For many students and their guardians, getting ready for a new school year is far from fun, with a long list of supplies like notebooks, colored pencils and rulers, plus clothes and backpacks. Multiply that by several kids, and back-to-school shopping might get overwhelming.

The key to a successful shopping trip is finding the right stores. And Cape Girardeau has a huge selection of places with exactly what your student needs. Let’s take a look.

For many students, fashion is important – especially when it comes to the first day of school. If they’re wanting trendy items for this academic year, start the search at locally owned boutiques. From jeans to footwear, their shelves boast styles just off the runway. Or stop by West Park Mall to explore stores catering to all aesthetics. Even if a uniform limits outfit choices, on-trend backpacks and accessories can help your student shine.

Of course, not every student is into the latest fashion. In fact, more and more students prefer vintage and unique items to express their personality. With several antique stores, Cape’s downtown area is the perfect place to find clothing and other items from decades past.  You might discover a classic superhero lunchbox, a vintage Lisa Frank folder and no telling what else. Downtown is also the ideal spot to think outside the box. For instance, if your student likes anime, stopping at a comic book store may produce the perfect backpack or T-shirt.

Driving to different locations will likely help your student find the perfect clothes and supplies, but it’s also time-consuming. For busy guardians who have a long list they want to check off as quickly as possible, West Park Mall provides a one-stop-shop with options for every age group, like clothing stores catering to young children. It’s all under one roof, so you don’t have to deal with a heatwave or thunderstorm.

A visit to one of Cape Girardeau’s department stores will help you find whatever you are looking for in one quick stop!

Lastly, if you’re hoping for some bargains this year, Cape has a substantial list of discount and consignment stores. Local thrift shops offer a huge variety of items, spanning everything from clothing to backpacks to art supplies – at a fraction of retail cost. For pencils, scissors and notebooks, a trip to a dollar store or office supply store will likely offer cost savings as well.

We wish all students a great school year. To keep up with everything going on in town this semester, click here.