Top Minnesota Stores For Back-To-School Shopping
Back-to-school shopping is here. Do you remember the last time you bought clothes, textbooks and supplies? Ideally, there would be at least one store for all wardrobe and academic necessities. But as a student (who may be under parental supervision), shopping around is a necessity.
Anderson's
4875 White Bear Parkway
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(800) 338-3346
www.andersons.com
If Anderson's is a best kept secret, it shouldn't be. This retailer knows how to rally students (and their parents) into the school spirit. The store has bags, packs, kits and accessories to help your student get organized. There is a hefty stock of notebooks, folders, planners, and kits full of funky writing instruments. Your scholar can make an indelible impression composing poetic lines while scribbling in scientific notation. Or, with indelible ink from a Charisma pen, he/she can make an impressive imprint in a notebook or on a non-sticky notepad while perusing great literature. Anderson's has fabulous prom wear. And the homecoming and prom-themed packages are absolutely rad! (Say that again?) But in the interim, a student needs to attend class wearing nice looking apparel. Anderson's has everything students need for a comfortably classy wardrobe.
J & R School Supply
668 County Road
St. Paul, MN 55117
(800) 284-2684
jrschoolsupply.com
A major store for school supplies, J & R has served Twin Cities for years. In stock are pencils, protractors, scissors, rulers, notebooks, pencil sharpeners and other basics for students and teachers. The store has dispensers and kits containing assorted pens and pencils. Decorative key chains and bracelets help brighten the school day. A bracelet is a neat substitute for a friendship ring. A handy pocket item to have is a tape measure key chain. Students going steady can measure mutual devotion with the key chain tape measure. (Does anyone go steady anymore?)
Related: Minnesota Back-To-School Guide
Free Geek Twin Cities
2537 25th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 223-5967
freegeektwincities.org
Having a PC or laptop is as important as 3P/P3 (pen, pencil and paper). Twin Cities has numerous computer stores, but few have deep discounts. The Free Geek Twin Cities thrift store has refurbished and slightly used desktops, laptops, tablets, computer accessories, and computer parts. These digital goodies are from donors. The thrift store also sells consumer electronics, batteries, cell phones and small appliances that may have seen infomercial days.
CEAP
7051 Brooklyn Blvd.
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
(763) 566-9600
www.ceap.org
One of the best resources for school supplies is a non-profit organization, such as CEAP. A resourceful non-profit, with locations in Brooklyn Center and Blaine, CEAP receives donated school supplies, food and clothing. Many disadvantaged school children get their classroom necessities through CEAP and similar non-profits. CEAP's beautiful Turning Leaf Thrift Store has men's and women's apparel in new or gently used condition. Thrifty older students who need back-to-school clothes can find attractive bargains.
Related: Back-To-School Shopping Tips With 'Pocket Your Dollars'
UMD Stores
1120 Kirby Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-7286
umdstores.com
High school and middle school scholars can find lots of useful stuff at UMD Stores. Whether or not college textbooks are on the list, older students can shop for clothing, computers and classroom supplies. Their younger peers can browse around for school items they need or must totally have. UMD Stores are open all year, but some stores have summer schedules.
Class Act Stationery & Accessories, Inc.
5402 Parkdale Drive, Suite 135
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(952) 593-6221
classactstationery.com
Some school supply stores stock up on pens and pencils. Class Act Stationery stores up on high quality stationery products for work and school. The planners, binders, folders and notebooks for the office also have a place in the classroom. Visually striking and very colorful, Class Act's stationery is never too fancy for a student's desk.
Related: Best Places To Go Back To School Shopping In Minnesota
Linda Cameron has written home design, home improvement and lifestyle articles for The Boston Globe and City Shopper Magazine. She has related interests in the building industry, travel, real estate and financing. She is a contributor to Examiner, House Spot, Techsling and Behance, covering topics on career, people, businesses, education and technology.
