Back-to-School Shopping in Macomb County: Where to Find What You Need

It’s hard to believe, but summer is winding down and another school year is right around the corner. If you’ve got kids heading back to the classroom, you’re probably staring at a school supply list and wondering how you’re going to find everything without making 14 different shopping trips.

The good news? You can find just about everything you need right here in Macomb County—and sometimes the best finds aren't at the first store that comes to mind.

Here are a few places worth checking out before that first school bell rings.

👕 For Back-to-School Clothes: Marshalls & Old Navy

When kids need new clothes, shoes and accessories, it doesn't necessarily mean spending a fortune.

Marshalls on Hall Road in Utica or T.J Maxx on 23 Mile in Chesterfield is worth a look for kids' clothing, shoes, backpacks and accessories. Oftentimes, you can find name brand, high end items for a fraction of the cost! The off-price model means inventory changes frequently, so it's a little bit of a treasure hunt—but that's part of the fun.

For basics and everyday school clothes, Old Navy at Macomb Mall in Roseville or on Hall Road is another good stop. From jeans and T-shirts to kids' and toddler clothing, it's an easy place to knock out several items on the list at a reasonable price.

✏️ For the School Supply List: Office Depot & Staples

Sometimes you just need to get the list done.

Office Depot in Sterling Heights and Staples Print & Marketing Services in Chesterfield are both good options when you need the basics—folders, notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, paper and other classroom essentials.

And if your child's teacher has a very specific request, specialty office-supply stores can be a lot easier than wandering through a general merchandise store hoping to find the right thing.

📅 Don't Forget the Planner: Check ALDI

Here's one that might not be on everyone's back-to-school radar: ALDI.

ALDI is known for its groceries, but its rotating ALDI Finds can make it worth checking the seasonal aisle. ALDI's current back-to-school offerings include school supplies and organization items, along with snacks and lunch essentials.

And if you're looking for a planner, teacher supplies or inexpensive organizational items, check now before they're gone. The selection changes quickly, so if you see something you need, don't assume it'll still be there next week.

💰 Looking for Deals? Try a Discount Store

Back-to-school shopping adds up quickly, especially when you're buying for more than one child.

For bargain hunters, don't overlook places like Ollie's Bargain Outlet in Roseville or your local Dollar Tree.

These stores can be especially useful for those "extras" you don't necessarily want to pay full price for. Inventory varies, but that's also what makes these stores fun to browse.

🎨 Don't Forget the Teachers

Back-to-school isn't just about the students!

Macomb County has some great options for teachers and parents looking for classroom or project supplies. Learning Gizmos in Warren specializes in educational supplies, classroom décor, learning materials and educational games.

And for art projects, science fair assignments or those wonderfully specific supplies that somehow don't exist at a regular store, Du-All Drafting and Art Supply in Mount Clemens is another local option worth knowing about.

Many teachers have an online or Amazon "wish-list" that you can browse through to find those perfect holiday teacher gifts and other special occasions.

🛒 Make One Trip Do the Work

One of the easiest ways to make back-to-school shopping less painful is to group your stops together.

Shopping for clothes? Knock out shoes and accessories while you're there.

Need school supplies? Get the lunchbox snacks and household extras on the same trip.

And before you leave home, check your school's supply list one more time. 

School requirements can vary by grade and district, and some schools have very specific requests. Local school supply lists for the 2026–2027 year are already being posted, so it's worth checking before you shop.

One More Tip: Don't Wait Until the Last Weekend

If you still have shopping to do, now is the time. Popular sizes, specific supplies and those oddly specific items on the school list can disappear quickly.

Whether you're getting ready for kindergarten, high school or college, Macomb County has plenty of options to help you get prepared without going too far from home.

What are your favorite back-to-school shopping spots in Macomb County? Did we miss a hidden gem? Let us know—we're always looking for great local businesses and places to share with our community.

I'm always here to help!

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