Shopper at discount outlet navigating escalating costs and customs duties
In the current economic climate of rising prices, consumers are finding relief at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon, which are offering some of the best deals for essential and back-to-school items.
During this inflationary period, dollar stores, traditionally known for their budget-friendly offerings, have been hit hard. They have raised prices due to inflation and tariffs, making these larger retailers’ price freezes and discounts comparatively more attractive for consumers seeking value.
Walmart, for instance, has frozen prices on hundreds of school essentials and even lowered prices on items like glue, pencils, and notebooks. Notebooks are available for about 54 cents, and backpacks can be found for under $15. Target is similarly holding prices steady on key school supplies, participating in sales such as the Target Circle promotion starting in early July.
Amazon offers significant deals during its Prime Day event, with back-to-school related items like backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies seeing sales increases of over 180% compared to average daily sales in June 2025. Amazon’s sales events have been substantial, equivalent to two Black Fridays in size, with strong discounts especially on electronics, small appliances, and household items.
Other retailers such as Best Buy and broader department stores also join in price promotions during this period, making it worthwhile to compare deals across multiple retailers.
The story of Shannon Carr, a dollar store super-shopper, highlights the challenges faced by consumers during inflation. Carr, who is the CEO of nonprofit Isaiah 55, which runs a food pantry and kitchen in Ohio, has experienced rising prices at dollar stores limiting her purchasing power. Carr has given up on shopping at Dollar Tree due to the increase in prices and smaller quantities of goods. Instead, she is shopping at Meijer's and Kroger's for clearance items.
Carr's nonprofit has seen a change in the demographic of people needing their services, with "the working poor" now making up a larger portion. People served by Isaiah 55 are now requesting toilet paper, a shift from the usual focus on produce.
Despite the challenging economic conditions, Carr continues to advise people to read sales flyers and buy sale items, and to hit the clearance racks and buy in bulk. For those who have been affected by the rising prices at dollar stores, it seems that the best deals can be found at major retailers during this inflationary period.
[1] Walmart Freezes Prices on School Supplies Amid Inflation (CNN Business, 2025) [2] Dollar Stores Raise Prices Due to Inflation and Tariffs (The New York Times, 2025) [3] Amazon Prime Day 2025: The Best Back-to-School Deals (Forbes, 2025) [4] Best Deals During Inflation: Comparing Retailers (Consumer Reports, 2025)
Personal finance is becoming increasingly important as consumers seek to stretch their budgets during this inflationary period. Meanwhile, shopping at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon can offer comparatively better value, as they have been implementing price freezes and discounts on essential items. For instance, Walmart has lowered prices on school supplies, making notebooks available for around 54 cents and backpacks for under $15.
