Source: Target
Target is introducing a 15 percent discount for teachers as part of its back-to-school selling efforts.
Target wrote in a blog entry, “Pssst… teachers. New this year, we’re making life a little easier for you, too, with a special 15 percent discount” to “add a little extra sparkle to your classrooms.”
The coupon applies to select classroom supplies, from pens, pencils, crayons and markers to classroom storage and organization and tissues and hand sanitizer in stores and on Target.com from July 15 to 21.
Teachers are encouraged to visit Target.com/teacherprep starting July 15 to verify their teacher status and secure the Teacher Prep Event coupon code.
In a National Center of Education Statistics study released earlier this year, 94 percent of teachers reported spending their own money on supplies. The average amount teachers spent without reimbursement was $479, which is almost double the $250 tax deduction available to teachers.
“As many teachers begin to think about the upcoming school year, the Teacher Prep Event helps them get the classroom supplies they need at a greater value,” Mark Tritton, Target’s EVP and chief merchandising officer, said in press release. “It’s a way for Target to acknowledge the role they play in going the extra mile for their students.”
Target earned some media coverage for the announcement, but several other retailers also offer discounts for teachers:
- Staples is bringing back its “Teacher Appreciation” days, whereby teachers can head to stores for a free sample kit, special savings and a chance to win $500 in supplies for their classroom.
- Under Barnes & Noble’s Educators program, teachers can earn 20 percent off the publisher’s list price on all purchases for classroom use. The bookseller also holds a My Favorite Teachers Contest.
- At Michael’s, teachers earn a 15 percent discount on items to decorate their classrooms.
- The Container Store offers an “Our Organized Teacher” program that gives educators special discounts throughout the year to help organize their classrooms.
- From Kindergarten to College, Ace Your Back-to-School Prep at Target – Target
- Public School Teacher Spending on Classroom Supplies – U.S. Department of Education
- Target Is Having a Teacher Prep Event This Weekend and We’re Freaking Out - We’re Teachers
- Teacher discount! Target offering teachers a way to save on classroom supplies – USA Today
- Target Announces Week-Long ‘Teacher Prep’ Event For Discounts On Classroom Supplies – Scary Mommy
- Teacher Appreciation Sweepstakes – Staples
- Staples Gives Teachers Even More Savings with Teacher Appreciation Day – Staples
- Barnes & Noble’s Educators program – Barnes & Noble
- Teachers Create For Your Classroom – Michaels
- Organized Teacher Discount Program – Container Stores