CHARLOTTE, NC –  July 9, 2007 -- This summer, parents and kids will descend upon shopping malls and stores and indulge in a month-long shopping frenzy. According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers spent over $54 billion in back-to-school/college supplies in 2006. With parents concerned with costs and kids wanting the hottest gear, this yearly ritual can be more stressful than fun. u:create, a leading supplier of fashion school and office products, offers 10 essential skills for back-to-school shopping success.

1. Always Do Your Homework - Does your child's school provide a detailed list of the supplies they'll need for the upcoming school year? Use this list to help make your own and reduce the number of trips to the store. Also, be sure to check your children's closets and desks to see what supplies they may already have. Items you no longer need can be donated to charity.

2.  Use Critical Thinking - Buy smart! Make sure the supplies on your list are high-quality. You know the old saying, "you get what you pay for?" Buying well-made products means that you don't have to buy replacements further down the road. Spending a few more cents may make a lot more sense in the long run! Also, get supplies that will keep your kids engaged. You don't want your purchases languishing unused in a drawer or closet!

3.  Sharpen Computer Skills - Not sure where to purchase what you need or how much it costs? Research it online! Many companies provide where-to-shop or pricing information on their Web sites.

4.  Brush Up on Your Math - With the shopping list and research in hand, it's time to set your budget.

5.  Review Your Notes - Avoid those in-store meltdowns! Go over the shopping list and budget with your kids before you leave home. It's never too early to educate them on planning and budgeting.

6.  Be Sure to Subtract - From the bottom line! Stretch your dollar - 13 states and Washington, D.C., give consumers a tax-free holiday in August - make sure you celebrate! Visit http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales_holiday.html for participating states, dates, and qualifying items. Also, check your local newspaper circulars for coupons, rebates, and specials.

7.  Multiply Your Efforts - Sit at home with an iced coffee and a good novel while Dad takes the kids shopping. Okay, not happening. But, all too often, this task falls to Mom, so make it a family event, include Dad on your shopping expedition.

8.  Divide and Conquer - Give older kids a prepaid debit card so that they can shop for themselves - it's a great way to teach them how to shop responsibly.

9.  Be Punctual - Don't wait until the last minute - you want to have your pick of the best items, not the stuff nobody else wants.

10.  Keep it Fun - Promise kids - and yourself - a post back-to-school shopping treat. A visit to your favorite ice cream shop is a perfect celebratory treat for staying on time and on budget.

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u:create designs fashion school and office products for girls and women for learning, planning, organizing, and creating - at any age. A brand of CPP, International, LLC, a leading supplier of office and school products, u:create office, school, and arts and crafts products can be found at discount department stores, office supply stores, grocery stores, and drugstores throughout the U.S. Get information on these products at www.ucreate.com.

Please send your inquiries/requests to Gwen Hall

Marketing Communications Manager

CPP International, LLC
Phone: 704-588-3190, X215
Email: ghall@carolinapad.com