Valley parents searching for best back to school shopping deals

FRESNO, Calif. -- It's back to school season and, this year, retailers are fighting more than ever for your buck.

Pens and paper are a sure sign it's back to school season. Local mom Courtney Davies is school shopping with her two daughters.

"Just reasonable supplies and she has a kindergarten list," she said. "So we're buying what's on the list, and I'm a teacher, so I'm buying supplies as well."

Davies is using Target's app and trying to shop smart this season. Parents are expected to spending about $500 per student this year.

Target is hoping to be a one-stop-shop and match deals.

"We will price match it," manager Baylee Platt said. "So if you go to guest services, you say, 'Hey, I found this item a dollar cheaper at this store,' we pull it up, and we'll price match it right there."

Platt with Target says in addition to the weekly ads, the deals at the store are widespread.

"Then in our clothing, we have spent $45, get $10 on a gift card, spend $25 get $5," she said. "Things like that to encourage the guests to get all their stuff right now for the school season."

Economist Dr. William Rice says a third of our population is school shopping and stores want your cash.

"The discount process is really rampant," he said. "I've never seen what I'm seeing right now. It's just crazy."

He says to save money, head to multiple stores with a list, so you buy what's needed and avoid impulse shopping. Consumers have buying power at their fingertips. Your phone can give you additional savings like with the Cartwheel app or you want to price match use the app Flipp and you can see weekly store ads.

You can also use old fashioned coupons and stack them at stores like Kohl's, JCPenney and even Michael's, And stores like Target are even offering an online shopping experience

"So you can be at home with your children picking out everything they need, and our team goes around selects everything on your item list and then we have it bagged and ready for you at guest services," Platt said.

So whether you purchase in person or online, you can shop smart and save.