Ready for back-to-school shopping? Target is.

The Minneapolis-headquartered retailer is kicking its back-to-school and back-to-college sales promotions into gear this week with some special deals including 20 classroom essentials, priced collectively for $20, and some snazzy $5 backpacks.

Target's back-to-school season begins as the retailer is the midst of Target Circle Week, which it described as its "biggest sale of the season." Specials during Target Circle Week include 30% off select backpacks, kids' school uniforms and school supplies.

Also vying for shoppers' attention: the "Walmart Deals" event, which starts today, and includes deals on back-to-school items and electronics; and Amazon Prime Day, coming July 16-17, although some early deals have already dropped.

With consumers concerned about high prices, Target back in May said it would cut prices on 5,000 items. Other retailers, including Walmart and grocers such as Aldi, have followed suit, and fast-food chains like McDonald's, Taco Bell and Wendy's, have introduced bargain-priced combo meals.

"What is important right now is value," Rick Gomez, Target's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, told USA TODAY. "We consistently hear from our guests that they are looking to stretch their budget, they're looking for good deals. And that's what we're offering this back-to-school and back-to-college season."

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Target: Back to school 2024

The back-to-school and back-to-college shopping season is Target's second biggest season after the Christmas holiday season, Gomez said. Now through September, shoppers likely make multiple trips to get all that's needed for the new school year, he said.

"You have guests who are excited and optimistic about the new school year and you have, at the same time, (some shoppers) are feeling a little bit sad that summer's over," Gomez said.

On Target.com and in the Target app, shoppers will find a "Student List Assist" feature that lets you type in your school and see all the required supplies. You can add them to your cart in the app and have them delivered to you.

For back-to-school, Gomez said, "we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible."

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What are some of Target's back-to-school bargains?

These specials are available as of Monday at Target:

• Summit Ridge Kids’ $5 backpack: Target says this is the lowest−priced backpack it's offered in more than 10 years. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
• Target's list of 20 "must-have school supplies": Products on the list include Mondo Llama 12-pack colored pencils and up&up liquid glue. Collectively, all 20 add to less than that add up to less than $20 total.
• Under $20 dorm room essentials: Among the deals are twin XL sheet sets and towel 4-packs for less than $10.

Target's special back-to-school discount for teachers, college students

College students and teachers who sign up for the free Target Circle savings and loyalty program, which regularly has special offers, can get a back-to-school discount, too:

• Teachers get a one-time 20% discount on an entire purchase made between July 14 and Aug. 24.
• College students can get a 20% discount on an entire purchase between July 14 and Sept. 28.

Back-to-school deals on Target Circle 360

During the school year, college students need reinforcements – everything from food to clothing. Target hopes students use its Target Circle 360 subscription service, which gets you free same-day deliveries on Target orders of more than $35, for resupplies.

Between July 14 and Aug. 24, parents can get a discount on a Target Circle 360 subscription for their students who might be away from home for the upcoming year. Cost for verified students: $4.99 per month (a discount over the $10.99 monthly price for all consumers).

During that same time window, teachers can get a Target Circle360 subscription for $49 for the first year (regularly $99).

Target launched Target Circle 360 in April with benefits including free same-day delivery on orders over $35 from Target and its retail partners through online delivery company Shipt, which Target purchased in 2017.

Some deliveries are made as fast as an hour, plus you get free two-day shipping and delivery to your door. Subscribers also get all the rewards included in the free basic Target Circle program, including bonuses, rewards and automatic deals applied at checkout.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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