I'm happily shopping the back to school sales.
Am I going back to school? Nope. Do I have kids going back to school? Nope. But most of the supplies I need for my home business, paper, binders (I LOVE my binders – project management training), highlighters, you name it, is on sale. There are loss leaders (selling at deep discounts) at almost every major store.
This process is even easier for me because I know parents shopping these same sales. I simply ask so and so, 'could you pick up an extra highlighter for me?' That saves hassle (they're going there anyway) and gas money.
Note: If you're thinking of buying some classic toys (like Barbies, Tonka toys) for Christmas, keep an eye on the discounts now. I find there are very few clearance quality toys after September 1st. I do all my shopping for toy drives during the slower summer.