Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on a new wardrobe for every child. Kids grow quickly, styles change and some clothes may only fit for one school year. For families looking to save money on back-to-school clothes in Olathe, shopping thrift stores, resale shops and discount retailers can be a smart way to stretch your budget.
Fortunately, families in Olathe and the Kansas City area have plenty of options for finding affordable clothing. From secondhand stores and children’s resale shops to Ross, Marshalls and other off-price retailers, you can find clothing, shoes and accessories at a variety of price points.
If you’re searching for the best places to find cheap back-to-school clothes in Olathe, here are some local options worth checking out.
Savers: A Large Selection of Secondhand Clothing
Savers is a popular option for families who enjoy the hunt for a good deal. Thrift stores can be especially useful for back-to-school shopping because their inventory changes frequently.
You may find children’s clothing, teen styles, shoes, jackets, jeans, athletic wear and accessories all in the same store. Since the selection changes regularly, visiting early in the back-to-school season can give you more time to find the sizes and styles you need.
Shop Savers:
Savers Thrift Stores
Best for: Families who don’t mind browsing for hidden gems and secondhand deals.
Goodwill: Affordable Clothing for Kids and Teens
Goodwill is another place to look when you’re trying to save on back-to-school clothes in Olathe.
Thrift stores like Goodwill can be a good option for everyday basics such as jeans, T-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, jackets and shoes. You may also find name-brand clothing at a fraction of the original retail price.
Because donated inventory changes constantly, you never know exactly what you’ll find — which is part of the fun of thrift shopping.
Find Goodwill locations:
Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas
Best for: Everyday basics, kids’ clothing, teen clothing and shoes.
Once Upon a Child: Save on Growing Kids’ Clothes
When your kids are growing faster than their clothes can keep up, children’s resale stores can be a great place to shop.
Once Upon a Child specializes in gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys and other kids’ items. Shopping resale can make particular sense for younger children who may outgrow a new wardrobe surprisingly quickly.
It’s also an option for parents who want to sell or trade in gently used items their children have outgrown.
Shop Once Upon a Child:
Once Upon a Child
Best for: Babies, toddlers, children and growing kids.
Plato’s Closet: Affordable Clothing for Teens
Once kids become tweens and teenagers, their clothing preferences can change quickly. They may want current styles and recognizable brands without Mom and Dad wanting to pay full retail prices.
That’s where Plato’s Closet can be worth a visit. The resale retailer focuses on gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for teens and young adults.
It’s a good option for finding jeans, tops, hoodies, athletic clothing, shoes and other styles without automatically paying full retail.
Shop Plato’s Closet:
Plato’s Closet
Best for: Tweens, teenagers and young adults.
Ross Dress for Less: New Clothes at Discount Prices
If your family prefers buying new clothing but still wants to save money, Ross Dress for Less is another retailer to consider.
Ross carries clothing, shoes and accessories for women, men and children. Because it is an off-price retailer, the selection can change frequently, so it’s worth browsing the racks for the sizes and styles your family needs.
Ross can be especially useful for finding affordable basics, shoes, jackets and other back-to-school essentials.
Shop Ross:
Ross Dress for Less
Best for: New clothing at off-price prices for kids, teens and adults.
Marshalls: Find Name-Brand Deals
Marshalls is another good stop when you’re looking for discounted back-to-school clothes in Olathe.
Marshalls carries clothing, shoes and accessories for children, women and men. Its off-price model means the inventory changes regularly, so you may find different brands and styles each time you visit.
It’s worth checking for jeans, shirts, athletic wear, jackets, shoes and accessories while putting together your child’s school wardrobe.
Shop Marshalls:
Marshalls
Best for: Families looking for new name-brand clothing at off-price prices.
Burlington: Clothing, Shoes and More at Discount Prices
Burlington can also be worth adding to your Olathe back-to-school shopping route.
The retailer offers clothing, shoes and accessories for the entire family, along with other merchandise. That makes it possible to shop for multiple children — and even parents — while looking for discounted prices.
Shop Burlington:
Burlington
Best for: Families looking for affordable clothing, shoes and accessories in one shopping trip.
Nordstrom Rack: Discounted Name Brands
If you’re looking for name-brand clothing and shoes at lower prices, Nordstrom Rack can be another option.
Nordstrom Rack offers discounted merchandise across categories including kids, women and men’s clothing, shoes and accessories.
For older kids and teens who have specific brands or styles in mind, an off-price retailer can be a good place to look before paying full retail.
Shop Nordstrom Rack:
Nordstrom Rack
Best for: Name-brand clothing, shoes and accessories at off-price prices.
Don’t Forget Shoes
A back-to-school wardrobe isn’t complete without the right shoes.
