Attention Back-to-School Shoppers

Parents, the days are getting a little shorter. Summer has begun to wane, and that can only mean one thing: It's time to loosen the wallet for a little back-to-school shopping. The economy being what it is, a majority of retailers are offering what Target calls "an education in savings." Watch for circulars, coupons and special promotions on everything from backpacks to binders and desk sets to dorm kits.

What are the season's hot items? Messenger bags for the middle-school and older scholars; backpacks in all colors of plaid – from traditional red to fuchsia and turquoise; and for bedroom or dorm room, deep-seated butterfly or camp chairs for those long study sessions. Also destined for the head of the class: tropical bright notebooks in apple greens, teal blues, and hot pinks; and, of course, state-of-the-art electronics.

Target

A one-stop-shop for back-to-school supplies finds fashion-minded clothing, fun and functional school gear, and electronics all under one roof. This week's circular, good through Aug. 20, offers "Smart buys on tons of college gear." That would include $3.50 bath towels, $17 desk chairs, $14 storage ottomans, and $35 Dirt Devil vacuums for cleaning up all that mess.

Target has locations in New Britain, Newington, Windsor, South Windsor, and Manchester, among others. Visit target.com.

Staples

Writing supplies, notebooks, and backpacks to put it all in are among Staples' favorite subjects. This season, the stores are offering brightly colored binders, plaid backpacks, fashion ID holders, and every kind of pen and pencil imaginable. This week's circular, good until Aug. 20, includes markdowns on JanSport backpacks.

Staples has locations in West Hartford, Newington, Simsbury, Glastonbury, and Enfield, to name a few. Visit staples.com.

Bed, Bath & Beyond

If you're outfitting a dorm room, you'll find plenty of what you need here from "dorm kits" to bedding, bathroom necessities, storage options, and decorating accessories. The store offers a service allowing students to shop their local store and pick up their merchandise near their school.

Bed, Bath & Beyond has stores in Farmington, Simsbury, Wethersfield, Manchester, Enfield, Torrington, and Southington. Visit bedbathandbeyond.com.

CVS

While you're stocking up on shampoo, don't overlook the Sharpies, Scotch tape, crayons, and notebooks, which are often sold at discount prices. Check the weekly circular online or in print and put those coupons to work.

CVS stores can be found in most towns around Greater Hartford. For online coupons and specials, visit cvs.com.

Wal-Mart

The retail giant has made its name by offering rock bottom prices. This season, that means deals on everything from crayons and notebooks to laptops and netbooks (starting at $278), backpacks (starting at $10) and desks (starting at $39). 

Walmart has stores in Hartford, Newington, Avon, Torrington, Rocky Hill, East Windsor, and Cromwell. Visit walmart.com.

BJ's

The wholesale giant has a selection of back-to-school merchandise ranging from desks and dorm rugs to coffee makers, laundry bins, and software programs. 

There are BJ's Wholesale Clubs in West Hartford, Manchester, Southington, Torrington, Waterbury, and Wallingford, among others. Visit bjs.com.

Toy Chest

Sales associate Kristy Burnett picked out some of the Toy Chest's back-to-school favorites: cross-the-shoulder messenger bags for middle-school-age girls, KidKraft tables and chairs for young artistes, and ballerina and dinosaur lunch boxes. So when are you too old for the dino box?

The Toy Chest is at 975 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Visit toychestwh.com.

Jerry's Artarama

For your budding Picasso, Jerry's Artarama in West Hartford is in the midst of a back-to-school promotion. Sale items include everything from easels and ArtBins to paints and brushes, portfolios and markers, and desk lamps and sketch paper. 

The store is at 1109 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. Call 860-232-0073 or visit jerrysartsupplies.com.

Plimptons

Higher-end backpacks by Tumi and garment bags from Longchamp for college-bound fashionistas are among the premium items offered at Plimpton's in West Hartford.

The store is at 991 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Call 860-233-2158 or visit plimptons.com.