September is right around the corner, which means it’s time for back-to-school shopping! Getting ready to send your kids back to school shouldn’t be stressful; it should be a time to celebrate new beginnings. When you shop locally, it takes the stress away!
To help Islanders prepare to return to the classroom, we explored the Island and put together a local back-to-school shopping guide to help make shopping locally a breeze this back-to-school season!
Here are some of the best locally owned and operated businesses located across the Island to get you geared up:
Clothes & Shoes
There’s something special about picking out the outfit worn on the first day of classes.
If you are into vintage and thrifting finds, check out the Tickle Trunk at McNiell Mall for a wide selection of unique children’s clothing and accessories!
If your kids are more active and refuse to wear jeans (we all know at least one), you can head to one of the two locally owned and operated Source for Sports locations on the Island, Cleve’s Source for Sports in Summerside, and Ladner’s Source for Sports in Charlottetown to gear up with clothing, hats, water bottles, and more!
The famous Saunders Variety Ltd in Alberton has a great selection of stylish back-to-school shoes. It is worth the road trip if you aren’t from “Up West”!
Photo Credit: Source for Sports Summerside
Backpacks & Lunch Bags
Choosing the right backpack and lunch bag is important! Depending on your child’s age, you might want to ensure that it has certain slots, pockets, and dividers. Stop into Owls Hollow in Charlottetown and browse their collection of cool backpacks and lunch bags! They are not only practical, but they look great too! If you’re near the Summerside area then make sure to check out the shop Home by Caley Joy to find an array of cute bags, perfect for your little one!
You can also visit HMS Office Supplies, a locally owned and operated supply store with two locations, one in Summerside and one in Charlottetown. You will find many backpacks, lunch boxes and lunch accessories, and you may even find some matching bag sets!
Photo Credit: Owls Hollow
Classroom Supplies
While shopping for a backpack at HMS Office Supplies, take time to browse their stationery products, including notebooks, pens and pencils, and pencil cases!
If you’re in the Summerside area, stop into Little Prince to find various unique stationary products that will have your kids excited to take notes again!
Photo Credit: HMS
Food for Lunch
As you start to brainstorm new ideas for packing lunches, think local! Visit one of the Farmer’s Markets across PEI, such as Nabuurs Garden Center and Farmers Market in Montague, to get some fresh local produce your kids will love. Another great place to pick up snacks for lunches and dinners is the ADL Store in Summerside. They have a wide variety of fresh foods, frozen snacks and, of course, dairy! Lastly, If you’re looking to include a sweet treat, you can visit The Willow Bakery and Cafe for a selection of delicious snacks.
Photo Credit: The Willow Bakery & Cafe
By doing your back-to-school shopping locally, more of your dollars stay right here on PEI and support fellow Islanders! In the comment section below, let us know where your favourite locally owned, and operated business for back-to-school shopping is!
We wish all kids, teachers and support staff a great and safe school year!