Shop back-to-school clothing at these Charlotte-area stores, thrift and consignment shops
From school supplies to new clothes and shoes, back-to-school season can be an expensive time for families, especially those operating on tight budgets. And with inflation still fueling rising prices, many are feeling especially hard hit this year.
For those looking to save when putting together a wardrobe for their students for the new school year, there are sales and seasonal deals out there to check out when shopping online and in-person in Charlotte.
Here are some back-to-school deals to check out in the Charlotte area, as well as thrift and consignment shops that often offer good deals and organizations that offer assistance to families in need:
Back-to-school sales
Many stores offer back-to-school sales for those looking to shop online or in-person, including:
Amazon
Amazon is offering sales on kids clothes and juniors from its own fashion brands as well as major brands such as Adidas, Crocs and Columbia. You can also filter the options to only see clothes from certain categories within a certain price range, including under $15.
Belk
Belk’s “Back to School Shop” is up and running online and in store and features a variety of deals.That includes up to 50% off certain items, including plenty of kids and juniors’ clothes, when shopping online through Aug. 14.
JCPenney
JCPenney is offering a number of back-to-school deals on clothes for kids and teens and other items. “Doorbuster” coupons can get you up to 65% off some items, and you can get an extra 25% off your order when you use the code “HOMEWORK” at checkout when shopping online.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s back-to-school deals include 25% off kids’ socks and underwear, 40% off school uniforms and up to 65% off kids’ clearance items. Rewards members can get an extra $10 off “back-to-school clothing and shoe purchases of $50 or more” using the code “BTS10,” and you can enter a sweepstakes to win a $1,000 Kohl’s gift card.
Target
Target’s “Back to School Deals” include a number of school-related items, including wardrobe basics such as shoes, jeans and underwear. You can also get $10 off your order when spending $40 or more kids’ clothing and shoes.
Walmart
Walmart is advertising back-to-school sales that include kids’ clothing starting at $6 and up to 75% off some school-related items. You can also get a free 30-day trial of W+, which gives you free shipping and delivery.
Charlotte thrift, consignment stores
Thrift and consignments stores can offer gently used clothes and shoes for kids at lower prices than buying new, and there are plenty of them to check out in Charlotte, including:
Goodwill retail stores
Location: Multiple locations
What to know: Goodwill offers gently used clothing for kids and teens, as well as adults, at its retail stores. You can check out their standard price list so you can know what to expect before shopping at goodwillsp.org/shop/price-list.
Karrousel Kids
Location: 120 E Charles St, Matthews, North Carolina 28105
What to know: Karrousel Kids is a consignment boutique that resells kids and teens clothes. You can also resell clothes that your children have outgrown.
Kid to Kid
Location: 3407 Pineville-Matthews Road #600, Charlotte, North Carolina 28226
What to know: Kid to Kid resells kids’ clothing in “current styles” in addition to shoes, toys and baby gear. You can also resell your children’s old, gently used clothing for cash.
Once Upon a Child
Location: 8700 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28226
What to know: Once Upon a Child is another chain of consignment stores specializing in previously owned clothing, as well as shoes and toys, for kids. They also offer cash for gently used clothes, shoes and toys that your children have outgrown.
Salvation Army Family Store
Location: Multiple locations
What to know: The Salvation Army’s thrift stores resell various gently used items, including clothing for kids and teens.
Charlotte clothing giveaways
For folks in need of additional assistance, there are organizations in the Charlotte area that provide free clothing, including:
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Location: 500-A Spratt St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28206
What to know: Among the many services it provides to low income families, Crisis Assistance Ministry has a Free Store that offers, among other necessities, clothing. You’ll need to make an appointment ahead of time by visiting crisisassistance.org/programs/basic-needs/free-store.
Final Harvest Ministry
Location: 1200 Alleghany St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28208
What to know: Final Harvest Ministry’s free clothing initiative, “My Brother’s & Sister’s Walk-in Clothing Closet,” is open on Monday and Saturdays. You’ll need to reach out to the church to set up an appointment. For more details, visit wearefinalharvestministries.com/clothing-closet.
Lydia’s Loft
Location: 14813 N Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078
What to know: Part of Hunstersville’s First Baptist Church, Lydia’s Loft provides free clothing to families in need. You’ll need to get a referral from one of the church’s partner organizations before shopping. For more details, visit fbc-h.org/lydias.
Does North Carolina have a tax-free weekend?
North Carolina used to have a tax-free weekend — a multi-day period during the late summer when the state would waive the sales tax on certain school-related items, such as office supplies, kid’s clothing and technology.
But the state ended the program through a tax reform package in 2013.
