Parents, it’s that time of year again. Back to school shopping season is upon us. Doesn’t it seem as though this chore always sneaks up on us? During what feels like the peak of summertime fun with temps topping 90 degrees and neighborhood pools and splash pads in full effect filled with giggling, happy kids… boom. It’s suddenly time to stock up on No. 2 pencils, composition books, and of course, new clothes and accessories for the younger people in your crew.
Satisfying the needs of your opinionated kids, along with their school’s dress code—all while sticking to your budget—may have you feel like fleeing back to that beach vacation you took last month… but have no fear! Discover Dunwoody is here to show you the best back-to-school finds. Read on for our recommendations on where to shop to help you and your family have a smooth transition into the busy school season.
Perimeter Mall is always our first stop for back-to-school shopping in Dunwoody. The shopping mecca brings more than 150 stores together under one roof, offering everything you need from current tech gadgets to trendy fashions that will bring smiles to kids from tot to teen.
If you need to add some high tech to your household to begin the new school year, we suggest you start by visiting the generously stocked Apple store on the second floor of the mall, and make sure to ask their friendly staff to share their latest specials and offers. During our late July visit, customers could snag a gift card incentive for purchasing certain versions of both the MacBook and iPad. Whether you need to refresh your collection of chargers and connectors or you’re in the market for a new family computer to make the upcoming homework assignments a snap, Apple is a great place to get started on your back-to-school shopping in Dunwoody.
All four of Perimeter Mall’s department stores are filled with a variety of clothing and accessories, so make sure to visit Dillard’s, Von Maur, Nordstrom and Macy’s. We love a department store visit for the time-saving convenience of navigating from teen girls’ clothing to little boys’ shoes and over to accessories without wearing out little kids’ tiny attention spans. If you’re shopping as a family and have a variety of items on your back-to-school shopping checklist, this is a great option for you. Pro tip: if you shop before August 7, 2023, you can take advantage of Nordstrom’s annual anniversary sale and snag some serious deals.
For your smaller children, you’ll find plenty of options to fit their individual styles here. Let them choose new school clothes they love at kid-centric stores like Gap Kids, Abercrombie and Fitch Kids and Carter’s. For popular children’s shoes with current brands like Converse and Vans, stop by Journey’s, where you’ll also stumble upon a wide variety of backpacks from bright patterns to classically cool solids.
For little girls who love to accessorize, make sure to visit Claire’s to find fun backpacks in faux fur and animal prints along with cheerful collections of coordinating water bottles, pencil boxes and pencils. There’s something magical about expressing personal style with their backpacks and accessories that makes kids feel ultra-confident for a new year in the classroom, and that makes mom’s life so much easier.
Conveniently located near the main entrance, trendy retailer H&M features a colorful kids department with racks on racks of sweaters, dresses and jeans for little gals and a fun selection of Marvel-themed sweatshirts and t-shirts for boys. With many unique finds, we’re confident this is the solution for kiddos who roll their eyes at the idea of the typical fashion choices. The bonus of this back-to-school shopping stop is that beautiful dresses and separates for mom are mere steps away. Treat yourself to a new outfit or two while your mini-me cruises the children’s area. After all, why should kids be the only ones to enjoy a closet refresh in August?
Before leaving the mall, grab a bite in the bustling food court or refuel with a delicious meal in one of their on-site restaurants. From casual burgers and cold treats at Shake Shack to a chef-driven meal at 26 Thai that delivers some serious wow factor, you’re sure to find an option you enjoy.
Around the corner from Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody’s Perimeter Center area, Barnes & Noble absolutely deserves a spot on your back-to-school shopping itinerary. This is the perfect spot for a mother-daughter bonding trip with a teen or college-age daughter. Start by sipping a latte or Frappuccino in the café, and then take your time selecting your favorites from their feminine collection of day planners, notebooks, pastel gel pens and other accessories for the new school year. Parents who are back-to-school shopping for preschool, kindergarten and elementary kids will be thrilled to find backpacks and lunch boxes from Skip Hop in adorable animal shapes along with a collection of Harry Potter inspired backpacks.
Back-to-school shopping can be stressful and intimidating, but in Dunwoody it doesn’t have to be. Make fun new memories with your family and find everything you need for this busy upcoming season, right here in our beautiful city that’s above Atlanta and beyond expectations. After you’ve completed your back-to-school shopping excursion, reward yourself with a day at the pool or at the Two Bridges Park splash pad, because after all… it definitely still feels like summer in Georgia.
Do you have a back-to-school shopping day scheduled with your kids? We would love to hear what’s on your list and where you’re planning to shop! Connect with us on social and let us know. Let’s connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
