Back to school shopping kicks off in stores, online

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The first students will head back to school in just about three weeks, and that means stores are already fighting for shoppers’ back to school dollars.

Many retailers put up their displays last week, to try and grab as many customers as possible, as early as possible. Back to school can mean big money for retailers.

The National Retail Federation says it’s the second biggest shopping season of the year, coming just behind Christmas. The NRF found this year about 30 percent of families say they’re willing to spend more than last year.

In 2014, the average family spent about $580 for each elementary student, and about $680 for middle school and high school students. With school supplies, electronics and clothes costing so much, shoppers are looking for the best deals possible.

Many parents are going online to look for lower prices before going in store.

Amazon is pulling out all the stops this year, with Prime Day on July 15. The company says Prime Day will offer more deals than Black Friday. Deals for prime members will start at midnight that day, with new deals every 10 minutes.

Plus, Amazon is offering a 30-day free prime membership so everyone can join in for Prime Day, just in time for back to school shopping. Prime is $99 a year, and includes free shipping.

But other retailers know shoppers are looking online first and they’re ready.

Wal-Mart has its back to school section front and center on its website. The Target Cartwheel app has its back to school section full of coupons shoppers can download to their phone. Plus, if you have a Target Red Card, you get 5-percent off and free shipping.