Back-to-School Shopping: Boutique or Box Store?

Back to school has a bittersweet ring to it. The hazy, lazy days of July and August are replaced with schedules, classrooms and teachers wielding lesson plans.

Back-to-school shopping has become somewhat of a tradition among many families.

Lynne Rey, a longtime resident of Portsmouth, has two young children going back to school this week.

"I feel very excited," Rey said. "This is an extraordinary time of year—full of change and anticipation of learning, and meeting new friends for the kids."

Rey, a graphic designer and marketing strategist, tries hard to support the local businesses in Portsmouth and elsewhere on Aquidneck Island as much as she can.

"We are big fans of the Groovy Gator, Walrus and Carpenter and Michael Hayes for kids," she said. "I also like to shop at Just Ducky in Bristol, and Island Books in Middletown."

As for her kids? "They don't look forward to any shopping whatsoever, unless it involves a toy store," Rey said.

The local support has also been apparent to Leslie Cathers, mother of three and owner of the Groovy Gator in Portsmouth.

"We have such a community here with our customers, as well as with the other small business owners in Clock Tower Square," she said.

Cathers has found this time of year to be among the absolute best times for business. "The Gator has a unique and has a funky vibe to it, which has definitely attracted many Portsmouth families," said the store's owner.

Though there are ways to shop locally, it can be difficult at times to find affordable and abundant supplies.

Emmy Derecktor, who grew up in Portsmouth, is starting her junior year of high school on the island and finding it to be a struggle to get back in the school mode.

"I'm definitely a summer person and I'm not ready to be going back," she said.

Derecktor, who is finishing her job at a chocolate shop in Newport, finds that she has little time to worry about local shopping and tends to favor chain stores like Staples and Wal-Mart.

"They have everything I need in one place and it is a way cheaper alternative to the smaller boutique shops," she said.

Whether you're perusing local establishments or shopping at the superstore a few towns down, the back-to-school spirit is in the air on Aquidneck Island.