The best time to watch for back to school sales is just after the Fourth of July holiday passes. Most department stores quickly begin to move out their seasonal materials, and the back to school supplies and products quickly take their places. While school is still a good month and a half away, the sales are now!
Don't miss end of the school year clearances, though. As summer hits full swing, there are often a steady stream of clearances on through the summer, in preparation. I have found clearanced stationary products at Walgreens and CVS mid-June, clearanced socks and undies in this time frame, as well, and a variety of other useful goods.
Back to school snacks will hit the shelves in the middle of August, with significant sales in these days and into September. As well, that will be the time to keep an eye out for snack coupons.
Online sales are significant at the end of July, and into the first part of August. Amazon and others will even have promotional offers for online shoppers during this time frame. Technology based businesses often provide great promotional offers in this time frame, and popular apparel stores will run great sales.
Stock up on stationary, pencils, and more, during this stage, as regular prices during the year will be much greater.