By CAROL SOUTH
TRAVERSE CITY -- The state's economy doesn't stop sagging just because school is starting. Area families are stretching already stretched budgets to accommodate the necessary late summer spree for new clothes and school supplies.
Successful shoppers agree that planning ahead is a must to stay on a reduced budget.
Kathy Jodoin, a home day care provider in Traverse City, has savings down to a science. With two teenagers to shop for, Aimee, 16, and Leah, almost 15, attending Traverse City Central High School this fall, she is "pretty much" done with back-to-school shopping.
Planning plus early shopping provides the best savings on school supplies and clothes -- and avoids last-minute or impulse purchases that bust the budget.
Jodoin's recipe for success starts in July as she closely reads newspaper ads and sales flyers, snapping up pencils for a penny, plastic binders for a quarter and this year a backpack for $1.99. She knows which major teen retailer allows shoppers to try on a pair of jeans and get a free T-shirt, where to find jeans buy one pair get the second pair half off and when to snap up on sale another pair of Vans shoes that lasted all year.
The deal in her home is that Jodoin buys her girls the basics plus some shoes, any extras are their responsibility. She also buys their sports shoes, willing to pay for quality although knock-around tennies are cheap.
Her girls baby-sit to earn money for special purchases, usually electronics or an occasional must-have clothing item.
"They know the economy is tough," said Jodoin, whose husband, Frank, is an automotive technician. "They're really helpful about it because they understand the value of a dollar."
While not setting a budget per se, she knows how much she can spend and usually pays cash. She will use a store credit card to get additional discounts and future coupons.
"I always pay it off," said Jodoin.
With nine children ages 2-13, Kim and Scott McLain of Traverse City have their work cut out for them in the fall. As a homeschooling family, McLain still needs to stock up on school supplies and replace outgrown clothes. Another added expense for her family is buying the A Beka books and workbooks that guide her teaching.
A smart shopper, homemaker McLain harvests quality bargains from thrift shops, garage sales and sale racks. Her approach is a must for her family in the current economy.
"It's a treasure hunt, that's what I look at it as, a treasure hunt for me," said McLain, who scrounges for -- and finds -- name brands at thrift stores. "I usually go by myself, it's mom down time."
McLain, whose husband works in land surveying, also taps the Internet for bargains. Bulk buys on items such as colored T-shirts -- she likes to match the family when going places such as the Northwestern Michigan County Fair -- reduces the price. McLain also keeps an eye out for free shipping specials.
"You can find Aeropostal hoodies that are $39 or $49 for 99 cents on eBay," she said. "For really small families, I encourage them to shop with a friend and split stuff."
Resale shopping has been booming this season, said Sharon Carmean, owner Top Drawer Resale Clothing in Traverse City. She sees both more shoppers as well as people bringing in items for consignment, with many new faces in both categories.
"People are just understanding that they can get name brand clothes for a lot less," said Carmean. "We had one customer who sent two of her kids out with $100 for a shopping budget. One came back from the mall with one pair of jeans and a shirt and the other came here and got a whole wardrobe."
The odd seasonal schedule found in stores -- Carmean has already spied a Christmas display -- is more flexible in her domain. Who is thinking about sweaters when it is 85 degrees outside, she wonders, adding that the region's later school start means people often start shopping after major chains' best sales.
"What we have the luxury of doing is keeping the inventory current to what (customers) want," Carmean said. "The department store will switch over to winter already and back to school was in full swing during Cherry Festival in the major stores."
The Women's Resource Center Thrift Shoppe in Traverse City has already been handling vouchers for free back-to-school clothes. They are also again offering free school supplies, including backpacks, socks and underwear. All of these items are new, donated by people in the community and available for the taking.
"To buy and fill a backpack can cost $50," said shop manager Carol Rose. "Mom can buy that new outfit they really want if they have supplements elsewhere."