Whether your child needs everyday sneakers, athletic shoes, dress shoes or something for cooler weather, shoes can quickly become one of the more expensive items on the shopping list.
Consider checking thrift stores, resale shops and off-price retailers before buying shoes at full retail.
When shopping secondhand, check the condition and fit carefully, especially with children’s shoes.
How to Save Even More on Back-to-School Clothes
Finding affordable stores is a great start, but a little planning can help you stretch your back-to-school budget even further.
1. Check Your Kids’ Closets First
Before heading to the stores, have each child try on last year’s clothes.
You may discover that some jeans, jackets, athletic clothes or shoes still fit. Make a list of what they actually need before you start shopping.
2. Shop Resale and Thrift Stores First
If you’re trying to keep costs down, check secondhand stores before buying everything new.
Kids often outgrow clothes before they wear them out, so resale shops can have plenty of gently used options.
3. Compare Prices
Don’t assume an item is the best deal just because it’s in a discount store.
If you’re shopping for an expensive item such as shoes, a jacket or name-brand jeans, compare prices at several retailers before buying.
4. Look for Clearance Sections
Even stores that already offer discounted merchandise may have clearance sections.
Take a few extra minutes to check clearance racks before heading to the register. You may find seasonal clothing at even lower prices.
5. Prioritize the Basics
Start with the items your children will wear most often:
- Jeans
- Pants
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Polos
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sneakers
- Hoodies
- Athletic clothing
Once those essentials are covered, you can use the remaining budget for trendier pieces or special outfits.
Back-to-School Shopping Can Fill Your Vehicle Fast
Shopping for multiple kids can mean a vehicle full of clothes, shoes, backpacks and school supplies before the day is over.
Then school starts and the cargo doesn’t stop.
Between sports equipment, groceries, school projects, musical instruments and weekend activities, having flexible passenger and cargo space can be useful throughout the entire school year.
Chevrolet Traverse: Flexible Space for Family Shopping
The Chevrolet Traverse offers three rows of seating and can accommodate up to eight passengers with the available second-row bench configuration.
It also offers up to 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, giving families flexibility for shopping bags, backpacks, sports equipment and other everyday items.
Shop the Chevrolet Traverse:
Traverse Inventory at McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe
Chevrolet Tahoe: Room for the Whole Crew
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size three-row SUV that can accommodate up to nine passengers depending on configuration.
With up to 122.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, Tahoe gives families plenty of flexibility for shopping bags, school supplies, sports gear and everything else that comes with a busy family schedule.
Shop the Chevrolet Tahoe:
Tahoe Inventory at McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe
Chevrolet Suburban: Maximum Space for Busy Families
For families who need even more room, the Chevrolet Suburban offers up to nine-passenger seating depending on configuration and up to 144.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.
Whether you’re shopping for several children, loading up sports equipment or heading out for a family road trip, the Suburban gives you plenty of flexibility.
Shop the Chevrolet Suburban:
Suburban Inventory at McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe
Your Olathe Back-to-School Shopping Checklist
Before you head out, make a list for each child so you know exactly what you need.
Clothing
- Jeans and pants
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Polos
- Dresses and skirts
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Jackets
- Athletic clothing
- Socks and underwear
Shoes
- Everyday sneakers
- Athletic shoes
- Dress shoes
- Boots
School Essentials
- Backpack
- Lunch box
- Water bottle
- School supplies
- Sports equipment
- School spirit wear
Shopping by category can help you avoid impulse purchases and make sure you’re spending your budget on the things your kids actually need.
Find the Best Back-to-School Deals in Olathe
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the family budget.
From Goodwill and Savers to Once Upon a Child and Plato’s Closet, secondhand shopping can help you find affordable clothing for growing kids. Retailers like Ross, Marshalls, Burlington and Nordstrom Rack can also be worth checking when you’re looking for new clothing at discounted prices.
The best strategy may be a combination of both. Start with thrift and resale stores, compare prices at discount retailers and save your remaining budget for the items you can’t find secondhand.
And once you’ve filled the shopping bags, make sure you have a vehicle that has enough room for the whole family and everything you’re bringing home.
At McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe, you can explore Chevrolet SUVs including the Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban and compare the passenger and cargo space available for your family’s needs.
Shop Chevrolet in Olathe
Shop New Chevrolet Inventory:
New Chevrolet Inventory at McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe
Shop the Chevrolet Traverse:
Traverse Inventory
Shop the Chevrolet Tahoe:
Tahoe Inventory
Shop the Chevrolet Suburban:
Suburban Inventory
Whether you’re searching for cheap back-to-school clothes in Olathe, hunting for secondhand name brands or looking for new clothes at discount prices, there are plenty of ways to build a school wardrobe without paying full retail.
