Here’s why you should shop for back-to-school supplies starting Tuesday

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Tuesday marks the return of Ohio’s Tax-Free Holiday.

This year, the traditional three-day offer will instead last 10 days, running from July 30 through Aug. 8.

Walmart in Dublin expects to see a rush of customers, especially parents and students looking to save on back-to-school shopping.

“It’s every item that is $500 or less,” said Brooke Johnson, human resources manager at Walmart Supercenter in Dublin. “There is really no cap on how many items you can get but $500 or less you can buy virtually anything in the entire store. The store is your oyster.”

That $500 maximum represents a huge increase from 2023, when only clothing $75 or less and school supplies $20 or less qualified.

“Just on the back-to-school supplies themselves there’s, been like a $25 to $27 decrease in what customers are paying, overall, which is a great savings especially if you have multiple children,” Johnson said.

Walmart locations also offer digital access to your child’s school supply list. Scanning a QR code will take you to a full list of local schools, grade levels, and their full supply list for the year.

Market research company eMarketer reports that 65 percent of back-to-school shopping will take place in-person at retail stores.

Local mom of three Morgan Adams said she has already finished back-to-school shopping for her eldest kids. Adams added she likes to get it done early so she doesn’t forget.

“My son and my middle child probably cost over $100, because bookbags aren’t very cheap,” she said. “The most expensive item was probably the bookbag, not even the supplies.”

According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary to high school plan to spend an average of $874.68. That total includes school supplies, electronics and clothing.

For some families, even with a discount, the cost for supplies is not doable.

The ABC 6 Back-to-School Supply Drive is accepting in-person donations. School supplies can be placed in drop boxes located inside Central Ohio McDonald’s restaurants, as well as at the following Ricart Automotive locations:

• Ricart Mega Mall at 4255 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport, OH 43125
• Ricart Buick, GMC at 2539 Billingsley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235

In addition, ABC 6 News has created an Amazon Wish List, for safe and convenient donations that will be shipped directly to the ABC 6, FOX 28, and CW Columbus studios.

The ABC 6 Back to School Drive concludes on Aug. 7, with an in-person collection at the ABC 6 / FOX 28 / CW Columbus studios, located at 1261 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43215.