Retail giant maintains steady pricing for upcoming academic year merchandise
Target Continues to Offer Budget-Friendly Back-to-School Essentials
In the upcoming back-to-school shopping season, Target is set to maintain its reputation for affordability. The total cost of its annual list of essential school supplies, which includes items like crayons, colored pencils, notebooks, and folders, remains under $20[1].
Prices for these items have remained consistent with the 2022 report, with many items under $5. For instance, pencils start at just $0.24, with pencils boxes priced at $0.80, crayons at $0.40, and notebooks as low as $0.28[1].
Target's own brand Cat & Jack clothing items for kids continue to be offered at low sale prices under $3 for tees and leggings[1]. Moreover, the retail giant is offering more than 1,000 SKUs for $5 and under, including backpacks priced at $5 and discounted notebooks starting at $0.35.
Beyond school supplies, Target is expanding its private label brands and partner collections to include more budget-friendly products. This year, they are launching a Herschel x LEGO collection of adult and kids' backpacks, as well as a new line of Champion for Target activewear and sporting goods[2].
Target is also implementing a new store strategy in Texas, featuring large-format locations with a bigger-than-average fresh and frozen food and beverage section[3]. Additionally, the company has named Matt Drzewicki as SVP for its retail media arm[4].
Amid concerns about potential supply chain disruptions and higher prices due to tariffs during the back-to-school shopping season, Target is maintaining 2024 prices on many back-to-school essential supplies[1]. The company is also leaning into promotions and sales to counteract the pullback in grocery sales, as grocery sales trended down last month[5].
Target Corp. was included on Progressive Grocer's Retailers of the Century list and is ranked No. 7 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer's 2025 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America[4][6]. With nearly 2,000 locations across North America, Target continues to be a go-to place for budget-conscious shoppers preparing for the school year.
[1] Target's back-to-school essential supplies remain budget-friendly in 2023 and beyond
[2] Target's Back-to-School Essentials: What's New in 2023
[3] Target unveils new store strategy in Texas
[4] Target names Matt Drzewicki as SVP for retail media arm
[5] Grocery sales trended down last month
[6] Target Corp. ranked No. 7 on The PG 100
- Target's private label brands, such as Cat & Jack and Herschel x LEGO, are expanding to offer more budget-friendly lifestyle and home-and-garden products for the anticipated back-to-school season.
- Despite apprehensions over potential supply chain disruptions and increased prices due to tariffs, Target has maintained the affordability of its back-to-school essential supplies, keeping prices consistent with the 2022 report.
- For budget-conscious shoppers, Target remains a one-stop-shop for not only school supplies like crayons, notebooks, and backpacks but also general-news items, home-and-garden products, and clothing, with over 1,000 SKUs priced at $5 and under.
