School Supplies - Get 'em while they're hot!

Just as Christmas decorations go up before Halloween, Back-to-School displays appear while you’re out buying beach towels and suntan lotion for your summer getaway. Eager retail
outlets have even sweetened the pot for teachers – they know who stocks your classrooms! Sure, they’re more concerned about wooing you into loyal customer-hood than they are about school funding, but a deal’s a deal. Here’s a round up of what you can find:

Office Depot will host a Teacher Appreciation Week for registered “Star Teachers” (you can sign up at any Office Depot store). Starting on Sunday, August 12th through Saturday August 18th, Star Teachers will receive 10% off purchases when they present their Star Teacher member card. Also, on Saturday August 18th from 9 am – 11 am, all Office Depot retail locations will host a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast where Star Teachers can pick up a free tote bag full of product samples, information, and other offers.

Not to be outdone, OfficeMax is hosting Educator Appreciation Days, either August 2-4 or August 23-25, depending on when school starts in your area. Educators will receive discounts, free samples, and a chance to win prizes. Call 1-877-OFFICEMAX or visit www.officemax.com to find local dates and locations.

Staples will honor educators on Teacher Appreciation Day. The first 200 teachers at each local event will receive free gifts and a chance to check out the latest back to school products. Find the date and location of the event near you at www.staples.com/teacherday.

Michaels, the arts and crafts chain, is thanking teachers Sunday, August 12th through Saturday, August 18th with a teachers-only 15% discount off of everything in the store, including sale items. (School ID required.) Also, visit www.Michaels.com between August 11th through 18th and register to win a $1,000 Michaels gift card, a classroom full of Crayola products, and other prizes.

Go forth and stock up!