GET A HEAD START ON BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING
FOR BEST DEALS AND WHILE SELECTION LASTS

Springfield, MA – Retailers everywhere are fully stocked with back to school apparel, uniforms and supplies, but for how long? The Wall Street Journal has reported that “consumer behavior is prompting retailers to keep stocks of goods low, seeking to avoid a discount bloodbath similar to the one last year, when many retailers were forced to liquidate merchandise in order to raise cash” (7/15/09 page A2). Many retail trade publications agree that this year retailers are not expected to maintain an abundant inventory of back to school merchandise in efforts to cut costs and steer clear of last minute massive markdowns. In fact, the Wall Street Journal also reports that “to replenish inventories more quickly and decrease costs, some retailers are narrowing their assortment of materials and customer choices.”
In order to ensure the best selection and prices on back to school apparel and supplies Eastfield Mall encourages customers to begin shopping RIGHT NOW and take full advantage of sales and selection while they last. Although some consumers may not feel ready to begin back to school shopping, the sooner you shop the better if you want to get the best deals and variety of styles and sizes for uniforms, apparel basics and supplies. Here a few tips to keep in mind during early back to school shopping:

• Begin shopping as early as possible and stock up on uniform and school apparel basics while sizes and styles are abundant and available.
• If you are unsure of a purchase, but weary the item may not be on the shelf during your next shopping trip make the purchase while supplies last. Many retailers throughout the Eastfield Mall carry easy and convenient individual return policies, just be sure to check with each store for policy details. Also, make sure to save your receipts.
• Take advantage of layaway. Many retailers such as Deb, Foot Action, and Olympia Sports and others have layaway programs available. Visit Mall Services for a complete list of retailers who offer Layaway programs.

Eastfield Mall makes back to school shopping easy by keeping customers aware of back to school sales and promotions going on with a E.A.S.Y Money (Eastfield Always Saves You Money) guide located in-mall and online at eastfieldmall.com. E.A.S.Y Money sales are updated every Thursday and allows customers a sneak peak at sales and promotions going on mall-wide before you begin shopping.

For further information visit www.eastfieldmall.com or call (413) 543-8000.

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