Local malls prepare for back-to-school shopping

By Mary Beth Almond
C & G Staff Writer

Heading back to school in style this fall may entail a trip to the local mall.

“Our merchants are starting to put away the summer shorts and bathing suits, and showcasing the latest in back-to-school fashions and trends,” said Shelley Darmetko, senior marketing manager for Oakland Mall.

Back-to-school shoppers began heading to Oakland Mall in search of the latest trends around mid-August. “The more serious shoppers will shop early in order to get the latest in fashion, so they can be the trendsetters, while others shop for essentials and wait until school starts to make their fashion purchases,” she said.

Shoppers are arriving to secure backpacks, cell phones, clothes, shoes and even dorm room essentials, from bedding to towels — which Darmetko said are all flying off the racks.

“Many of the (Oakland Mall) stores are having back-to-school sales — 40 percent off, spend $50 today and get $40 off in discounts in September, two for $20 — so now is the time to get the best value for your dollar,” she said.

The mall is running a promotion in which people who spend $100 at Oakland Mall during their back-to-school shopping trips can take their receipts to the information center for a free backpack through Sept. 6, while supplies last.

Darmetko said jeans, which continue to be a big trend this year, should be on everyone’s must list for back-to-school shopping.

“Stores are having great sales on denim. … Skinny jeans are the hottest trend along with jeggings (jean leggings). To go over the jeans, long shirts in ditsy floral, oversize stripes, crochet and lace (are popular). For the more conservative, oxfords, basic T’s, polos and cardigans (are a hit),” she said.

Jessica Presner, marketing manager for the Village of Rochester Hills, a 375,000-square-foot outdoor shopping district, also said denim is the hottest trend for back to school. Several stores at the Village of Rochester Hills, such as J. Crew, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, SEE Eyewear, and many more, are offering discounts to students and faculty when they present a valid school ID.

Presner said the back-to-school season is typically very busy at the Village, which officially kicked off the shopping season with its Back 2 School Bash Aug. 14.

“We provide a variety of retailers in an outdoor environment. People can enjoy being outside while they shop and don’t have to waste one of their summer vacation days indoors,” she said.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at malmond@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1060.