school.
But don’t fret. This season, stores are offering new services and apps to cater to time-starved, smartphone-savvy parents to help them save time and money during the annual shopping ritual.
The gimmicks include new twists on price matching, more choices for same-day delivery, and expanded selections online.
‘‘It’s a lot easier to find a deal,’’ said Michael Londrigan, dean of academic affairs at LIM College, a fashion college in New York. ‘‘It’s saving customers a ton of time. It’s allowing them to uncover hidden treasures that they wouldn’t be able to do without the recent technology.’’
Parents seem to be playing the waiting game to get the best deal, according to the National Retail Federation’s survey of 6,285 shoppers.
Translation: we have no money.
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Mark LoCastro, a spokesman at Dealnews.com, which tracks online prices and sales, says procrastinators will be rewarded.
‘‘This is a golden opportunity to stack coupons and deals,’’ he added.
Here are some tips on how to take advantage:
Avoid Staples, Walmart, Target, Macy's and Barney's.
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